Local History and Genealogy

The Grace Schmidt Room (GSR), located on the upper floor of Central Library, is home to a vast collection of local history and genealogy resources.

We welcome library visitors and researchers to use the local history collection. Due to the unique and special nature of the collection, no food or drink is permitted in the GSR. Items belonging to the GSR collection are available for in-library use only and cannot be borrowed.

The GSR is open during Sunday openings (October - May). Please be aware that there is no access to photograph, map, or archival collections on Sundays.

History

Kitchener Public Library has long been aware of the importance of preserving the local history of Kitchener and Waterloo County. In partnership with the Waterloo Historical Society and the Waterloo Region Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society, the library has developed a collection of books, newspapers and other materials documenting the area's history and families.

The Grace Schmidt Room opened on October 14, 1984. It is named in honour of Grace Schmidt, who was a librarian at Kitchener Public Library for 35 years and a long-time member of the Waterloo Historical Society. Ms. Schmidt was a well-known authority on the history of Waterloo County and was the driving force behind the development of the GSR collection.

Blog

Visit the Historically Speaking blog to learn more about the Grace Schmidt Room, its collections, and the local history of the Kitchener area.

Historically Speaking

Digital collections

Dive into the rich history of Kitchener and Waterloo Region and discover the people, places and stories from our past that shape our present! Explore our digital repository of photographs, directories, oral history recordings and more.

History in the Making

Programs

Learn more about local history and genealogy by attending Grace Schmidt Room programming. Search the Library's Event Listing using the Category Genealogy/Local History.

Upcoming programs include:

Show me how to digitize!
Book a one-hour session with GSR staff to learn how to use our digital equipment.
Bookings are available Monday - Saturday.
Call 519-743-0271 ext 212, or email gsr@kpl.org to make an appointment.

Bookbinding for Beginners
Learn how books are made and work through your first bookbinding project step by step with Grace Schmidt Room staff.
Tuesday January 14, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Central Library. Registration required.

African Knowledge Systems with Asase Ba
Learn about African knowledge systems in this interactive workshop with Michelle Bonsu. Explore the differences between African and Western knowledge systems and learn about different ways to incorporate African knowledge into daily life.
Saturday February 8, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.
Central Library. Registration required.

Scanning and conversion

The Grace Schmidt Room houses specialized scanning and conversion equipment, allowing library users to scan and digitize books, microfilm, photographs, slides and VHS recordings.

Learn more about scanning and conversion services