The Richard B. Harrison Library stands as a beacon of history and community pride in Southeast Raleigh. More than just a place to borrow books, it’s a tangible reminder of the fight for equal access to education and resources. Its future, however, hangs in the balance due to plans for a Rapid Transit system on New Bern Avenue.
As we observe National Preservation Month, Preservation Raleigh has launched a new initiative: Places in Peril. Our third “PIP” brings attention to the Richard B. Harrison Library, located at 1313 New Bern Avenue.
A Legacy Built on Equity
Founded in 1935, the Richard B. Harrison Library was a cornerstone for Raleigh’s African American community. Mollie Huston Lee, the library’s driving force, curated a remarkable collection of African American literature and local history. These irreplaceable resources chronicling Raleigh’s past, particularly the mid-20th century, are housed within the library’s walls. Among countless artifacts, the original tapes and transcripts from the “Raleigh Roots” oral history project (part of research phase leading to Culture Town book, RHDC’s publication) are housed in the Mollie Huston Lee collection at R. B. Harrison Library.
Originally located in a storefront on East Martin Street, the library opened with a small collection of 890 books. The library was named for Canadian-born Richard Berry Harrison, a noted African American actor and professor of drama. Under Lee’s leadership, and with strong community support, the library thrived. In 1948, it moved to a building with more space for programs on South Blount Street. In 1966, the library merged into the Wake County Public Library System and was relocated in June 1967 to its current location at 1313 New Bern Avenue.
An Architectural Gem Under Threat
Constructed in 1968, the current Wake County Public Library building is a masterpiece of mid-century modern design by renowned architect G. Milton Small Jr. Nicknamed “Small’s Miesian design” for its clean lines and emphasis on horizontal forms, the building is a well-preserved example of this architectural style. This pristine structure stands as a crucial landmark of Raleigh’s segregated past, a physical reminder of the “separate but equal” era. Losing this library would erase a vital piece of Raleigh’s history and dismantle a cornerstone of the Southeast Raleigh community.
Preservation, Not Demolition
While the planned Rapid Transit system offers undeniable benefits, its path shouldn’t come at the cost of our cultural heritage. The library’s estimated value of $3.6 million pales in comparison to its community significance. There are alternative solutions – rerouting the transit line or incorporating the library into the new development. Preserving the Richard B. Harrison Library need not hinder progress; it can be a testament to Raleigh’s ability to honor its past while embracing its future.
The Time to Act is Now
The Richard B. Harrison Library deserves to be cherished, not cast aside. Let’s urge city officials to explore alternative solutions that prioritize both progress and preservation. The library’s story, a testament to the fight for equality, deserves to continue for generations to come.
Sources:
https://ncarchitects.lib.ncsu.edu/buildings/B003012
https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/libraries/locations/richard-b-harrison-community-library
https://silverbureau.ma/richard+b+harrison+library
What could possibly be better than having a library cheek by jowl with a transit line? Built-in access to knowledge for all. The library will be an asset to the system. Preserving this building will provide a better future for everyone’s benefit.