The Local History Centre in the Mount Barker Community Library is open to the public during the same hours that the main library is open. A large proportion of the collection is on open access and can be viewed during these hours. The whole collection is accessible by library staff at all times as required.

The Local History Centre contains an extensive collection of material of use to both local and family history researchers that relates to the area covered by the Mount Barker District Council.

The collection is searchable via the Local History Database.

Other records include:

• Books that relate to the Mount Barker District and surrounding areas. These are searchable via the library catalogue.
• Courier Newspaper from 1880
• Photographs
• Vertical files of unpublished information
• School records
• Parish records (Catholic & Anglican)
• Archive of original material

State Resources are available and include:

• District Registers on microfiche for Mt Barker, Nairne and Strathalbyn.
• SA Birth Index of registrations 1842 – 1928
• SA Marriages Index of registrations 1842 – 1937
• SA Deaths Index of registrations 1842 – 1972
• Biographical index of South Australians 1836 – 1888

The Local History Collection provides an opportunity to appreciate the local area and the people, both past and present, and to preserve it for the future.

The Local History Centre Database contains the catalogue of all the items in the Local History Centre’s Collection. Images of photographs in the collection are also added when possible.

The Courier Newspaper Oct 1880- the present, has been indexed for any items relating to the area covered by the Mount Barker District Council. These abstracts are also able to be searched.

Contact the Local History Centre for further details of records yet to be verified as indicated in the search results.

Open Monday 9 am – 7 pm, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9 am – 5 pm, Thursday 9 am – 8 pm, Saturday 9 am – 4 pm, Sunday + Public Holidays Closed.

A Local History Officer is in attendance Monday – Friday 9 am -5 pm if you need specific help.  For this help, it is advisable to phone ahead and book a time.