The Right to Read: The Fight to Desegregate Southern U.S. Public Libraries

Laura Wertz
2021 School of Information Student Research Journal  
The segregation of U.S. public libraries, particularly in the southern United States, is a shameful chapter in library history. During the civil rights movement, the fight to desegregate was achieved through the bravery and courage of peaceful protesters that staged protests in libraries across the south. The purpose of this research paper is to examine how public libraries enforced segregation and some of the critical protests that took place. The paper also explores the lack of recognition
more » ... awareness within the librarianship profession and the general public and four recommendations for how public libraries can begin to make amends.
doi:10.31979/2575-2499.110106 fatcat:66fvzwpeqfgfzfxd26r5awvfn4