Olivia Raney Local History Library offers an extensive collection of materials and services to assist visitors conducting research into local history and genealogy, including:

The reading room includes a collection of books to assist patrons with local history and genealogy research.

The research room features an array of microfilm, newsletters, property tax records, city directories, biographies and military records. The newspaper collection goes back to 1799 and includes the Raleigh Times, The Raleigh News and Observer and numerous smaller newspapers. 

The archives contain books, original materials and notes related to the history of Raleigh and Wake County, as well as family histories, biographies, city directories and selective records and histories. 

Galleries and featured displays honor Olivia Raney and her family. Portraits and photos are displayed in the gallery in the lobby, and furniture and artifacts from the original facility are found throughout the library. Visitors can also view photos from archival collections and rotating exhibits.

For research inquiries please email lib.orl.researchquestions@wake.gov