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County: Jefferson

Louisville Western Branch Library

Marker Number: 

1545

Location: 

604 South Tenth St., Louisville

Marker replaced with updated text, June 2022: Louisville Western Branch Library Opened in October 1908, this Carnegie-endowed library was the first public library in the nation built to provide services to the Black community during the Jim Crow Era. Administered by an all Black staff, it was originally established in 1905 in William M. Andrews' residence at 1125 W. Chestnut, now gone. Louisville Free Public Library Rev. Thomas F. Blue Pioneering Black librarian Rev. Thomas F. Blue (1866-1935), joined the branch in 1905 as head librarian. His service to this community was equaled by his goal to educate others in library science. His apprentice program for librarians attracted Black students from across the nation & became a model for libraries in the South.

Reverse Description:

Louisville Western Branch Library - Thomas F. Blue (1866-1935), a theologian by training, joined the branch in 1908 as librarian. He designed a training program for blacks in library science which was instituted on a national scale. The library has served also as a community and cultural center for many years.

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