A town since the 1880s and incorporating as a City in 1906, Glendale has a long, storied history. Click on any of the links below for some of the City of Glendale’s historical highlights.

Glendale Public Library/Library, Arts & Culture History

From a renovated pool room at Wilson and Everett to the center of Arts & Culture in Glendale! Click here to learn about the beginnings and growth of library services in Glendale. 

 Glendale Mayors

The City of Glendale was incorporated February 16, 1906, and was governed by a Board Trustees from 1906 to 1921. The City of Glendale became a Chartered City upon ratification of its Charter on March 29, 1921, and the Board of Trustees became known as the City Council. See a gallery of the Presidents of the Board of Trustees and past and present Mayors.

Glendale Register of Historic Resources

The City of Glendale created and adopted the Glendale Register of Historic Resources on September 30, 1997. Today the Register, which is overseen by the Planning Division, contains over 100 properties. Access the Planning Division's list of properties (including images), as well as information on historic preservation, how to research the history of your home, or how to apply for inclusion on the Register.

 Library Cards Tell Glendale's Story

Glendale library cards often feature historic photos from our photograph collections, highlighting famous residents and visitors, historic buildings, and more. Our most recent set of library cards celebrates the restoration and reopening of the Brand Library & Art Center in 2014. Read More>