This image is the cover for the book Desegregation in Northern Virginia Libraries, American Heritage

Desegregation in Northern Virginia Libraries, American Heritage

A Hidden History of Unequal Access During the Jim Crow era, many public libraries were segregated. The public library plays a fundamental role in communities by providing free educational resources, boosting literacy and knowledge, and serving as a place of refuge. Despite this, many were inaccessible to Black residents and continued to resist integration even after the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education. Discover the truth about the barriers imposed on the Black community and learn about the citizens-turned-activists who used protests and lawsuits to achieve more equitable library services. Their legacy resonates today as libraries continue to evolve and embrace more inclusive practices. Join Fairfax County librarians Chris Barbuschak and Suzanne LaPierre as they investigate the overlooked and little-known history of segregated library services in Northern Virginia.

Christopher Barbuschak, Suzanne LaPierre

Chris Barbuschak, a Fairfax County native, is an archivist/librarian at Fairfax County Public Library's Virginia Room. A graduate in history from Loyola University Chicago, he received his MLIS from Dominican University. Suzanne S. LaPierre is a Virginiana Specialist Librarian for Fairfax County Public Library in Virginia. Her writing has been published in national and international journals. In addition to a MLIS from University of South Carolina, she holds an MA in Museum Studies from The George Washington University and a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design.

The History Press