Have you ever wondered what the North Shore’s biggest news story was on a particular date from the past? Perhaps you’ve pondered what was happening in North Vancouver at the time of the millennium, or the day you were born?
Those with an interest in North Shore history can now plunge themselves into the pages of yesteryear thanks to a new project – brought together by the libraries of North Vancouver and West Vancouver and the North Shore News – that brings a quarter of a century of North Shore newspapers back into circulation.
An online collection of digitized newspapers, North Shore Digital Libraries features full editions of the North Shore News, the West Vancouver Villager, Lynn Valley Echo, and Capilano Chronicle, from the years 1976 to 2000.
Jacqueline van Dyk, the North Vancouver District Public Library’s director of library services, said the project celebrates the community’s history, and provides the tools for future generations to explore, understand and appreciate the North Shore’s rich heritage.
It also serves as an example of how libraries play a profound role in connecting people to both information and to each other, she said.
“The North Shore Digital Libraries project opens the door into the lives and legacies of loved ones and their stories, providing a tangible connection to the past,” she said. “There are so many stories to discover, from news of local legend Bryan Adams in 1983 to the varying challenges the community faced throughout the years. This new resource provides an opportunity to rediscover cherished memories and the vibrant history of this community.”
Prior to the project, these decades of North Shore news stories were only accessible via stashed print copies or by microfiche, a transparent film that stores images of the pages. Only capable of being read with specialized machines for magnification, reading stories via microfiche was no easy task.
North Shore News editor Andy Prest offered a “huge thank you” to the North Shore libraries for their efforts with making the new, digital copies so readily available. It was their vision that brought the concept to life, he said.
“Libraries, like newspapers, are vital links that hold communities together, fundamental building blocks for a healthy and educated society," he said, adding how it is “amazing” to see old newspapers gain new life in such an accessible and easy-to-use format.
“It’s so neat to be able to flip through all these pages again without getting old newspaper ink all over your hands. I can’t wait to spend more time mining for gold using this new tool that connects us to our past,” he said.
The project is a partnership between the North Shore News, North Vancouver City Library, North Vancouver District Public Library, and West Vancouver Memorial Library. The digital copies of the newspapers can be viewed at nsdl.arcabc.ca, or accessed from any North Shore library website. Staff members at all North Shore libraries are also available to provide support for anyone who needs assistance accessing the resource.
Mina Kerr-Lazenby is the North Shore News’ Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
