The State Library of North Carolina is the catalyst for exceptional library services in North Carolina. We are the principal library of state government, we build the capacity of all libraries in North Carolina, and we develop and support access to specialized collections for the people of North Carolina, including genealogy, North Caroliniana, and resources for the blind and physically handicapped. The State Library serves the people of North Carolina through many capacities, including the following services:

The Government and Heritage Library

The Government and Heritage Library’s mission is to preserve and facilitate public access to state government information; advance the study, understanding, and appreciation of North Carolina’s cultural heritage; and provide library resources and services that support the operational needs of state government agencies. The Government and Heritage Library is comprised of the Government & History Research Room and Genealogical Services.

Library Development

The Library Development section acts as a catalyst for exceptional library services for all North Carolinians by developing programs, providing services and resources, and supporting libraries to meet the needs of their communities. The Library Development team is a collection of nine professional librarians with individual areas of expertise who work together to plan, implement, and coordinate a comprehensive program of services to provide an Expert Center of knowledge, skills, and resources for North Carolina libraries. In addition, each consultant serves as a liaison to all types of libraries in specific counties, providing assistance with Federal and other grant programs and with continuing education events, publications, special programs, surveys, and other State Library activities.

Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped

The North Carolina Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NCLBPH) is a special public library that circulates books and magazines especially made for persons who cannot use regular printed material because of a visual or physical disability. The library is located in Raleigh, but mails materials throughout the state.

The State Library of North Carolina is a part of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources annually serves more than 19 million people through its 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, the nation’s first state-supported  Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the N.C. Arts Council, and the State Archives. Cultural Resources champions North Carolina’s creative industry, which employs nearly 300,000 North Carolinians and contributes more than $41 billion to the state’s economy.  To learn more, visit www.ncculture.com.