Textual

The majority of the JPL-Archives collection consists of textual records from all aspects of the Montreal Jewish community. The Archives houses the personal and professional records from authors and poets, artists, politicians, religious and community leaders, as well as families within the community. Our long-standing motto is, "You don't have to be famous to be important to us!" The collection also consists of the records of associations and organizations as well as community schools (United Talmud Torahs, Jewish Peoples' School and Jewish Peretz School).

The Archives also houses the institutional records of the Jewish Public Library from its inception in 1914 to present day.

To search the textual fonds of the Jewish Public Library Archives, consult Using the Archives or navigate directly to the online Library catalogue.

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Photographs

The JPL-Archives houses over 15,000 photographs. All of the photographs are indexed by subject and may be accessed by contacting the Archives directly.

The photograph collection dates from the late 19th century to present day. Included are portraits of individuals and families, specific events within the Montreal Jewish community and the larger global community, images of associations, schools, camps, and much more.

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Posters

The JPL-Archives currently has over 200 rare posters in its collection. The majority of the posters are in Yiddish, Hebrew and English, dating from the early 20th century to present day. The posters relay events (rallies, political meetings, cultural presentations) of the Montreal Jewish community and also of Jewish communities abroad.

For more information on the Poster Collection, please contact the JPL-Archives directly.

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Rare Books and Ephemera

The JPL-Archives houses an impressive collection of antiquated books dating from the 15th century. The subject matter of the majority of the collection consists mainly of religious texts and history. In addition, the JPL-Archives has preserved hundreds of metres of ephemeral material on a multitude of subjects. The ephemera collection includes pamphlets, brochures, posters, information booklets, broadsheets and additional memorabilia. The ephemera collection is currently in the process of being catalogued for access through the Jewish Public Library on-line catalogue.

For more information on the rare book and ephemera collections, please contact the JPL-Archives directly.

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Microfilmed Jewish Newspapers

The Archives houses the JPL's collection of microfilmed Jewish newspapers of the 20th century. An index of these newspapers is available on the Finding Aids page. The newspaper microfilms can be viewed by booking an appointment with the Archives.

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