If you are planning a trip to the Archives in Raleigh, you might want to consider including the Olivia Raney Local History Library in your plans. At one time the Library was located in downtown Raleigh, and has recently moved to the Wake County Office Park. The Office Park is what I would consider a step above most office parks. The Library faces out on a meadow that features a pond and a large white house in the background. The surroundings are a joy to the eye and a calming experience for the mind. The Library has 5 new microfilm machines and 7 computers with Internet Access. The Library is a research center for local and family history. It specializes in Wake County. However, its holdings are not limited to Wake County. One of the items I found useful was the Soundex for North Carolina. The microfilm is new and easy to read. After looking at washed out microfilm in the Archives in D. C., I found their microfilm a real pleasure. They also have available all the CD-Rom for Family Tree Maker.

The Library hours are Monday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. They are closed Friday and Sunday.

The Library has a variety of programs on genealogical and historical topics and research methods. Call (919) 250-1196 and select "2" for current schedule. One of the programs the Library has is a Monthly Civil War Forum - open discussion and help in tracing Civil War Ancestors. The Wake County Genealogical Society meets at the Library on the 4th Tuesday of each month (Sept. - May) at 7:00 p.m. Call (919) 250-1196 for program details or membership information.

The Olivia Raney Library is located in the Wake County Office Park on the east side of the Raleigh Beltline. Take the I-440 Beltline to the Poole Road exit (#15). Turn away from downtown, in the direction of Knightdale. Take the first left into the Wake County Office Park. Take the first left toward the Library Administration Building. Take the first left into the Olivia Raney parking lot. Their mailing address is as follows: Olivia Raney Local History Library, 4016 Carya Drive, Raleigh, N.C. 27610. Their phone number is (919) 250-1196. Their fax number is (919) 212-0476. Their e-mail address is szolkowski@co.wake.nc.us

I would consider the Olivia Raney Library a five star research facility.