The Charleston Library Case

On the 13^th day of March, 1928, Anderson H. Brown, E. L. Powell, and W.W. Sanders went to the Charleston Public Library for the purpose of securing books, papers, and magazines for use. The librarian refused to permit them to use any of the books magazines, or papers in the library and also refused to permit them to sit and read. The librarian was carrying out the action of the board of education of Charleston, which had issued orders that no Negroes should be allowed to use the library, because a separate library had been established for them on Shrewsbury Street.

On appeal to the State Supreme Court, the court said:

The legislature thus not having authorized the establishment of this institution as a school library, the resolution of the Board of Education of February 21, 1928, declaring the said library to be a part of the public school system for the use of white school children and white citizens only, was without legal justification. Of course, if this library were in face and in law a part of the public school system, segregation on the races would be warranted and lawful as a school matter.

      Thus, Negroes are permitted to use the Charleston Public Library.