The Buncombe County Special Collections Library is dedicated to actively collecting, preserving, promoting, and providing equal access to the history of Asheville, Buncombe County, and the surrounding area. We are proud of our historic resources and are committed to preserving them for the future, through preservation, digitization, and decreasing barriers to public access. In addition to a wide v
ariety of books relating to the history of WNC, the Buncombe County Special Collections also includes:
Photographs
Historic documents
Genealogies
Postcards
Maps
Oral Histories
Microfiche of local newspapers
Our online database contains an inventory of historic photographs and documents from the Buncombe County Special Collections at Pack Memorial Library. We have over 1000 images and items that document the history of Asheville and Western North Carolina available online. The collection is only partially online now, but images and other research aides are being added as they become available. You may also access Heritage Quest, a leading online resource for genealogy data thru Buncombe County Public Libraries. Using The Collection
Materials in the Buncombe County Special Collections must be used in the library, although some of the books in the Collection have duplicate copies in the circulating collection. Fragile items, or information protected by restrictions, may not be available for use or for duplication. Materials must not be subjected to any risk of damage during their use, such as food, drink, ink, rough handling, etc. Since many of the materials are not cataloged, it is important to contact the Library first to determine if the desired information is available. It may take some time for Library staff to locate certain items or information. The Reference staff can provide basic assistance with long distance research. There will be a charge of $5 per search, a 25¢ per page copying fee and postage for this service.
