Jewish Public Library Archives

• La bibliothèque publique juive - Les archives

• Communauté

Since 1914, the Archives’ mandate has been to collect, preserve, and make available original documents, photographs and recordings that tell the social, economic, and cultural stories of Montreal’s Jewish community.

Local institutions and organizations, as well as families and individuals can donate records. We accept:
 

• Family papers (correspondence, journals or diaries, vital records, biographical and genealogical information)
• Photographs and already digitized audiovisual material
• Business, organizational, or institutional records (minutes, by-laws, etc.)
• Posters, playbills, programmes, and ephemera from the community

 
Note that archival material is original and unique. As a result, we do not accept photocopied materials. Similarly, the Archives does not take published material due to reasons of copyright legislation.

Our archival collections span over 500 linear meters of records. They include 30,000 photographs, 200 rare posters, as well as correspondences, programmes, flyers, manuscripts, textiles, artifacts, audio-visual materials, and materials dating from the late 19th century to present day.

To access records of our collection holdings and finding aids, please visit our database online at the Canadian Jewish Heritage Network: https://www.cjhn.ca/en

You may book an appointment at the following link: https://jewishpubliclibrary.org/archives/book-an-appointment/

The Archives are open for a limited number of research appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We are scheduling two appointment per day. Morning appointments run from 10:00 am – 12:30 pm. Afternoon appointments run from 1:30 – 4:00 pm.

Please note that an appointment is only confirmed once the Archives responds to your request and confirms the date and time. Do not arrive for an unconfirmed appointment as we will not be able to assist you.

The Jewish Public Library Archive is pleased to offer reference and research services to the public, whether in-person, by e-mail, or telephone. Please note that due to space restrictions, appointments must be scheduled ahead of time for physical visits.

For those unable to visit the Archives, send your research questions by email or regular mail. Archives staff can provide 30 minutes of research, primarily to advise on relevant records held by the Archives. Additional time will be charged hourly at a predetermined rate, according to our service fees. More information about fees associated with requests for copies of archival records can be found at the following link: https://jewishpubliclibrary.org/archives/services-and-fees/
 

If you would like research assistance beyond what the Archives is able to provide, we recommend hiring a professional researcher. The Archives can occasionally assist in locating a researcher, however the Archives is not able to answer questions about researcher availabilities, services, or charges.