Newspapers of Washington State

Washington State Library's newspaper collection includes current print issues, historical newspapers on microfilm, and some issues that are searchable online. We subscribe to approximately 125 daily and weekly newspapers throughout Washington, plus a few out-of-state papers. The microfilm collection consists of over 50,000 reels of newspapers dating from the 1850s to the present. We offer even more research options through free and subscription newspaper databases. The subscription newspaper databases will require a Washington State Library card number to view the database. If you are a Washington state resident see this website on how to get a Washington State Library card.

The Washington State Library serves as the depository "for newspapers published in the state of Washington thus providing a central location for a valuable historical record." [RCW 27.04.045]

Washington's first newspaper, The Columbian, published it's first issue on September 11, 1852, in Olympia, while Washington was still part of the Oregon Territory. This title was published until November 26, 1853, when the name changed to Washington Pioneer. At the library we have this newspaper available as microfilm, or you can view it from the comfort of your home on the Washington Digital Newspaper website. If you want to learn more about The Columbian, check out this great essay on HistoryLink.org.