How do I find old newspaper articles and civic records and documents?

Okay, so I’ve noticed in movies and in non-fictional television shows whenever people need to research the history of a building or town they are able to use the resources in the local library to find what they are looking for, old newspaper articles, birth and death certificates, deeds etc… I was wondering how to go about finding this information; I am trying to research the history of a specific building and the internet has been of no help so I know I need to look in the library. Do I have to ask a specific person, is this something that needs special permission or be set up in advance? And for the love of God, can someone please tell me if that machine that is used to scroll through and read old documents has a name?