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Find Your Past in New Library

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RALEIGH — A new library opened Monday, but it's not your run-of-the-mill library. In this one, you can trace the roots of your family tree, and get some help from the staff.

The Olivia Raney Historic Library specializes in genealogy, offering computer access to government records in other parts of the country. Named in honor of a member of one of Raleigh's most famous families, the library came too late for Raney to see her name on it.

At the turn of the century, her husband donated land in downtown Raleigh where the first Wake County Library eventually stood, dedicated to the memory of his late wife. That classic building fell to progress 30 years ago.

Branch Manager Sue Zolkowski says this new building honors the family name.

The Olivia Raney library is the first of its kind in the state, offering an entire building dedicated to history and genealogy.

It is located in the Wake County Office Park off Poole Road in Raleigh

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