A Separate Space: Remembering Meridian’s Segregated Carnegie Library, 1913-74

Authors

Matthew R. Griffis, University of Southern MississippiFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 10-2017

Department

Library and Information Science

Abstract

This article explores the largely undocumented history of Meridian, Mississippi’s 13^th Street library, a segregated branch library constructed in 1912-13 with funds from Carnegie’s famous library program. Although the library no longer stands, it remains an important connection between libraries in Mississippi and the history of race relations. Using archival sources as well as oral history interviews with some of the library’s former users, the article considers the library’s importance as an early symbol of civic autonomy for Meridian’s African Americans and how it became a valued educational support center and community space. The article closes with a call to preservation, not just of historic library buildings but also of their documentary heritage.

Recommended Citation

Griffis, Matthew R., "A Separate Space: Remembering Meridian’s Segregated Carnegie Library, 1913-74" (2017). Publications and Other Resources. 8.
https://aquila.usm.edu/rocinformationandresources/8