Local History Assistance


Send us an e-mail at history@losgatosca.gov

or

Stop by the library to talk with one of our knowledgeable volunteers during the following hours:

Mondays 1pm - 3pm
Tuesdays 1pm - 3pm
Thursdays 1pm - 4pm

discover smallDiscover Los(t) Gatos Mobile App-- available from the Apple itunes store or Google Play Store for Android devices. Enjoy a unique perspective on Los Gatos with our Free series of self-guided historical walking tours. Search for "Discover LOST Gatos" in your app store.
Follow the tours on Facebook.

Los Gatos Library Local History Newsletter
As of December 2017, the online newsletter is currently not active, but we have started print newsletters.

This e-published newsletter was created by a dedicated group of library volunteers. Each issue includes:

  • short historical sketches of Los Gatos history
  • unique historical images from our online images gallery
  • information on all our free, history related programs
Look below to view our back issues of the Newsletter:
Girl at table 1954

Becoming a Local History Volunteer

Currently, we are not recruiting any volunteers for the History Room.
But you can view our volunteer announcement for more information.


Local History Resources:   


Los Gatos Historical Images Collection
History Los Gatos

Library Databases for Historical Research:

Ancestry (available only in the library for free)

Heritage Quest  genealogical database

News Bank 1886-1922 San Jose Mercury News from 1886 to 1922.

San Jose Mercury News  from 1985 - Current

Los Gatos Weekly-Times 1999 - Current

Historical Research Websites

Digital Mapping of Los Gatos
Interactive maps of Los Gatos to help you with your property research.  You can view zoning districts, parcels, schools, parks, and more.

Santa Clara County Historical and Genealogical Society
The Santa Clara County Historical and Genealogical Society SCCHGS is a nonprofit educational organization.  They:

  • promote the study of history and genealogy
  • collect documents and manuscripts
  • record and preserve family histories
  • provide research method instruction
  • encourage compilation and publication
  • assist other groups with common goals
  • support and maintain the genealogical collection in the Santa Clara City Public Library

Chronicling America
Historic American Newspapers. Limit to California and search with "Los Gatos" as one of your search terms.

California Digital Newspaper Collection

A keyword searchable database of California newspapers from 1846-present. It includes the San Francisco Call and the Chronicle - which often have information on Los Gatos.



Collection Donations:

Items may be specifically donated to the Library’s Local History collection by making an appointment with Grace Song, the current Local History Collection supervisor. 
Items dropped off without an appointment will not be accepted as a donation to the collection.

Please call the adult reference desk: 408-354-6896 or email Grace directly at gsong@losgatosca.gov to make an appointment.

Los Gatos Library History Collection - Collection Development Guidelines


Duplication Policies

Photos and documents in the Library's Local History collection may be duplicated (photocopied, scanned, or photographed) depending on the item and copyright restrictions. Please see our policies for duplication, for private use and commercial use:
  1. Duplication for Commercial Use
  2. Duplication for Private Use