Archives and Special Collections
Welcome to the Archives and Special Collections
The Jewish Public Library Archives and Special Collections span over 600 linear meters of records. Their contents have been collected with the help of the community and carefully preserved over decades by staff and volunteers alike.
Explore the Archives
Our Exhibitions Gallery
A gift for the children; exploring the beautiful illustrations in yiddish children's literature: part I
A Gift for the Children: Illustrations in Yiddish Children’s Literature : Part II
From the Rare Book Collection: Antiquities of the Jews (Venice : Rinaldo de Novimagio, 1481)
From the Rare Book Collection: Derekh Emunah (Padua : Lorenzo Pasquato or Samuel Boehm, 1563)
Research with us
The Archives are open to all interested members of the public by appointment. Prepare for your visit by:
Book an Appointment
Appointments are required to access rare and archival materials on-site. Please note that an appointment is only confirmed once the Archives responds to your request and confirms the date and time.
Our History
The JPL opened its doors on May 1st, 1914 in a modest cold-water flat at 669 rue St. Urbain with a small collection of 500 books. From the beginning the Library was more than mere shelves and texts. It quickly became the meeting place for literary and cultural exchange, maintaining a link to the still flourishing Jewish communities of Eastern Europe while promoting the community’s growth in its new Quebec home.
Help Support the Archives
And make sure the history and social impact of the Montreal Jewish community is preserved and celebrated long into the future.