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1956 - New Main Library

New Main Library
Event Date: 
November 19, 1956
Event Type: 
Modern Era Begins 1946-1959

November 19, 1956 - Charlotte opens its new main library building.

  • Members of the library staff, like former Library Director Hoyt Galvin, accommodate the African American community privately.
  • However, by law the black community could only use the Brevard St. branch.
  • The Brevard St. branch will close in 1961 and be torn down as part of urban renewal.
  • Charlotte's main library building is opened at 310 North Tryon St. on the site where the old Carnegie Library stood, side by side with the First Baptist Church (later Spirit Square).