I could go to the main library and pick up books that the black patrons needed. They could not go, but I could go, and there was a back entrance that I could go in so I would not disturb the apple cart. [...] And I would -- well, the janitor would bring down the collection of books that the patrons desired. And then, when I went up, I could bring others that were desired so that all who had requested materials could have access to them. But they had to get them at the branch library, and I remember once the distinguished Harry Golden, who wrote Only in America, came into the library one day, the Brevard Street Branch where I was, in the headquarters of my so-called branch. He said, “This is a damn shame that the black man cannot use the public library all over our system.”
Allegra Westbrooks (1921-2017), who worked for the Charlotte Public Library (aka The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County, aka Charlotte Mecklenburg Library) for 35 years.
Skip Auld (Anne Arundel County Public Library) alerted us to a StoryCorps interview between Miss Westbrooks and her niece, Shara Traynham. I can’t find the unabridged recording online, but there’s an audio excerpt available via WFAE. A transcript of the complete interview is also online.
