Freedom libraries facts for kids

Freedom libraries were special community libraries. They were created by groups and individuals who wanted to help African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. These libraries offered books and learning opportunities that many Black people couldn't get elsewhere.

Why Freedom Libraries Were Needed

During the early 1900s, many African Americans in the Southern United States did not have access to public libraries. This was because of racial segregation. This unfair system kept Black and White people separated. White leaders often stopped Black people from using public libraries or gave them very limited access.

How Freedom Libraries Started

The Civil Rights Movement worked to end many kinds of unfair treatment, including in libraries. In the 1960s, people who supported the movement began setting up freedom libraries. These libraries helped activists with their important work. They also gave local African Americans the library services they had been unfairly denied.

The very first freedom libraries were started by a group called the Council of Federated Organizations (COFO). These libraries were often found in Freedom Schools or Community Centers. In the summer of 1964, about 50 freedom libraries were created in Mississippi alone. But there were also freedom libraries in other states like Alabama, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania.

Freedom libraries had many different kinds of books, just like other libraries. But they also made sure to have lots of books about African American history and culture. They also featured books written by Black authors. Some freedom libraries were very large, with up to 20,000 books. Others were small, even mobile libraries. Many of these books were donated by volunteers, often from states in the Northeast.

Challenges Faced by Libraries

Freedom libraries faced many difficulties. They were sometimes damaged on purpose, like through vandalism. Some were even attacked with fire-bombs. For example, in October 1964, a bombing in Vicksburg destroyed over 9,000 books.

Their Important Impact

Civil Rights activist Richard James said it was very important for Black people to learn about their own history. For many African Americans, these freedom libraries were the first time they could access this kind of information. They helped people learn, grow, and feel proud of their heritage.