The James Weldon Johnson Community Library (1059 18th Ave S) exists today because there was once a time when Black residents in St. Petersburg weren’t allowed through the doors of the city’s main library. Out of that exclusion came a determined response: in 1947, a branch was opened specifically to serve the African American community, named in honor of James Weldon Johnson, an educator, writer, and civil rights leader whose legacy was built on access to knowledge. What began as a small collection of books became a symbol of resilience and self-determination.
The first librarians who shaped the James Weldon Johnson Library
The library’s earliest years were guided by Leslie Burke, a Gibbs High School librarian who became the branch’s very first steward. With only 1,066 books on the shelves, Burke worked to give the Black community something it had long been denied: a space of its own to learn, study, and grow.
In 1950, Helen Allen Edwards took over, and for more than three decades she became the heart of the Johnson Branch. Edwards wasn’t just a librarian; she was a constant presence for families who walked through those doors’ generation after generation. Children who sat on the floor for story time returned years later to bring their own kids.
By the late 1970s, the branch had outgrown its small building on 3rd Avenue South. Urban renewal projects had pushed many families farther south, leaving the library less accessible. The branch closed in 1979, and Edwards temporarily moved to the children’s department at the main library. Two years later, she returned to lead the library once again, this time inside the Enoch Davis Center.
A space for learning and community
Now located at 1059 18th Avenue South, the James Weldon Johnson Library is far more than a place to borrow books. It’s a community space offering a wide array of resources and programs:
- Books and media: A full selection of print and digital books, audiobooks, and research materials for all ages.
- Technology access: Computers, printers, and Wi-Fi provide tools for students, job seekers, and residents who may not have access at home.
- Creative and educational programs: From maker labs to sewing workshops, story times, summer reading programs, and skill-building classes, the library encourages learning and creativity.
- Community spaces: Meeting rooms and event spaces host local groups, workshops, and civic gatherings, fostering connection and civic engagement.
Why third spaces matter
Sociologists call places like this “third spaces,” essential gathering spots outside home and work. Libraries are among the most equitable of these spaces, offering a sense of belonging and access to resources that might otherwise be unavailable…