Text Only Version
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Library CatalogDatabasesMy AccountKidsTeensSeniorsBizConnect Info ServicesServices for People with DisabilitiesCommunity ConnectionsCity of Long Beach
Library InformationLocations & HoursSupport the LibraryEvents & ClassesContact US
Homepage > HistoryE-mail storyPrint friendly format
Long Beach History

About the Long Beach History Collection
The Long Beach History Collection at the
Main Library contains printed matter, photos, and artifacts that offer unique insight into Long Beach and the people who have lived here. Many of the items are rare and fragile. Most original items are for use only in the library in order to better preserve them. Please bring a valid library card or driver's license to view the photo files. In late 2009, we started digitizing our collection of 10,000 historic photographs. As the work progresses, more unique Long Beach History Collection photos are being digitized and added to the LBPL Digital Archive.

New car, 1934, Long Beach.

LBPL Digital Archive

Discover Long Beach City directories, Long Beach high school yearbooks, and photos from the Long Beach History collection, online! Check out the LBPL Digital Archive How To (PDF) and a short introduction video on YouTube.

Browse the collection or search by keyword. You can also search the LBPL Digital Archive from within Encore. Enter a keyword search and then click on the LBPL Digital Archive link under Location on the left side of the page.

Ordering & Using Long Beach History Photos
The images in the LBPL Digital Archive are low-resolution copies that are intended for personal use only. Any reproduction, redistribution, publication, or other use, by any means, without prior written permission is prohibited. The sole exception to this rule is for students using images in classroom projects. Please include a link back to the LBPL Digital Archive in your project.

To order a photo for non-commercial, one-time, personal use please
download and complete this form.
For more information about ordering Long Beach Collection photos for media or for-profit uses, please contact the Long Beach History Librarian at lbpl_reference@lbpl.org. Additional fees and usage guidelines may apply.

Long Beach History Index
The Long Beach History Index is a selectively indexed database of Long Beach history related citations. It is best searched by keyword. Full-text articles are not included in the database. Articles cited can be found in full-text format on microfilm at the Main Library, Periodicals Department. No appointment is necessary, and printing is available. Ask a librarian to demonstrate how to search the Long Beach History Index.

Long Beach Obituaries and Biographical Information
Some obituary and biographical article citations can also be found in the Long Beach History Index.  For more information about obituaries, or to request a copy of a Long Beach obituary for a fee, see Obituary Requests.

Researching a Long Beach Home or Building
Find out How to Research a Long Beach Home.


Online Databases

  • Newsbank - full-text articles from Long Beach Press Telegram, 1990 - present.
  • Newspaper Archive - full-text articles from Long Beach papers, 1938-1977. Available for use only in a Long Beach Public Library.
  • Proquest - full text articles from Los Angles Times Historical, 1881-1987, and Los Angeles Times Full-Text, 1985-present.

Newspapers, City Directories, and High School Yearbooks ON MICROFILM
Please visit the Periodicals Department of the Main Library for these resources. For newspapers, consider searching the Long Beach History Index mentioned above to locate the correct reel of microfilm.

  • Daily Telegram - Dec. 26, 1904 - Mar. 6, 1923 (scattered holdings until 1905)
  • Evening Tribune - Dec. 1900 - Sep. 1, 1907 (scattered holdings until 1905)
  • Independent - Jan. 1964 - Mar, 31, 1981
  • Long Beach Press - Jan. 2, 1902 - Aug. 31, 1924 (scattered holdings until 1905)
  • Los Angeles Times - Dec. 4, 1881 - Dec. 31, 1902 (scattered holdings until 1900)
  • Press Telegram - Sept 1, 1924 - Dec. 31, 1969 & April 1, 1981 - Dec. 31, 2004. Note: The Press-Telegram website contains current articles and archives from 1990-present.  Search selectively indexed Press-Telegram and other vintage, Long Beach history-related newspaper articles available for free in the Long Beach History Index (see above).
  • Some Long Beach high school yearbooks, 1911-present
  • Most Polk & City Directories, 1911 - present


Long Beach History Research Requests & Help
Research requests are evaluated individually. Researchers should email project requests to the Long Beach History Librarian at lbpl_reference@lbpl.org so that she can provide an estimate before work begins. Do not send money until this step is completed! The Long Beach History Librarian may also offer suggestions or alternatives to lower the cost of the search. LBPL only accepts cash, checks, or money orders. Questions about the Long Beach History Collection? Email the Long Beach History Librarian at lbpl_reference@lbpl.org.

Policy for Donations of Historic Materials
The library accepts Long Beach history-related donations but reserves the right to utilize these gifts in any way that is advantageous to the library, including adding gifts to the collection, selling, disposing, or transferring gifts into or out of the collection. The library cannot act as an agency for the disposal or recycling of unwanted items. Donations must be in good condition, free of stains, mildew, grime, odors, and vermin. In addition, newspapers and magazines cannot be accepted due to their ephemeral and flammable nature. The library provides no appraisals and reserves the right to refuse any donated material. Thank you for your help in donating only suitable items. Your gifts are appreciated.

More Resources for Long Beach History Research

Top 
Copyright © 2000 - 2012 Long Beach Public Library, CAPowered byCivica Software