Durham County Main Public Library

In 1976, the new main library building started construction, taking up the entire block bounded by Queen, Holloway, Liberty, and Roxboro.

 

Looking northeast from Liberty and Roxboro, 1976.

 

Looking northeast from Liberty and Roxboro, 1976.

This remains the Main Library site, a major asset to the east side of downtown.
 

In 1986, the Durham Public Library granted the Lesbian and Gay Pride ‘86 Committee and the Lesbian and Gay Health Project use of their three community-oriented display cases for June. The organizations used the cases to display materials about LGBT+ lives, poetry, AIDS and health concerns, posters, and more. This exhibit sparked enormous controversy within the city, from county officials, local news stations, religious leaders, and more. Opponents formed a group called the “Durham Coalition for Decency,” advocating for its removal.  

Soon after, working with Durham’s Gay Pride Committee, Mayor Wib Gulley signed an anti-discrimination proclamation specifically supporting LGBT+ peoples’ rights for safety and participation in public life. This was part of the plans to run the city’s first-ever Pride march. The backlash was immediate, with forces trying to recall Mayor Gulley. As strong as the backlash was, many members of the Durham community rallied in support of Mayor Gulley, including many local religious leaders. In the end, organizers couldn’t gather enough signatures to force a recall election, and Mayor Gulley remained as mayor. On June 28th 1986, the Triangle Lesbian and Gay Alliance held Durham’s first pride march, themed “Out Today, Out to Stay.” Nearly 1,000 people marched from Ninth Street to the Reservoir on Hillsborough Road.  

Looking east, 2007 at the "front" entrance (which I've never seen anyone use.)

Looking south-southwest from the intersection of Queen and Holloway, 2007.

Looking northwest along the former 200 North Queen St., 2007.

Looking north from Liberty Street, 2007

Talk of the library moving seems to have quieted down. I think the building is pretty abysmal, so I wouldn't particularly have a problem with the library getting a new venue - I just think it needs to be on this side of Roxboro. As it is, with free Wi-Fi, a good collection of free DVDs/VHS movies and, well, my favorite - the North Carolina collection - I should say that it is a great asset to downtown in general.

I've written previously that I think Queen should be reopened concomitant with 2-way Roxboro and 2-way Mangum.

I don't usually recapitulate the comments, but one commenter felt the loss of parking would necessitate a deck for the library. I disagree - you could create a lot of on-street parking around here that is currently non-existent.

The Durham County Main Library was renovated in 2016 and officially reopened in 2021. The project cost $44.3 million and included an audtiorium, makers spaces, and an increase in the NC Collection.