Newspaper Archives
Local newspapers can be a great resource not only for obituaries but for wedding and birth announcements, and daily happenings around the area our ancestors lived. Here are some tips on using newspapers to find your ancestors:
Where to Search
Newspapers available on microfilm or paper at the library (Please as for assistance at the Reference Desk):
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Bloomfield Life: Digital-text only versions of back issues (2009 - 2022) available 24/7. Access in-library, or remotely with your Bloomfield Public Library card. 1981-2009 (Microfilm/CD) incomplete, 2005-current (Paper).
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Newark Star-Ledger Collection - Current and back issues in text, image, and web edition available 24/7 access in-library, or remotely with your Bloomfield Public Library card.
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Independent Press: 1913 – 2020 (Microfilm/CD incomplete), 2005 – current (Paper & CD)
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The Independent: 1891
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Bloomfield Board of Trade Bulletin: May 1912
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Essex Enterprise: Oct 10, 17, 1936
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Bloomfield Mail/Home News: Jan 24 – Feb 28, 1935
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Bloomfield Record: 1873-4, 1876, 1879-1882, 1893-18977
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Bloomfield Citizen: 1874, 1883-1890, 1891-1895, 1900, 1903-1906, 1911-2
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Bloomfield / Saturday Gazette (Arlington Jrnl): 1872-1875
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Bloomfield Union: 1908
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Watsessing Press: 1919
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Community Spirit: 1920 (May-June), (Civic Center)
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Bending Cross" 1960
Newspapers available online:
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Bloomfield Life: Digital-text only versions of back issues (2009 - 2022) available 24/7. Access in-library, or remotely with your Bloomfield Public Library card.
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Independent Press (2015-) - Essex News Daily
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Newark Star-Ledger Collection - Current and back issues in text, image, and web edition available 24/7 access in-library, or remotely with your Bloomfield Public Library card.
Feel free to request assistance with newspaper searches of local papers. Email your request to Lisa.Cohn@Bloomfield.bccls.org
NJ and Essex County Newspapers
An index of all known digitized newspapers published in New Jersey by the NJ State Library is available at njstatelib.org/digitized-newspapers/essex
Genealogy and Local History Resources
Need personal assistance?
Our librarians are here to help you! Go beyond general assistance and get in-depth instruction from a reference librarian on how to use the Bloomfield Public Library's electronic catalog, digital resources and databases. Contact us to schedule a 30-minute one-on-one session.
Did you know?
The Museum of the Bloomfield Historical Society is located on the 3rd floor of the Children's Library. Find out more about them at bloomfieldhistorical.org.