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Public Library

California Collection

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The California Collection contains over 5,000 books on California, with a primary focus on San Diego and Southern California. The collection also includes the Great Register for San Diego (1888-1892), the San Diego Transit Company records, a full run of the San Diego Union Newspaper dating back to 1868, vintage photographs and more.
 
 
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San Diego Public Library Digital Archive

 
The SDPL Digital Archive allows you to explore unusual and rare items in the San Diego Public Library’s collection.
 
Cover of a San Diego City Directory

San Diego City Directories

 
Search the San Diego City Directories (1886-2021) in-person. They are located in the Special Collections at the Central Library; or view them online at:
 
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Newspaper Collection

 
The SDPL offers an array of historic local and state newspapers in hard copy and on microfilm.
 
 
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Map Collection

 
SDPL’s map collection includes over 800 items with a primary emphasis on San Diego and Southern California (PDF icon List of holdings). This includes Sanborn Maps and the PDF icon Smollar Map Collection.