In 1913, Dr. Aaron McDuffie Moore, Durham’s first Black physician, and James E. Shepard, founder of North Carolina Central University, launched a humble library for the Black community. They started with a small collection in a Sunday School room at White Rock Baptist Church in the Hayti neighborhood. The aim was clear: to provide stories by and about Black Americans for community members.
By 1918, the library became official and moved to a two-story building donated by John Merrick, a leader in Durham’s Black business community. Merrick had previously co-founded the first Black-owned insurance company in the U.S. with Moore.
The Durham Colored Library (DCL) quickly became more than just a repository of books. It served as a gathering place where residents could read, learn, and exchange ideas. The library offered engaging programs for children, such as Saturday matinees and afterschool study sessions.
Now, with new support from Duke University Libraries and the Mellon Foundation, the DCL at Duke is evolving. It will join the Rubenstein Library’s Community Engagement Program. This partnership aims to preserve and share Durham’s rich Black history through K-12 teacher training, community events, and digital storytelling.
C. Eileen Watts Welch, chair of the DCL board and Dr. Moore’s great-granddaughter, emphasized the importance of this transition. “For over a century, the Durham Colored Library has honored our founder’s vision. This partnership will ensure our community’s stories are celebrated and passed on,” she said.
Historically, libraries have played crucial roles in community development. The DCL’s commitment to education and cultural preservation resonates today as access to diverse narratives continues to be vital. Recent studies show that diverse books can positively impact children’s understanding of different cultures, further emphasizing the DCL’s mission.
As the DCL transitions to its new chapter, it remains a beacon for Durham’s Black community, promising future generations access to the narratives that shape their history. For more details about the DCL’s journey, visit the Duke University Libraries site.
