The Jack Spencer Goodwin Research Library has more than 8,000 printed volumes and continues to grow. While these books cover a broad range of subjects, primary focus is placed on Carteret County history, North Carolina history, American history and genealogy. Our collection in these subject areas is quite notable. The library also has a periodical section, microfilm, audio-visual materials, and a map collection.

Over one hundred boxes of archival materials pertaining to individuals and county organizations are stored in the library. The library’s collection of pictures is also quite extensive, including the work of noted photographers Clifton Guthrie and Jerry Schumacher. Indexing and cataloging of negatives and photographs have been ongoing in our overall goal to make the collection more accessible.

The library’s vertical files have been greatly expanded and serve as a treasure trove for the researcher. These files fall into three categories: People, Places, and Things, all relating to Carteret County. Documents, clippings, postcards, photographs and more are stored in these files.

The creation of a Carteret County family history record has been ongoing for years and has resulted in the compilation of thousands of family group sheets. Anyone interested in their family history is invited to come by, check the records, copy any records of interest, and add their own records if not already in the files. These records are also being entered into the Family Tree Maker on computer for easier on-site research. The library has also been copying and filing obituaries of people who died in the county over the years. These also represent a valuable source of genealogical information.

Library volunteers and staff have been working on many projects to help better assist researchers who use our facility. Indexes of articles and subject matter from our historical society’s journal the Researcher has been ongoing, as well as other projects including the indexing of Carteret County census books, our 2-volume Carteret County Cemetery Book, and of the archival boxes.

The library is open to the public and serves not only citizens of Carteret County, but also visitors from far and wide. Our operating hours are from 10-4, Tuesdays through Saturdays. Library assistants are on hand to assist researchers. A copying machine is available for a small fee. Library books can not be checked out. Acquisitions are made possible through purchase, gift and exchange with other historical societies.

For further information please contact the library at (252) 247-7533 X 3 or email us at library@thehistoryplace.org.