A series of subject themed guides highlighting selected materials in the NL Collection.
Many of the items in these lists can be found at your local public library or are available through System Wide Holds.
How to Get Started?
NLPL has a wide range of materials about Newfoundland and Labrador, covering everything from the early 1600s to today. Whether you're interested in learning more about your community's history or starting your family tree, we’re here to help! Our collection includes not just books, but also photos, maps, newspapers, magazines, audio and video recordings, and much more.
Books, Maps, & Audiovisual Resources
Many of the books in the NL Collection date back to the 18th, and 19th centuries with the earliest works being Sir Richard Whitbourne's A Discourse and Discovery of Newfoundland (1622) and William Vaughan's The Golden Fleece (1626). The NL Map Collection consists of 1200 maps dating from the 17th century, with the majority originating from before 1900.
Searching the library catalogue by community name (using "All Fields") is a good way to start finding relevant books, maps and recordings. Even if located elsewhere, items available for loan can be sent to your home library through System Wide Holds.
*You can also access the NL Map Collection through the Newfoundland and Labrador Map Bibliography, compiled by the Map Library, Memorial University Libraries.
*Full text of Government of Newfoundland and Labrador publications (since 1996-96) are available online.
Periodical Articles
NLPL has holdings of magazines and newsletters published in Newfoundland and Labrador dating back to the 19th century. Look for code "PRL" in the Dictionary of Newfoundland and Labrador Magazines to find out if we have the particular title and issue you are looking for, or contact the A.C. Hunter Reference Desk for help.
NL magazines are indexed in the Newfoundland periodical Article Bibliography (PAB), compiled in the Centre for Newfoundland Studies, Memorial University Libraries. Start with a PAB search by community name (such as Harbour Breton) or area (such as Connaigre). We can help you find the full text articles you want to read, and assist with search strategies.
Newspapers
We are the principal repository of original copies of Newfoundland and Labrador newspapers, dating back to 1810. Many of the newspapers are available on microfilm. The Historical Directory of Newfoundland and Labrador Newspapers lists the NL Collection's newspaper, in original and microform formats.
On Newfoundland Public Libraries Newspaper Index includes daily newspapers, plus the Diocesan Magazine and the Newfoundland Churchman. It can help you find the best newspapers to support your research project.
Still Images
NLPL currently is in the process of digitizing our collections of historical still images from Newfoundland and Labrador, spanning the late 19th to 20th centuries, which includes over 5000 photographs and more than 1400 postcards. Many show streets and neighbourhoods of St. John's, or other communities throughout our province. Contact the A.C. Hunter Reference Desk for help finding images of interest.
Vertical Files (Inactive)
NLPL has series of historical information files on people, places, ships and various topics relating to Newfoundland and Labrador. Find below lists of items included in our "Places" files, organized alphabetically by community name.
Archival Materials
The NL Collection includes a variety of archival material and manuscripts. Scroll through the PRL Archival Finding Aid to learn more about our holdings.