The Legacy of Black Women in Librarianship

This essential work of archival storytelling brings to light the hidden figures of Black women who shaped American librarianship throughout the 20th century. Profiling more than a dozen librarians, activists, and pioneers, the book chronicles their personal histories of advocacy and resilience in a profession where their contributions have often been overlooked. These profiles reveal the passion, courage, and tenacity of knowledge workers who fought systemic barriers to make information accessible to all.

What makes this collection so powerful is its focus on the human stories behind the institutional history, showcasing how these women's work as book champions and community builders paved the way for future generations. Readers both inside and outside the library profession will find inspiration in these narratives of professional pioneers who transformed libraries into engines of social change and intellectual freedom. This is a vital corrective to the historical record that re-centers the crucial role of Black women in building our nation's information landscape.