FREE Access to the Mercury News (1900–1985)
Thanks to a generous donation, the San José Public Library (SJPL) now offers FREE access to the digital historical archive of the San Jose Mercury News (1900 to 1985) through Newsbank. This means you can view the entire newspaper exactly the way it was published during those times.
Through this valuable online resource, you can research and explore nearly eight decades of San Jose's rich history, events, daily life, and more. Whether you're a student, researcher, history enthusiast, or simply curious about San Jose's past, we invite you to take full advantage of this incredible resource.
SJPL members are also able to print full pages and even clip selected articles for printing.
Unlock a Wealth of Local Knowledge
Here are just a few ways you can bring San Jose history to life:
- Discover the city's growth, development, and pivotal moments over the decades.
- Explore sections including, but not limited to: Obituaries, Sports, and Entertainment.
- Examine historical periods to gain insights into different eras.
- Delve into the stories of remarkable people and their contributions to the community.
- Read about cultural events that captivated San Joseans.
- Uncover trends, events, advertisements, local businesses, and more!
Start your journey exploring personal or family history. You might just reveal some deep connections to this remarkable city we call home.
How Do I Access the Online Archive?
- Have your library card ready.
- Go to our eResource page and select the the underlined text "Newsbank: San José Mercury News Historical Archive >>".
- Log in with your library card number and PIN to access the San José Mercury News Historical Archive (1900-1985).
- Enjoy exploring!
What Else Do I Need to Know?
- Free of charge
- Available 24/7
- Learn how to access more San Jose Mercury News content in other formats and date ranges.
- Interested in even more local history collections? Check out the California Room at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library.
Need a Library Card?
Get your free SJPL membership. Apply anytime for instant online access.
Sponsors & Partners
San Jose Mercury News Archives (1900-1985) made possible thanks to a legacy gift in loving memory of Susan Renzel Carter, a San Jose native and library lover.
About This Legacy Gift
Mentions in the News
- 4/22/24 Silicon Valley Voice: Historic Newspaper Archive Makes the Past Alive at San José Public Library, opens a new window
- 7/25/23 NBC Bay Area: San Jose woman's donation to honor late mother benefits all library users, opens a new window
- 7/19/23 Metro Silicon Valley: SJPL’s New Accessibility for Mercury Archives, opens a new window
- 6/22/23 American Towns: San Jose Mercury News Digital Archives Now Available to All San Jose Public Library Cardholders, opens a new window
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