According to official data, there are more than 550,000 libraries worldwide, with the majority located in Europe, which boasts around 400,000 branches. In the United States, there are approximately 140,000 libraries. Surprisingly, mainland Africa has the smallest number, with only about 12,000 libraries. Globally, there are about one million registered library employees. Libraries differ in appearance, design, and architecture, but they all share one common feature: their silent shelves are filled with thousands of printed and digital works, representing the achievements of the world’s greatest minds. Next on houston1.one.
This story will focus on one of the hundreds of thousands of libraries where you can not only find the works of world-renowned authors but also learn about the African American community in Houston.
Houston Public Library
The library system in Houston began in 1854 with the establishment of the Second Houston Lyceum. The network of libraries serves not only the city of Houston but also the entire state of Texas.
The main benefactor and founding figure of Houston’s library system is considered to be William Marsh Rice. The future founder of both the library network and Rice University generously donated $200,000 to lay the first foundation for the Houston Public Library.
The library that is the subject of this story is part of that system, and though it officially opened relatively recently, the history of its building spans well over a century.
African American Library
The two-story building that would later become the library was constructed over a century ago, in 1872. Historians claim that the structure originally served as a school for freed people, the first of its kind in Texas, named after Union Army officer Edgar Gregory. The land on which the library stands was once donated by African Americans. Officer Gregory had a special connection to this community, which is likely why the school was named in his honor.
Four years after its construction, the school was officially listed among Houston’s public schools.
Unfortunately, in the late 19th century, a fire broke out on the premises, destroying part of the building. However, a new structure soon arose in its place.
But the challenges didn’t end there. A nearby lake frequently caused flooding, leading to outbreaks of disease that claimed the lives of both teachers and students. These difficulties sparked discussions about closing the school, but despite these hardships, after many debates and challenges, the school continued to operate.
As further evidence of its historical connection to the African American community, by the 1970s, the school’s elementary classes had over 800 students, about 500 of whom were Black. The rest were predominantly Latino and Asian, with a small percentage of white students.
The rumors of the school’s closure eventually became reality. After a series of challenges, the school ceased operations in 1980, and the building remained unused until 2009.
During the building’s renovation, the goal was to preserve the structure’s design, keeping it as close to its original early 20th-century appearance as possible.
In December 2009, the building reopened as a library, thanks in part to the support of local residents who donated memorabilia, which later became part of the library’s exhibits.
Thus, a relatively new library in Houston’s Fourth Ward began its mission of preserving and sharing the history of the city’s African American population and the state of Texas in general.
Inside, visitors will find numerous galleries, a recording room for capturing oral histories, and various reading rooms where they can explore the history and culture of Houston’s African American community, as well as other topics. It’s safe to say that the library building has become one of Houston’s key tourist destinations, with a history dating back to the 19th century.