Discover the history of Orange, including the first and only Spanish rancho in Orange County, the founding and settlement of the city, the iconic Plaza, the Old Towne Historic District, and some of the people and neighborhoods that have made Orange the unique place it is.

Physical Collection

The physical portion of the Local History Collection is available by appointment and searchable through the Library's catalog. Special emphasis is on the citrus industry, historic local businesses, architecture, civic and religious organizations, city agencies, and the people of Orange.

All materials are available for in-library use only and are not available to check out.

• books
• periodicals
• photographs
• manuscripts
• maps
• pamphlets
• ephemera

Digital Collection

Our historical Digital Collection contains photographs, local city directories, local newspapers, and oral histories and is always available online.