Library at The Botanical Gardens at Asheville

About the Library

The Cole Library of The Botanical Gardens at Asheville serves as a center of botanical and horticultural information for members of the Botanical Gardens, current and Emeritus UNCA faculty, currently enrolled UNCA students, and the general community. The library contains more than 1000 books relating to botany, horticulture, ecology, and ornithology. 

The Cole Library is maintained by gifts of suitable materials and money from interested persons and by proceeds from certain endowment funds. It is under the supervision of the BGA Board of Directors and is directly administered by members of the Education and Horticulture Committees.

Thanks to a grant from Bill and Ethel Wilson, the BGA has been able to purchase a fine selection of books to add to its ornithological collection in the Cole Library. Now that the Wilson Bird Garden has been completed, the BGA is glad to be able to provide these books to support and enhance the community's use of that special place. 

Library Hours

The Cole Library is open from mid-March to mid-December, every day of the week, from 10 am – 4 pm. During the winter season when the Visitor Center is closed, the library is available by appointment . Call 828-252-5190 to make an appointment.

Finding Books

Books in the Cole Library and in UNCA’s Ramsey Library are listed in UNCA's online catalogue (bullpup.lib.unca.edu/library). The designation “UNCA Gardens” following a book listing indicates that the book is located in the Cole Library. The online catalogue may be accessed from any computer.

Checking Out Books

Check out privileges are limited to BGA members, UNCA faculty, and UNCA students. 
The general community is welcome to use the library’s books and other materials within the boundaries of the library. 

Books marked with green dots (reference collection) or red dots (special collection) do not circulate. All other books may be checked out for 3 weeks by individuals with identification as BGA members or UNCA faculty or students.

Additional Information

• Our Gardens

• Trail Map of the Gardens

• Directions to the Gardens

• Making a Memorial or Honor Gift to the Gardens