Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Linn-Henley Research Library
Destination
— Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail —
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 5, 2021
1. Linn-Henley Research Library Marker
The Birmingham Public Library was the city's main branch for 57 years. It was one of several protest target sites during the 1963 Birmingham Campaign. Like the city parks, Birmingham's most prominent and well-kept libraries banned Black citizens (officials had built a few small libraries for African American in their neighborhoods). As a result of the protests, the library board members were among the first city officials to end racial segregation in public facilities. After the new central library was built in 1984, this building and its murals were renovated and restored with funds from the families of Charles Linn and his son-in-law John C. Henley. Both were among early Birmingham's foremost business leaders. The Linn-Henley Research Library now houses many important photographs and original documents that civil rights historians, scholars and writers use in their research.
"It seems impossible until it's done."
Nelson Mandela
South African Civil Rights Leader, President and Statesman.
Lesson C32: Why do you think Birmingham's library board members were willing to break with tradition and allow all citizens to use their facilities regardless of race?
Erected by the Birmingham
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Birmingham Civil Rights Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1963.
Location. 33° 31.229′ N, 86° 48.528′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker can be reached from Park Place east of 20th Street North, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2100 Park Pl, Birmingham AL 35203, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Birmingham Public Library / The Linn - Henley Research Library (a few steps from this marker); The Importance of Being Educated (a few steps from this marker); Public Library Desegregated (within shouting distance of this marker); Separate But Unequal Education (within shouting distance of this marker); The Right to Vote (within shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson County Courthouses (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tutwiler Hotel / The Tutwiler-Ridgely Rebirth (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Little Lady Can Read (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.
Regarding Linn-Henley Research Library.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 5, 2021
2. Linn-Henley Research Library Marker
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 5, 2021
3. Linn-Henley Research Library Marker
Photographed By Mark Hilton, December 5, 2021
4. Linn-Henley Research Library
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 7, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 201 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 7, 2021, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
