RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's depositories for old government and academic records, maps, books and genealogical materials are reopening to the public at reduced capacity after being closed for months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

State Archives public research locations in Raleigh and Manteo and the State Library of North Carolina in Raleigh planned to welcome visitors by appointment starting Thursday, with the Western Regional Archives in Asheville to follow Friday.

Guests must set up formal appointments online and are required to wear face masks inside. Public computer terminals there will also be closed. State archivists and librarians also urged people to check their agencies' websites to determine whether research questions or access could be handled online.

Appointments at the Raleigh locations and the Outer Banks History Center can be scheduled for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The Western Regional Archives will open for visitors at the same time on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays.