Wanted: Your Community Photos
We’re excited to launch a new local history initiative to build the Burlington Digital Archive—and we’re asking for your help!
As part of Burlington Public Library’s mission to preserve local heritage, we are inviting Burlington residents, past and present, to share their photographs. Together, we’ll build community-driven collections that celebrate Burlington’s story.
Our First Photo Campaign
Who doesn’t love a parade—especially a Santa Claus Parade?!
Our very first call-out for submissions is for Burlington’s annual Santa Claus Parade. This longstanding tradition brings the community together each year during the holiday season. BPL is looking to capture these memories by creating a special digital collection that will be preserved in the Burlington Digital Archive, where anyone can view and download them.
We are accepting photos for the Burlington Santa Claus Parade collection until March 31, 2026.
What We’re Looking For
Do you have photographs of past Santa Claus parades in Burlington? We are interested in collecting photographs taken between 1960 and 2000, but photographs from any year are welcome.
We’re looking for clear, good-quality photos that may include:
- Parade floats and parade participants (marching bands, dance troupes, performers in costume, etc.)
- Crowds and spectators
- Local businesses or organizations represented in the parade
- Volunteers setting up or organizing the event
- Holiday decorations, buildings, and signs that are directly related to the Santa Claus parade
- “Behind the scenes” preparations and setup
- Parade route maps
How It Works
Visit our Community Photo Collection web page for information on submitting your digital or physical photos. Be sure to have information about the photographs ready, such as year, photographer, and location (if known).
Once we have your photographs, we’ll review them to ensure they meet our criteria. Accepted photographs will be added to the Santa Claus Parade collection, available on the Burlington Digital Archive.
You’ll be able to view all community submissions, download your favourite memories, or share online!
Burlington Public Library in the Santa Claus Parade, circa 1970s, from the Burlington Public Library fonds
Local History Donations
Do you have other photographs or materials that capture Burlington’s history? Please email or call our Local History & Digital Archive Coordinator at 905.639.3611 extension 1155 for further information on donating to BPL's local history collection.
Main image: BPL Santa Claus Parade entry, an oversized bookworm with its human trainer, circa 1970s, Burlington Public Library fonds.
