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Genealogy Research at the Olivia Raney Local History Library

The Olivia Raney Local History Library is a branch of the Wake County Public Library system that specializes in local history and genealogy. The library first opened in 1901 in downtown Raleigh, but reopened in its current Carya Drive location in 1996.

The Library’s many research collections focus on historical and genealogical materials relating to Wake County, the state of North Carolina, and surrounding areas. The collection also includes an extensive Civil War research collection, hundreds of historical maps, and several online databases that provide additional resources, including the well-known Ancestry.com.

The library’s staff will gladly complete brief look-ups of Wake County or North Carolina information for patrons. Other than extensive research, the staff can search for a marriage license, death certificate, census entry, or obituary, etc. Be sure to include a mailing address, phone number, or e-mail address in any correspondence. Feel free to e-mail the staff at Olivia.raney@wakegov.com.

Newspapers and many other types of materials have been preserved on microfilm. Multiple microfilm readers are available, which also have the capability to download files to a flash drive.

Watch for related adult programs and regularly scheduled webinars on Mondays at 1:00 p.m.

Contact: Olivia Raney Local History Library
4016 Carya Drive
Raleigh, NC 27610
Phone: 919-250-1196

Hours
Monday-Friday – 10:00-6:00
Saturday – 10:00-2:00
Sunday – Closed