Family History
Our historical collection can help you research your own family heritage through access to a variety of print, microfilm and online resources.
The Genealogy Collection is housed in the Oakville Room, Central Branch Library and is accessible during regular library hours.
Getting started
The Library Archives of Canada’s Genealogy and Family History section offers advice on how to start your family history research; specifically for those new to genealogical research.
The Archives of Ontario provides various online guides and tools to assist you in the use of provincial records. The website also provides access an online guide to the archival holdings of the Archives of Ontario.
You can also browse and place holds on family history how-to guides from our collection.
Online Resources
Ancestry Library Edition
A premier resource for anyone doing genealogical or historical research. Access census data, vital records, photos, and more dating back to the early 13th century. Access to this resource is available in library only.
FamilySearch.org
The world's largest collection of free family trees, genealogy records and resources. Oakville Public Library is a FamilySearch.org Affiliate Library, allowing access to restricted digitized microfilm from within the Oakville Room at Central Branch. Users must have their own account to access FamilySearch.org.
Oakville Images
Oakville Images is a database of images from Oakville Public Library, various historical societies, organizations, and Private Collectors.
Oakville at War
An extension of the original 1999 exhibition, Shadows of War: Not So Long Ago in the 20th Century, created by the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate.
Oakville Newspaper Database
A database of indexed and digitized newspapers from Oakville.
Halton Historical Records
Historical records from Halton including census and cemetery records, business directories and more.
Catalogue Resources
Municipal Directories
A listing of historical municipal directories for Oakville and surrounding communities.
Oakville High School Yearbooks
Search our list of yearbooks from schools in Oakville. Oakville Public Library gratefully accepts donations of local school yearbooks.
County Atlases
A listing of historical county atlases in Ontario.
Ontario Land Records
Microfilm of local land registry books and related resources.
Birth, Marriage and Death Records
Microfilm of birth, marriage and death index to registrations for the province of Ontario.
Census Records
Microfilm of Halton census records.
Cemetery and Church Records
A collection of cemetery and church print records. Most resources available for in-library use only.
Ask Our Local Collections Librarian
Email our Local Collections Librarian for assistance with your local or family history questions. If you need more in-depth assistance, you can book an appointment to explore the Oakville Room detailing any materials or technologies required to assist in your research.
Reserve the Oakville Room computer for ScanPro Microform & FamilySearch Affiliate Library Access.
ScanPro is the access point for FamilySearch Affiliate Library access.
Microfilm and Microfiche
Our ScanPro microform machine is available for use in the Oakville Room at Central Branch on a first come first served basis during regular library hours. Printouts are available at a cost of $ 0.25 cents a page or you may save images to a USB key. Please see staff at the customer service desk for assistance.
Microfilm and microfiche from select libraries and archives may be requested for use in the Oakville Room.
Reserve the Oakville Room computer for ScanPro Microform & FamilySearch Affiliate Library Access.
ScanPro is the access point for FamilySearch Affiliate Library access.
Interlibrary Loan Service
Do you need a book or article for your research that is not available at OPL? Try our Interlibrary Loan Service, learn more here.
