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Local History Resources

Researchers, especially from outside of the Middlesex County area, are strongly encouraged to contact the library in advance of their visit.

Your local library is a fantastic place to start your family history research. Each Middlesex County Library has a collection of local histories of the area, family histories, cemetery indexes for the area and copies of W.A. & C.L. Goodspeed's History of the County of Middlesex (1889) and Illustrated Historical Atlas of the County of Middlesex (1878).  Visitors to any Middlesex County Library branch can access Ancestry Library Edition free of charge from any library computer or their device connected to our wi-fi network.

5 of our branches have microfilm readers and a collection of local newspapers on microfilm. Learn more about what is available on microfilm.

Wright Family Research Room

Located at the Strathroy Library, the Wright Family Research Room opened in 2017. The room was a joint project between Museum Strathroy- Caradoc, the Friends of the Strathroy Library and Middlesex County Library, and was made possible by bequests from the estates of J.G. Clark Wright and Mary J. Wright.  The Wright family has had a long history in Strathroy, with all five siblings (Don, Bill, Clark, Ernest and Mary) attached to several significant community projects, creating a legacy of philanthropy. 

The Wright Family Research Room houses the Strathroy Library's Local History collection, including their microfilm collection and cemetery indexes. Enclosed by windows, it is a quiet space within the bustling Strathroy Branch, allowing for quiet study and focused research.  

OGS Family Histories Material

At the end of 2016, the Ontario Genealogical Society London & Middlesex Branch Library, formerly located at 1017 Western Rd, London, ON (Grosvenor Lodge), closed.  The OGS Family Histories Collection was then transferred to Middlesex County Library.

The Family Histories Collection can be used in-library at the Wright Family Research Room inside the Strathroy Library. View a list of the resources housed in the OGS Family Histories Collection.

Donations

Middlesex County Library will consider the purchase or donation of self-published and traditionally published books related to the history of Middlesex County for addition to our Local History collection. Due to the unique nature of this collection, items may not be subject to the same criteria as items being considered for inclusion in other collections.

  •  Decisions about purchasing or accepting items are made at an administrative level, not by branch staff.  We ask that patrons do not bring items to branches without first contacting us.   Before contacting us, please consider:Items donated to MCL become property of the library.  Items may be relocated to any library branch, depending on available space and need.  Items may be weeded from the collection if the condition deteriorates, or content becomes out of date.
  • MCL is unable to accept primary historical documents, including diaries, scrapbooks and photographs.  Our facilities are not ideal for the storage of these valuable items.  The library may choose to accept bound reproductions or microfilmed copies of these items.
  • Used items must be in good condition.  Items with noticeable water damage, mold, or indications of insects/rodents will not be accepted. 
  • The focus of MCL's Local History collection is the communities we serve.  Items that focus on neighbouring areas, including areas within the City of London, may be considered but not prioritized for the collection.  

 If you have a Local History item you would like to donate or would like MCL to consider for purchase, please email us at librarian@middlesex.ca, complete the form on our Contact Us page, or call 519-245-8237 and leave a message.