Central Coast Libraries boast an excellent collection of historical and current resources that relate specifically to the Central Coast area. Explore the Local History collections.
Historical Photographs and Images and Sound Recordings
Central Coast Library Service has a large and ever-growing collection of local history photographs, dating from the 1880s onwards. You can see how much the district has changed through our photographic databases and stories told by people from the past.
Central Coast Memories
Central Coast Memories is home to our digitised historical images, photographs and sound recordings, including photographs, historic subdivision plans, postcards and Central Coast Voices.
Gostalgia- Gosford Local History on Flickr
Gostalgia (feelings of nostalgia for the Gosford area) will be evoked in this fun and easy to use gallery of local photographs, memorabilia and other interesting and colourful stuff! Gostalgia is ideal for school project material.
Central Coast Voices
Listen to recorded interviews from the 1980's and 1990's, featuring Central Coast locals. Powered by Amplify and part of a NSW State Library digitization project, Central Coast Voices is an interactive platform where listeners can assist in transcribing interviews.
Purchase Local History Books
These local history titles are currently available for purchase from Central Coast Library Service. Please email purchasing enquiries to the Library History Team.
Wreck of the Maitland... a scene to make the angels weep by Geoffrey Potter
Imagine the terror of being roused at dawn with the news that you had to abandon ship – or worse, prepare to run aground. On the morning of 6 May 1898 that was the fate of the passengers and crew of the SS Maitland. Leaving Sydney in the worst gale for 20 years, her fires were soon extinguished and the ship drifted helplessly. This is the story of the terrible events surrounding the wreck and the incredible bravery of those aboard. Newly uncovered facts reveal the twists and turns in the life of the ship and those involved with her. Wreck of the Maitland is a true tale of courage and frailty brought to life in the words of those who experienced it. If you think you know the Maitland story, think again.
Central Coast Library Service provides access to an extensive collection of local history resources. Select resources such as early tourist guides are being added to our Library Catalogue where they can be downloaded for research use.
If you require assistance locating historical resources or have a specific enquiry, please email the Library History Team.