Daily and weekly newspapers used to be one of the main ways that people found out about the world around them. Newspapers published recipes, games and articles about every topic from fashion to architecture to science. You can find short stories, poetry, announcements of local events, lists of births and deaths, advertisements from local businesses and more. If you’re looking for evidence about something that happened in the past, local newspapers could be the perfect source. They are also great sources for recent news and current events.
Many newspapers published in Oregon between the 1840s and today are available to read online through library resources. Find digitized newspapers and get tips on how to search them.
Some newspapers aim for a wide readership. Others focus on specific communities. Community-focused newspapers are particularly important in the history of the Black community. Discover Black history through newspapers.
If you don’t find what you need in historical newspapers that are available to read online, you may need to visit the library. Many historical newspapers haven’t been digitized. But luckily, Central Library has a big collection of local newspapers going back more than 100 years.
Gresham Library has an archive of The Outlook. Some of these are microfilmed copies that you’ll need to read using a special machine. Others are the original paper newspapers. Learn how to find and use print and microfilm newspapers at the library.
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These guides should help you get started with your research. When you have questions or need support, library staff are here to help. Contact us by email, chat or telephone. We’ll help you solve your research puzzles and find the answers you need.