Stanford L. Warren Branch

1201 Fayetteville Street
Durham, North Carolina 27707
919.560.0270

Hours

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Wednesday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday 2 – 6 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.

This Month's Events at Stanford L. Warren

Driving Directions and Bus Routes

Meeting Room Reservations

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Stanford L. Warren Library became the new home of the historic Durham Colored Library on January 17, 1940. Only the second black library in the state, the Durham Colored Library opened to the public August 14, 1916. Its roots were in a library organized in 1913 by Dr. Aaron Moore in the basement of the old White Rock Baptist Church. Stanford L. Warren Library has been an important community resource and a gathering place for civic and service organizations throughout its history, especially during the civil rights era. The black and white library systems merged in 1966. The branch retains the name of its benefactor, Dr. Stanford L. Warren, who gave $4,000 during the Great Depression to secure the site for the new building. The annex was added in 1949-1950; renovations occurred in 1968, 1984-1985 and 2004-2006.

Facility:

• 10,244 square feet, 2 story building
• public meeting room (seats 88)
• Tutoring room
• Two study rooms

Collection:

• The Selena Warren Wheeler Collection is an extensive compilation of African-American literature, culture and history that is regarded as one of the best collections in the South. Once known as the Negro Collection, it was renamed in 1990 to honor Ms. Wheeler, daughter of Dr. Stanford L. Warren and acting director/director of the Durham Colored Library/Stanford L. Warren Library from 1932 until 1945.

Services and Features:

• Adult and children's programs
• Community bulletin board
• Friends of Stanford L. Warren Branch Library group
• Photocopier for public use
• Public access computers, with Internet access: 12 (8 for adults, 4 for children)
• Wireless Internet access
• Self checkout/RFID technology

Last Update: May 30, 2012