Plan Your Visit

Learn about the Archives

Introduction

Local History & Archives (LHA), located in the Williams Wing of the Mooresville Public Library, provides access to rare books, manuscript and genealogical collections, as well as more modern materials relating to the history of Mooresville, Iredell County, and the surrounding area.

All the materials, including books, pamphlets, journals, manuscripts, correspondence, photographs, etc. located here are considered to be of lasting research value.  To ensure the preservation of our materials readers should note the following restrictions:

  • Access to manuscripts, early printed material, and discrete collections (e.g., McLelland, Mann, Cheek, etc.) requires advance notice. 
  • Items in the Archives may not be borrowed. They can be viewed in the reading room.
  • Photocopying of LHA material is restricted and permission to copy is granted at the discretion of LHA staff.
  • Consumption of food or drink in the reading room is not permitted.

Who may use Local History & Archives

An appointment is required. 

Visitors are requested to sign the reading room guest book.  Researchers are required to complete a registration form at the start of their research project and may be required to provide a photo ID.

How to use Local History & Archives

A full listing of our holdings can be found by searching the LHA catalog. If you are doing detailed research, please use this form to request materials to be pulled prior to your visit. Please allow 24-48 hours for items to be pulled. LHA staff will contact you when the materials are ready to view.

General Guidelines

Researchers must bring their library card or photo ID.

When a researcher is finished consulting material it should be returned to the LHA shelving cart or left on the reading room table. We specifically ask that you do not attempt to reshelf materials.

Material which will be required again may be held in the reading room to facilitate quick access (please ask staff).  

Local History & Archives Reading Room

It is strongly suggested that you familiarize yourself with the Reading Room Rules and Guidance.

Please note that ink may not be used in the reading room.  Bags and other material must be stored in the lockers provided.

Photocopying/Scanning/Digital Photography

Permission to photocopy/scan/photograph LHA material is granted at the discretion of LHA staff.  Similarly, permission to use a digital camera in the reading room must be granted by LHA staff.  Users should not assume that permission to photocopy will automatically be granted. Manuscript materials may have restrictions prohibiting reproduction.

How to cite LHA materials

Please acknowledge your source in the following manner:

Name of Collection, Box Number, Folder Number, Local History & Archives, Mooresville Public Library, Mooresville, North Carolina.