Special Collections

Some of the Library's Special Collections are available online, including:

	Early Glendale and Tropico Explore a new collection of rare illustrated promotional booklets available at the Online Archive of California website. Dating from the early 1900s these booster materials present a snapshot of the culture and spirit of the early Glendale and Tropico communities, celebrating their unique civic, commercial and artistic characteristics. Of particular interest in many of these items, selected from the holdings of the Special Collections Room, are the photographs of Edward Weston, who opened his first photography studio in Tropico in the 1910s.
	Library, Arts & Culture Department on History Pin An exciting new way to experience Glendale history. Photographs are "pinned" to a map, allowing the user to compare past and present views of Glendale (and beyond). The site includes images from libraries, archives, and other institutions all over the world. Individuals are encouraged to share their photographs as well. Start with the Library's profile page , or dive right into the map to begin exploring!
	History Drive 2011 A digitized collection of images received by the Library as a part of the ongoing History Drive project. The photos have been uploaded to the Library's Flickr page. We encourage you to tag photos and leave comments to help tell each picture's story! The initial set of images are from the 1950s and '60s and were taken by Glenn Ward, a professional photographer who lived and worked in Glendale. Visit the History Drive page to learn more!
	Special Collections' Photostream The Library, Arts & Culture Department photograph collection on Flickr, featuring the Verdugo Views set, containing images used in the popular Glendale News-Press column written by Katherine Yamada.
	Leslie C. Brand The collection of historic photographs and documents related to Leslie C. Brand and his family while he was still living in El Miradero, featuring images of the rooms within the mansion and scenic views of the property. The collection also includes photographs of the Brand Library and Park, which were created from his home and property deeded to the City of Glendale.
	Oral History Collection The Library Oral History Collection, featuring interviews and event recordings from the 1950s up through the 1990s. The online collection will play on any computer with access to the Internet.
	Glendale Mayors The City of Glendale was incorporated February 16, 1906, and was governed by a Board Trustees from 1906 to 1921. The City of Glendale became a Chartered City upon ratification of its Charter on March 29, 1921, and the Board of Trustees became known as the City Council. Click here to see a gallery of the Presidents Of The Board Of Trustees, past and present Mayors.
	Library Cards Tell Glendale's Story Click here to see Glendale Library cards featuring historic photos from our Special Collections.

The Special Collections Room is open

Tuesday and Thursday
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
1 - 3 p.m.
And by appointment.

Email requests to: centlibref@ci.glendale.ca.us.

Mail requests to:

Library, Arts & Culture Department
Attention: Reference Department
222 East Harvard Street
Glendale, CA, 91205.

A stamped self-addressed envelope will help the library save money.