Waltham Public Library

The Waltham Public Library is the city’s public library, offering a catalog of books and digital media, museum passes, printing, English language learning resources and a calendar of programs. Residents can sign up for a library card, suggest new purchases, get reading recommendations through its Find My Next Book service and follow events through its newsletters. Supporters can also become a Friend of the library, and the library has published a 2025 impact report on its work.

Genealogy is a particular strength. An archivist helps researchers trace family ties to Waltham using city directories going back to 1871, annual listings from 1867, Waltham High School yearbooks from 1904 onward, vital records to 1850 and obituary indexes for local newspapers. Some materials are available by appointment only, and in-library access to Ancestry Library and American Ancestors databases supports deeper research for patrons working on family histories.

What to Know

• Waltham residents can access the Boston Globe Historical Edition from home.
• The library keeps a collection of biographical information on Waltham families, viewable by appointment.
• Genealogy resources also include the St. Mary’s High School alumni site, with yearbooks and newspapers.
• Researchers can use census and passenger list indices, books on surnames and histories of New England families.