Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County

The Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County, site of 1963 integration attempts by local ministers.

NPS Photo/Max Farley

Quick Facts

Location:

108 E. 10th Street

Significance:

Site of 1963 integration attempts by Bi-Racial Human Relations Council members

Designation:

Anniston Civil Rights Heritage Trail

MANAGED BY:

Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board

"Desegregation of the Library began when two African American pastors, Reverends William B. McClain and Nimrod Q. Reynolds, peacefully attempted to enter the building on September 15, 1963. Their actions were endorsed by the city of Anniston Human Relations Council, which was pursuing desegregation of public institutions in Anniston. As the men approached the Library, several white men attacked them, and both men were injured, Reynolds seriously. The next day, Reverends J. Phillips Noble and George Smitherman, City Commissioner Miller Sproull, and Library board members Charlie Doster and Carelton Lentz accompanied McClain as he entered the Library without incident and checked out a book."

- Anniston Public Library Desegregation Marker, City of Anniston Historic Trails Program (2016)