Local History & Genealogy
Each branch of the Library has a dedicated local history area in their collection. The collections are designed for self-browsing. If you require staff assistance with a local history or genealogy search we would greatly appreciate at least three days notice. Thorough searches involve very dedicated staff time.You may photocopy from the collections. Photocopying fees apply.
More Local History Collections
Lakes & Islands Times Past
The townships of Rideau Lakes and Leeds and the Thousand Islands have some of the most deep-rooted, interesting histories of any municipalities in Ontario. The Lakes and Islands Times Past Project preserves, organizes and shares our rich resources through "Our Ontario." Our records are available anywhere and at anytime.Learn More About Lakes & Islands Times Past »
Ancestry Library Edition Database
Library patrons are now able to access the Ancestry Library Edition database free of charge inside the Library. This online database allows library users to start exploring their family trees by simply typing in a surname. A two-year subscription for this resource is courtesy of the Ministry of Culture, Southern Ontario Library Service and Ontario Library Service - North.Township Archives
The Leeds and the Thousand Islands Archives acquires, preserves, promotes and makes available the historical record of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands. Search the Archives »Historical Society Resources
At the Lansdowne branch, we house a collection of historical resources owned by the Historical Society. There are also microfilms and a microfilm reader.Specific searches and questions dealing with this Historical Society collection should be directed to:
Bill Boulton 613-659-3586, our local historical expert
Pierre Mercier 613-659-3785, Interim Archivist at Leeds and the Thousand Islands Archives (Library Board Member)
Municipal Heritage Committee: www.townshipleeds.on.ca
Lansdowne Historical Society: www.ltihistoricalsociety.org
Rideau Lakes Public Library site features an incredibly comprehensive list of history and genealogical weblinks. Sue Warren, the Library Coordinator, is a Leeds and Grenville history buff and we rely on her historical passion and expertise in this area. http://www.rideaulakeslibrary.ca/genealogy.html.
