Local & Family History @ Gawler Public Library

Gawler Public Library has a growing Local History Collection (part of the Gawler Heritage Collection) that is useful for local and family historians. The primary focus is on printed, published and paper-based material specifically relating to the history of Gawler and its region. The collection also contains photographs, oral histories and original manuscripts. Due to the reference nature of the material, we are unable to make it available for loan. Our beautiful Reading Room provides a research space that truly adds atmosphere and a sense of time to the items that we have. Wireless connection to the internet is available.

Details of all local history resources as well as a selection of digitised items from the Gawler Heritage Collection are available via our online catalogue  A dedicated computer provides access to a range of CD-ROM history resources such as birth, death and marriage Indexes of Registrations covering the periods 1842 to 1928 for births, 1842 to 1972 for deaths, and 1842 to 1937 for marriages.  E. H. Coombe's History of Gawler 1837-1908, George Loyau's Gawler Handbook and the Biographical Index of South Australians 1836-1885 can be accessed via this computer. You can book this computer here or Library staff can book this for you at the circulation desk or by phone on (08) 8522 9213.  Microfiche and Microfilm records are also available.

Ancestry provides access to a wide range of unique resources for genealogical and historical research. Ancestry is available from all public access computers in both Libraries, which you can book here, or Library Staff can make a booking for you at the circulation desk or by phone on (08) 8522 9213.

The Gawler Bibliography can be found here.

Library staff have researched and produced a series of historical pamphlets related to Gawler's history.

Records of burials for Pioneer Park, Willaston and the Anglican cemeteries are available for viewing. cemetery records 

For a listing of Gawler's elected members, please click on this Link - Elected Members History(188 kb)

Some research assistance is available.

All local history enquiries will receive up to 15 minutes of general staff assistance. Up to a further half hour's assistance with experienced local history research staff can be booked by prior appointment. Email enquiries are welcomed and will be acknowledged within ten working days.

Further information please contact us via email library@gawler.sa.gov.au or phone (08) 8522 9213.

(If you are traveling to Gawler for your research we recommend Gawler's Tourism link)