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Norfolk Public Library Scrapbooks

 Collection — Container: 24 boxes
Identifier: RG 12-0000-001

Scope and Contents

Thirty-five scrapbooks chronicling the history of Norfolk Public Library in Norfolk, Virginia from 1896 to 2003. The collection includes scrapbooks of newspaper clippings about the history of the Library in chronological order, with gaps from 1972-1974. There are also three volumes primarily focused on the history of Norfolk, Virginia from circa 1926-1942, one scrapbook on the history of Virginia from circa 1928-1941, one scrapbook of Norfolk people (usually obituaries) from circa 1930s-1940s, two volumes of supplies and materials purchased from vendors for Norfolk Public Library business operations from circa 1930s-1940s, one scrapbook of clippings relating to Norfolk poetry from circa 1927-1941, one 1975 scrapbook titled "Cooperation is the Key to Successful Public Relations," and one album of the "Racing to Read" 5K sponsored by the Norfolk Public Library in April 1981. The early scrapbooks are primarily limited to newspaper clippings, but printed ephemera appears with some frequency starting with the 1965-1966 volume. Finally, there are several scrapbooks filled with newspaper clippings from the local paper featuring marital engagements. The volumes are numbered up through eight, but Volume 3 is missing. These Engagement scrapbooks feature indexes for both males and females.

Dates

  • created: 1896-2003
  • Other: Date acquired: 00/00/1896

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to all researchers.

Conditions Governing Use

The status of copyright for these materials is governed by Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U. S. C.). Copyright restrictions may apply.

Full Extent

24.00 boxes

Language of Materials

English

Arrangement Note

Arranged by subject in chronological order.

Custodial History

Many of the earlier scrapbooks were likely compiled by Mary Denson Pretlow, who served as Librarian of Norfolk Public Library from 1917-1947.

Source of Acquisition

Norfolk Public Library

Related Materials

Other scrapbooks in the Sargeant Memorial Collection that appear to have been compiled by Norfolk Public Library include: "Norfolk in By-Gone Days" Van Wyck Library Scrapbook (MSS 0000-106-b), African American Newspaper Clippings Scrapbook (MSS 0000-271), Mariners' Museum Scrapbooks (MSS 0000-092), and Norfolk and Virginia Beach Local History Scrapbook (MSS 0000-103).

Processing Information

Processed August 6, 2018. Additional scrapbooks found and processed March 29, 2019.

Title
Archon Finding Aid Title
Author
Sarah Osorio
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
und

Repository Details

Part of the Sargeant Memorial Collection Repository

Contact:
Norfolk Public Library
235 East Plume Street
2nd Floor
Norfolk VA 23510 US
757-431-7429