Tens of thousands of newspapers have been published in the United States. Many are available in digital databases in partial or full-run date ranges.
Start with the largest and most popular databases at the library:
ProQuest Historical Newspapers
America's Historical Newspapers
In particular, researchers can search the NYPL databases homepage for specific newspaper titles:
For New York City newspapers, see our Guide to New York City Newspapers at New York Public Library.
Library of Congress
Major NYC Publications
NYC Neighborhood Publications
Back when historic newspapers were only accessible in print and on microfilm, the point of entry was nonexistent unless you knew the ballpark date of a specific article you were trying to find. As a result, print indexes have been created for different newspapers and arranged according to broad searchability, or a specific type of information. Not all newspapers are indexed, with the exception of The New York Times, newspapers do not typically create their own index.
The internet has not made these indexes obsolete: inaccurate character recognition, weak search algorithms, and other technical issues sometimes make it easier to search these indexes as an alternative to the databases.
Genealogical Data
Examples
Locate a specific title in our print or microfilm collections by browsing the NYPL research catalog by journal or newspaper title - select "Journal Title" in the dropdown.
These PDF spreadsheets provide comprehensive lists of microfilm newspaper holdings by geography:
And use these subject headings to browse the catalog:
For researchers with print disabilities, the Library has resources and services available upon request. The following services are available:
Researchers who are homebound or have a print disability or visual impairment can explore many of our research collections online and request digitization of specific items of interest. To request the digitization service, email accessibility@nypl.org. Please note that you must be a patron of the Andrew Heiskell Library. This digitization service only includes material belonging to the research collections and does not apply to branch/circulating collections.
Every public PC at all New York Public Library locations is equipped with JAWS, ZoomText, and Fusion softwares.
The Andrew Heiskell Library offers popular reading materials in accessible audio and braille formats, as well as free membership to the Bookshare database of over one million accessible texts. It also offers individual coaching and a large variety of group workshops on topics related to accessible technology. Check the listings on our website, call 212-206-5400, or email talkingbooks@nypl.org
For more information, see the Accessibility at NYPL page.