Local History

Welcome to Waterloo… and to the Ellis Little Local History Room at the Waterloo Public Library. Visit Our Ontario to view our collection of photographs and digitized Waterloo Chronicle newspapers.

To visit us in person and browse through our maps, city directories, books, magazines, clipping files and more, email askus@wpl.ca and book an appointment. 

Our focus is on the history of the Village, Town and City of Waterloo, and our friendly staff are here to help you discover your Waterloo.

Library Love

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    WPL (Carnegie) interior in 1903
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    WPL (Carnegie) in 1906
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    Main Library interior (1960s)
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    Main Library interior (1960s)
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    Waterloo Public Library (WPL).
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    WPL Main Library in 1968.
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    McCormick Branch (opened in 1973)
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    Main Library expansion (1987-89)
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    John M. Harper Branch (2011)
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    John M. Harper Branch (2012)
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    East Side Branch Library (2021)

Our Collections

The Ellis Little Local History Room is home to a wide ranging book collection about Waterloo and the area, and clipping files on many topics including Waterloo buildings, businesses, cultural happenings and people.

The Ellis Little Local History Room

Who Was Ellis Little?

Exploring Online Resources

Helpful electronic resources to assist with your family and local history research.

Waterloo 150 project

Waterloo 150 is a project that showcases individuals who have shaped the Waterloo community over the past 150 years.

Contact Us

For more information about our Local History services, contact Janet Seally, Manager,
Information Services & Local History, at 519-886-1310 ext. 126 or jseally@wpl.ca