Skip to Content

Digitization

Preserve Oakville's History
Unlocking Our Past for the Future
Donate Now
About the Digitization Project

OPL's Central Branch is home to the Oakville Room, the home of the library's local and family history collections. The collection houses valuable historical resources ranges from genealogy materials and yearbooks, to newspaper records and maps, focusing on the history and people of Oakville.  

Our journey into the past began in the mid-1990s when OPL preserved the last remaining copies of Oakville’s local newspapers. These archives offer an invaluable glimpse into our community’s history, covering over 80 years of local news, stories, and images.
Oakville Record Star (1949-1962)
Oakville Trafalgar Journal (1951-1956)
Oakville Daily Journal Record (1962-1974)
Oakville Journal Record (1974-1981)
Oakville Beaver (1968-1995)
Oakville Beaver Wednesday Editions (1981-1999)
The new Central Branch will be home to Oakville’s local history microsite. 

As part of the need to preserve history, OPL's Digitization Project is a vital initiative aimed at preserving and making accessible the rich tapestry of Oakville’s history. 

Through the digitization of our historical newspapers, we are bringing the past into the future, ensuring that these precious records are safeguarded for generations to come.

The Digitization Project aims to:
Digitize and Preserve 
Convert the physical and microfilm archives into digital formats to prevent deterioration and loss.
Enhance Accessibility
Create a comprehensive online portal where these historical documents can be easily accessed and explored by the public for free—no registration or payment required.
Promote Local History
Encourage community engagement with Oakville’s past through educational programs and research opportunities.



The impact of your support

  • Safeguard our historical records and publication against time and decay. 
  • Provide unprecedented access to Oakville’s history for students, researchers, and the general public. 
  • Enhance educational resources and community programs focused on our local heritage.  



Stay informed
Follow the progress of the Digitization Project and explore the treasures of Oakville’s history as they are unveiled.

Your role in preserving history
This ambitious project requires community support to reach its full potential. Here’s how you can contribute: