Local History

Both Berri and Barmera libraries hold local history collections, although the Berri Barmera Local Heritage Collection at Berri Library is the more comprehensive.

This collection was opened in 1996 with the support of the District Council of Berri and the local community, the collection has continued to grow, containing today, many photographs, pamphlets, books, un-published works and numerous other items.

You can search the published items held in the collection by using the online catalogue.

No item from the collection can be loaned and copying of published items is as per the Copyright Act of 1969.  Many of the photographs will need permission to copy from the original owner.

The Heritage Collection is free and accessible to all users during regular library opening hours.  Sponsored by the Berri Barmera Council, the collection aims to make researching our local district or various other areas of South Australia or the location of   ancestors, readily available to everyone.

Some Examples of items held

  •  Local photographs – many of them digitised as part of the Berri Centenary Project in 2010/11.
  • Local & South Australiana published works
  • Genealogy resources
  • Vertical file of local information
  • Berri Bridge
  • Jimmy James Memorial
  • Loveday Internment Camp
  • Old Tourist Information
  • Monash Playground
  • Memorabilia and keepsakes
  • Early reminiscences
  • Plus various files of other information
  • Indexed Local Newspaper cuttings from 1937 onward
  • Local video footage
  • Local oral histories
  • Examples of titles in 18th, 19th & 20th  Century Literature
  • Local Organisation Newsletters/Magazines
  • Local Organisation Records
  • Glossop High School Magazines & Photos

How to donate or loan an item

To continue to grow the collection relies on members of the public donating or loaning items to be copied.

If you have a photograph, book or piece of memorabilia you feel would enhance our collection, please speak to the Local History Officer about donating the item. If it is a photograph, letter or diary, it may be able to be loaned for a short time to have a copy made.

Some examples of items that have been donated in the past include:  original dance card, menu for a special reception, diary, minute book of a local   organisation, map, family reunion, memoirs of a family member, brochure of a local business, photographs of Riverland towns, people, vehicles, schools, shops, sporting groups.

The greatest care is taken with all items left in the custody of the Heritage Collection staff for copying.

You may also like to consider making a bequest to the Heritage Collection in your will.