Local Studies of the City of Penrith

The Library's Research Services team manages the specialist collections held in the Research Room of the Library. They assist researchers with enquiries relating to the history and development of the City of Penrith, its people and its places.

The Research Room is located in Penrith City Library, in the Civic Centre at 601 High Street, Penrith, and is open 7 days a week from 2pm - 5pm (or by appointment outside these hours).

Research Services staff provide assistance either in the Research Room or through personal inquiries by calling 4732 7899 or by putting in a request at my.penrith.city.

What is in the Research Room?

History of Penrith

Our Local Studies collection documents the historical development of the City of Penrith. All material is available for use in the Research Room. The collection comprises published and unpublished contemporary and historical research material.

Photograph Collection

The photographic collection captures life in the local area from the mid-19th century to the present day. View over 4000 of our photographs and postcards via our catalogue (with a link to the Archives search). Our Research Services team can provide digital copies of photographs in our collection. Charges include $20 per photograph plus $7 to purchase a USB if required.

To place an order contact the Research Services team by calling 4732 7891 or by putting in a request at my.penrith.city.

Family History

Our family history resources include biographical, genealogical cemetery and local government information on local families and pioneers. We actively collect publications and files, and records on local families.

Local government information

Our Technical Library is a collection of support material for Council staff and can be accessed by the general public in the Research Room. This collection reflects the functions of a local government authority with substantial material on environmental, planning and social issues.

Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Trust environmental information

This collection was created, catalogued and maintained by HNCMT Information Centre at Windsor until June 30 2001. When the Trust closed part of its collection was transferred to Penrith City Library.

History Support Collection

Our collection of support material includes published historical reports and histories. It also houses the Francis James Collection, which contains a wide range of materials relating to the Vietnam War. The collection, purchased in 1993, compliments the Library's extensive collection on Southeast Asia history.