About Us

In the Beginning

The Local Studies Unit at Mona Vale library was formed by merging two collections. The first, established in 1984, was the Local History Resource Unit founded by Nan Bosler. It was housed at the Narrabeen Community Learning Centre and moved later to the Nelson Heather Senior Citizens Centre. This collection covered Manly Warringah and Pittwater. In the process of gathering photos, recorded memories, newspaper articles, books and maps of the area, several exhibitions were mounted for Heritage Week and some monographs were published.

The second collection was started by Carol Gerard, Library Services Manager (Pittwater Library) at Mona Vale Library, in May 1992 when Pittwater was established as a separate local government area. Early in 1998 the two collections were amalgamated and moved to the newly formed Local Studies Room at Mona Vale Library.

Many people contribute to the local studies collection either by donation or loan of material, particularly photos, or through volunteering. Several dedicated volunteers regularly assist with tasks essential to providing an organised and accessible collection.

When is it open?

The collection is accessible during library hours, though an appointment with local studies staff is advisable for detailed assistance. Ring Virginia on 9997 5422 Monday to Wednesday for appointments, advice or queries or send an email .

What do we have?

The collection specialises in Pittwater and consists of photographs, books, maps, oral histories, council publications, newspaper articles arranged both by suburbs (covering all the peninsula since 1986) and by subject. The Manly Daily from April 1959 to the present is available on microfiche. Hardcopy for the last 6 weeks. Many subjects are being made available on a database which can be searched and viewed at the library.

As well as many other plans and maps of the area we have recently acquired a CD-ROM which covers real estate subdivision plans for all of Pittwater as well as Narrabeen and Collaroy. These maps often have attractive illustrations and provide information about these areas from the 1880s to 1930s. Black and white copies of these can be printed.

What do we offer?

The Local Studies Unit takes part in NSW Heritage Festival every year in April. There is a cruise on Pittwater, with commentary by local historian, Jim Macken and an exhibition with a historical theme.

Exhibitions are available for loans to schools or other interested groups. Available topics include local suburbs, World War II on the Peninsula, Aborigines and fishing, and Oral History. There is a specially designed exhibition for primary school children, illustrating World War II on the Peninsula through the eyes of a child at that time.

Please ask if we can assist to create exhibitions for specific purposes.

Talks and guided walks have been arranged through the Local Studies Unit. Self-guided walks through different parts of Pittwater are currently being developed.

Current Projects

"Picturing Pittwater" is an exciting new project, partly funded by The Library Council of NSW. To preserve our local history through photographs we have digitised 2,500 photos and stored then onto CD-ROM. The actual photographs can be safely stored and protected and people will be able to access the digitised images via the library's catalogue within the library AND via the internet

"SHOROC on a Shoestring" is an Oral history project between Pittwater, Warringah, Manly and Mosman councils and also partially funded by the Library Council of NSW. The history of the Northern Beaches and Mosman during the Depression has been recorded by a team from the University of Technology, Sydney. The recordings have been transferred to CDs and will soon be available to the public for reference.

For further information about current projects, please contact Virginia Macleod , the Local Studies librarian here at Mona Vale Library.