Inland Northwest Special Collections

“There’s nothing like the shelves of an actual physical library when you’re unsure of what it is you’re seeking. It was in the [Inland Northwest Special Collections] that I was steered toward a terrific resource, Jonathan David Knight’s 1991 Masters in History Thesis from Washington State University, The Spokane and Fresno Free-Speech Fights of the Industrial Workers of the World (1909-1911).” – Jess Walter, author of The Cold Millions.

EXPLORE LOCAL HISTORY

Inland Northwest Special Collections is home to more than 18,000 items including reference books, maps, city directories, periodicals, government documents, and archival materials specific to the history of the Inland Northwest. The collection also includes nearly 3,000 rare books and objects, with a focus on the history of printing and the book. 

Throughout the year, local and national exhibits will be showcased near this room. Learn more about how to use our collections and begin your research under the “Get Help With” tab on our website at spokanelibrary.org.

SET UP A RESEARCH VISIT

To visit Inland Northwest Special Collections, please set up an appointment via email insc@spokanelibrary.org.

DIGITAL PHOTO ARCHIVE

Explore Spokane’s history through historic images of the homes, buildings, streets, Indigenous Peoples, and activities in and around the region. A physical photograph collection is also available with staff assistance.

HIGH SCHOOL YEARBOOKS

Browse digitized versions of more than 200 hundred Spokane high school yearbooks from the years 1911-1977.

INLAND NORTHWEST MAPS

The map collection includes a variety of maps
covering aspects of exploration and development of the region. Some of the finest maps in the collection are those produced for railroad surveys, the Mullan Road, and the Pacific Wagon Roads.

Contact Inland Northwest Special Collections

FULLER COLLECTION

Named after George Washington Fuller, Spokane’s City Librarian from 1911 to 1936, who founded the collection, the collection includes incunabula, kunieform tablets (pictured), bibles, geographies, dictionaries, herbals, natural histories, plus a wide variety of early Americana.

Contact Inland Northwest Special Collections

HOUSE HISTORY

The most frequent question we get in the Inland Northwest Special Collection is from people who want to research their house or other property. Getting to know the history of your house can make you appreciate what has come before and can also be a lot of fun! 

WATCH A VIDEO TUTORIAL

Not sure where to start? Watch introductory videos on researching your house history or using the Library’s digital photo collection and more.

RESEARCH TOOLS

ANCESTRY LIBRARY EDITION

Search this database to create sales leads, mailing lists, market research, background searches, and more.

NEHGS AMERICAN ANCESTORS

Explore this searchable database of vital records in the United States, with an emphasis on New England. Note: This service is only available at our Central Library location starting July 11.

PROQUEST HISTORICAL NEWPAPERS

Discover searchable digital images of Spokane’s historic newspapers, from 1883 to 2009 and the Spokane Chronicle from 1890 to 1992.

WASHINGTON STATE DEATH CERTIFICATES

Access digital death certificates for all those who died in Washington State from July 1, 1907 – December 31, 1995.

THE LATEST FROM THE BLOG

The History of Liberty Park

The Liberty Park Neighborhood (as East Central was originally known) was developed in the 1890s as one of Spokane’s earliest streetcar neighborhoods. In 1897, wealthy mining magnate F. Lewis Clark donated a

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