Gainsboro Branch of the Roanoke City Public Library facts for kids
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Gainsboro Branch of the Roanoke City Public Library
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Gainsboro Branch of the Roanoke City Public Library, June 2010
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 Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 15 Patton Ave., NW, Roanoke, Virginia |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1941-1942 |
| Architect | Eubank & Caldwell |
| Architectural style | Tudor Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 96001448 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 2, 1996 |
The Gainsboro Branch of the Roanoke City Public Library is a special historic building in Roanoke, Virginia. It's also known as the Gainsboro Library. This library was built between 1941 and 1942. It has a unique look, like a "Tudor Revival" style brick house.
This library was very important for the African-American community in the Gainsboro neighborhood. At that time, many places were separated by race. The Gainsboro Library gave everyone in the community a place to learn and grow. It replaced an older, smaller library that started in 1921.
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About the Gainsboro Library
The Gainsboro Library is a one-story building made of brick. It has an L-shape and a style called Tudor Revival. This style often looks like old English homes.
The library's deep slate roof and large windows make it feel cozy, almost like a "Gingerbread house." Inside, it has high ceilings and big rooms. This design made the library feel welcoming to everyone.
A Special Place for Learning
The Gainsboro Library was built to serve the African-American residents of Roanoke's Gainsboro neighborhood. During a time when many public places were separated, this library offered a dedicated space.
Children and adults could come here to learn. They received help and advice from kind and helpful librarians. It was a place where people could educate themselves and explore new ideas.
How the Library Got Its Land
Getting the land for the new library was a very interesting story! The land came from St. Andrew's Catholic Church.
A woman named Mrs. Virginia Dare Young Lee wanted to lease church land for the library. She spoke with Father Thomas from St. Andrew's Catholic Church (Roanoke, Virginia). He couldn't approve it alone.
So, Father Thomas helped Mrs. Lee write a letter to Pope Pius XII in Rome, Vatican City. The Pope's answer was amazing! He agreed to let the library use the land for 99 years.
National Recognition
The Gainsboro Library is a very important building. In 1996, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of places in the United States that are important to history.
The library is also part of the Gainsboro Historic District. This means it's in an area with many other historic buildings. The library has been updated over the years, with big renovations happening in 2009 and 2020.
