Google is now offering a new service: news archives. You can now get newspaper archives, some going back to the 1700s, although not all will be free. You will have the ability to target dates or browse. Take a look at this CNN report on Google’s project for more info.
Update: Also, in case you haven’t heard the news (and you likely have), Google is also providing access to public domain books, making them nice and ready for printing. Check it out here.