For 90 years, the Richard B. Harrison Community Library has been more than a place to borrow books—it’s been a cornerstone of Southeast Raleigh. Generations have come through its doors to learn, connect and grow, continuing the legacy started by its visionary founder, Mollie Huston Lee.
To honor nine decades of impact, Wake County Public Libraries will host a special 90th anniversary celebration at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Tarboro Road Community Center in Raleigh. The event will recognize the library’s history and its enduring role as cornerstone of the community.
“The Richard B. Harrison Community Library is a living legacy of culture, community, and literary access for all,” said Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters. “As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, I encourage everyone to join us in honoring this historic institution and the pioneering leadership of Mollie Huston Lee.”
The Richard B. Harrison Library first opened its doors on Nov. 12, 1935, in a storefront on West Hargett Street, offering library services to Black residents for the first time in Wake County. Over the next 90 years, the library moved from Hargett Street to Blount Street, and finally to its current home on New Bern Avenue, expanding its services and collections along the way.
Under Lee’s leadership, the library became a cultural landmark, attracting speakers such as Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes and building one of the nation’s earliest collections dedicated to Black literature, now known as the Mollie Huston Lee Collection.
The Lee Collection chronicles the African American experience locally and nationally, as well as international history of the African Diaspora. It is composed of both adult and juvenile nonfiction, fiction and journals. Housed in the library’s Mollie Huston Lee Room, the collection may be accessed by appointment only.
Lee was the first Black graduate of Columbia University School of Library Science and was instrumental in the founding of the North Carolina Negro Library Association, a professional organization for Black librarians. She retired on Jan. 30, 1972, after serving as the librarian of the Richard B. Harrison Community Library for 37 years.
Nine Days to 90 Years
Leading up to the 90th anniversary celebration, the library will host nine days of special events starting Monday, Nov. 3, inviting residents of all ages to share their memories and explore the library’s history:
- Create a Birthday Card for Your Library
Monday, Nov. 3 | Drop in anytime
Make a birthday card for the library as we prepare to celebrate 90 years. All supplies provided. - Notes to Richard B. Harrison Library
Tuesday, Nov. 4 | Drop in anytime
Share your favorite memories and messages for the library’s milestone. - Family Storytime: Highlighting the Mollie Huston Lee Collection
Nov. 4, 6, 7 and 12 | 10:30 a.m.
Join us for special storytimes for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and caregivers featuring books from the historic Mollie Huston Lee Collection. - Family Storytime with Library Director Tammy Baggett
Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 10:30 a.m.
Sing, learn and dance with Wake County Public Libraries Director Tammy Baggett. - K–5th Grade Adventures: 90th Birthday Party!
Thursday, Nov. 6 | 6 p.m.
Kindergarten through 5th graders and their families are invited to enjoy an evening of games and more to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the library. - Mollie Huston Lee Collection Staff Picks
Friday, Nov. 7 | Drop in anytime
Browse staff favorites from the Mollie Huston Lee Collection. Copies of these books will be available for check out. - Honoring Mrs. Lee Exhibit
Monday, Nov. 10 | Drop in anytime
Explore a visual exhibit showcasing photographs and stories from the life of Mollie Huston Lee and the library’s evolution. - Richard B. Harrison Library Bingo
Monday, Nov. 10 | 2 p.m.
Join staff for a themed Bingo and More program! Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of history, community and friendly competition for ages 16 and older. - Happy Birthday Richard B. Harrison Library!
Wednesday, Nov. 12 | Drop by anytime
Stop in to celebrate 90 years of excellence and community.
An expanded historical exhibit on Mollie Huston Lee and the library’s legacy will be on display starting Monday, Nov. 10, at the Richard B. Harrison Community Library.