Where is the California History Room located?
When is the California History Room open?
Who may use the California History Room?
Do I need to make an appointment to use the California History Room?
What should I bring to the California History Room?
What is available in the California History Room?
How can I find out what is in your collection?a>
Can I see photographs on the Internet?
May I borrow from the California History Room?
How can I get photocopies of California History Room materials?
Can I get photocopies without visiting the California History Room?
May I photograph or scan California History Room and Archives materials myself?
Does the California History Room and Archives research for a fee?
Would you be able to tell me how much a book or photograph or painting, etc., is worth?
Why is it called the California History Room and Archives?

The Monterey Public Library is located at 625 Pacific Street in Monterey. When you register at the Reference Desk on the main floor of the Library, a staff member will escort you to the California History Room.

Monday	1	p.m.	-	9	p.m.
Tuesday	10	a.m.	-	9	p.m.
Wednesday*	1	p.m.	-	9	p.m.
Thursday - Friday	10	a.m.	-	6	p.m.
Saturday - Sunday	1	p.m.	-	5	p.m.

The California History Room is closed during Library holidays and other closed days.
*The room is closed on Wednesday mornings to provide staff time and space for archival processing and conservation.

The California History Room, is open to all readers and researchers of early California and local history. Staff and History Volunteers are available to assist you in locating materials and using the Library catalog and other resources in the California History Room.

No. You are welcome to use the California History Room during open hours:

For extensive research inquiries or to view archival materials (including photographs, maps, and locked-case books), please schedule an appointment with Archivist Dennis Copeland by telephone (831.646.3741) or e-mail (copeland@ci.monterey.ca.us).

You will need a Monterey or Pacific Grove Public Library card or a current photo i.d. when you register to use the California History Room. To protect the collections, pens may not be used in the History Room. Laptop computers are permitted. Please keep the materials you take to the History Room to a minimum. Avoid bringing bags, cases, or valises if possible.

The California History Room and Archives includes the reading room and the Archives. The reading room contains books, pamphlets, periodicals and the historical clipping file. The Archives contain photographs, published local historical maps and unpublished materials created or received by a person, family, or organization and specially preserved because of their enduring historical value. The collection as a whole covers early California to 1850 and the Monterey area from 1850 to the present, with an emphasis on the City of Monterey.

Search the Library online catalog:

• Select the Keyword, Title, Author, or Subject search tab
• In the Search in: pull-down menu, select Local History
• Enter your search
• Click the Submit button

Selecting Local History limits your search to the California History Room, Colton Hall Museum, and the Mayo Hayes O'Donnell Library. The catalog includes the books in the reading room and maps, photograph collections, text collections, clipping file folders, and other materials in the Archives. Images of sample photographs, maps and documents are linked to selected archival records.

A card catalog is also available in the California History Room. The card catalog provides a finding aid to the Historic Clipping File, Game & Gossip magazine, Monterey Life magazine, and Californiana (early California) sources.

The Archivist and other Library staff will be happy to answer questions regarding collections or holdings on a specific subject. Call 831-646-3741 or email copeland@ci.monterey.ca.us.

Digitized sample images from photograph and archival collections are included on the Library catalog. Click on the image thumbnails and links near the top of the catalog page.

To research other historical photographs, schedule an appointment with Archivist Dennis Copeland (copeland@ci.monterey.ca.us).

Materials in the California History Room and Archives do not check out to individuals or other libraries. These materials are part of a permanent and secured collection. Materials do not circulate to preserve our community heritage for future residents and researchers.

There are books and other materials about Monterey and California history in the circulating collection. For more information, search the catalog or contact the Reference Desk (refdesk@ci.monterey.ca.us).

Researchers may photocopy materials that are located on the open shelves or in the clipping file using the photocopier in the California History Room.

Staff will photocopy or arrange for reproduction of archival materials and locked case books. Reproduction may be restricted for fragile materials. A fee may be charged for staff reproduction of archival materials. For more information, contact Archivist Dennis Copeland (831-646-3741 or copeland@ci.monterey.ca.us).

Requests for copies of particular materials must be made in writing, either by letter, e-mail or fax, or by telephone. Photocopy orders are limited to 50 pages and in some cases may be limited or restricted due to the condition of the material. Fees are charged for photocopy services.

Archival materials are reproduced or scanned by Library staff or by professional services under the oversight of Library staff only. By special arrangement, video/motion picture filming may be scheduled with the Archivist. Fees are charged for reproduction services.

No, staff members do not provide research services for a fee. Staff and volunteers can assist you in locating research materials in the California History Room. Staff can also provide limited reference and research services if you are unable to visit the California History Room. For more information, contact Archivist Dennis Copeland (831-646-3741 or copeland@ci.monterey.ca.us).

No, we cannot provide appraisals or assign monetary values to books or other historical materials and artifacts. Here are some links to assist you in locating an appraiser:
Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America
American Society of Appraisers

The first books of the Monterey Public Library date from its origins in 1849 as the first public library in California, the Monterey Library Association. The idea of maintaining a permanent historical collection originated with Library Director Bertha Hellum (1937-1946). Library Director D. R. Jeffers (1946-1951) planned and created a special collections and history room in the Library. It is called the California History Room because of the emphasis on early California and Monterey history. After all, Monterey was the capital of Spanish and Mexican Alta California.