Duplin County — Dorothy Wightman Library
🏢 Duplin County Public Library System · Kenansville, North Carolina
Duplin County — Dorothy Wightman Library
The Dorothy Wightman Library serves as the headquarters of the Duplin County Public Library System in Kenansville, the historic county seat named for James Kenan and home to Liberty Hall, a landmark early-1800s estate that anchors one of eastern North Carolina's oldest communities.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 9am–6pm |
| Wednesday | 9am–6pm |
| Thursday | 9am–6pm |
| Friday | 9am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–2pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 107 BOWDEN DR, KENANSVILLE, NC 28349
Phone: +1910-296-2117
Website: duplinnc.gov
Plus Code: 8764X27P+96 (KENANSVILLE, NC)
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📖 About Duplin County — Dorothy Wightman Library
The Dorothy Wightman Library on Bowden Drive is the main branch of the Duplin County Public Library System, headquartered in Kenansville, North Carolina. Kenansville was incorporated in 1852 and named for James Kenan, a North Carolina Senate member; the town's Liberty Hall — his early 1800s historic home — is located within walking distance and reflects the county's deep colonial heritage. Duplin County's library serves this agricultural community in the eastern coastal plain, providing free access to physical collections, public computers, and the statewide NC LIVE digital resource network. Rose Hill Community Library in nearby Rose Hill is the system's branch location, giving the rural county two points of service. Your free Duplin County library card also unlocks OverDrive/Libby for digital eBooks and audiobooks downloadable to any device.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Headquarters of the Duplin County Public Library System in historic Kenansville
- Kenansville is named for James Kenan and home to Liberty Hall, an early-1800s historic estate
- Located in the Kenansville Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Free NC LIVE statewide database access for research, job-seeking, and lifelong learning
- Saturday hours (10 am–2 pm) extend access for working residents and weekend visitors
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your free Duplin County library card unlocks NC LIVE — North Carolina's statewide digital resource network:
📚 Services
- Free public library card for Duplin County residents
- Physical book, DVD, and audiobook lending
- NC LIVE statewide database access
- OverDrive/Libby digital eBooks and audiobooks
- Public computers and free Wi-Fi
- Printing, copying, and scanning
- Interlibrary loan
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytime and reading programs
- Summer reading program for youth
- Adult literacy and continuing education support
- Community meeting room availability
📍 Nearby Libraries in Duplin & Lenoir Counties
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in KENANSVILLE · Browse all North Carolina libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Dorothy Wightman and why is the library named after her?
The library is named in honor of Dorothy Wightman, a local figure recognized for her contributions to Duplin County's community and library services. Contact the library at (910) 296-2117 for more details about her legacy and the library's history.
What is Liberty Hall and how close is it to the library?
Liberty Hall is the early 1800s historic home of James Kenan, the North Carolina Senate member for whom Kenansville is named. It is located within the town and is part of the Kenansville Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The library and Liberty Hall are both in the heart of this small historic county seat.
What is NC LIVE and how do I access it?
NC LIVE is North Carolina's statewide digital resource network, providing free access to research databases, eBooks, newspapers, and other digital content to all residents with a North Carolina library card. Visit nclive.org and log in with your Duplin County library card number.
Does the Duplin County library system have other branches?
Yes. In addition to the Dorothy Wightman Library in Kenansville, the Duplin County Public Library System includes the Rose Hill Community Memorial Library in Rose Hill, about 10 miles to the southeast — giving the county two full service locations.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.
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