The State and Local  History Collection houses materials which relate to North Carolina. Much of it has been handed down through several former public and private libraries dating back to the Cape Fear Library of 1760. Although emphasis has been placed on collecting information about Southeastern North Carolina, the collection includes materials from across the State. The collection continues to grow though library funding and generous donations. It is housed in the North Carolina Room, New Hanover Public Library, 201 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

A non-circulating collection, all research must be done in the North Carolina Room during regular library hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 am to 8:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 PM; and Sunday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. 

Some materials, such as manuscript materials and special collections, must be requested at least one day prior to coming to the library. State and local history materials are not allowed out of the North Carolina Room. A copy machine (15 cents) and a microfilm printer (25 cents) are available to make copies. Some materials are too rare or fragile to be copied, such as those housed in locked cases. To obtain material from these cases a library card or driver’s license is required. It is suggested that pencils rather than pens be used when working in the North Carolina Room. 

Information can be requested by writing to North Carolina Room, New Hanover Public Library, 201 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, NC 28401, (910) 798-6305, jsheppard@nhcgov.com or btetterton@nhcgov.com. Requests from citizens of New Hanover County are taken first. Others are answered in the order received. The cost for simple research is 15 cents per photocopy, plus postage. Extensive research will require a trip to the library. If you are planning a visit to our facility, it is suggested that you write or call us first so we can anticipate what materials you need and be sure that helpful staff or volunteer staff is available.