Local History

Journey back in time…

As you enter the adult reference room, look straight across to the beautiful stained glass windows over the doorway to the Ramapo Room. Here, in our local history room, you will find a collection of books, old newspapers, maps and clippings on the history of Rockland County, with an emphasis on the Western Ramapo area. The Library owns a complete file of The Journal News on microfilm, as well as historical census information and city directories.

We also have a collection of historical photographs. Not all photographs have been identified. If you recognize an unidentified photograph, please inform the reference librarian.

For access to the Ramapo Room, ask a reference librarian.

Ramapo Room News

Every two months, our Local History Librarian, Audrey, puts together a newsletter to talk about interesting news from the Local History Room. Check these out!

December 2023

Sept – Oct 2023

June-July 2023

Feb – Mar 2023

Dec 2022

Historic Photos

The Library Association of Rockland County is sponsoring a project to have libraries’ photo and postcard collections digitized. The photos can be viewed at Hudson River Valley Heritage.

To request photos from the library please fill out our Licensing and Image Reproduction Request Form and Application.

Need Help?

Our Adult Reference Librarians are here to help you with your Local History Research. We have an extensive local history collection in the Ramapo Room, including maps, newspapers and historic photos. Please feel free to contact us with questions and with all of your research needs.