lillian griggs, librarian leader
By Jair Oballe
Griggs was the first professionally trained public librarian in the state and the first librarian In Duke’s Women’s College, serving from 1930-1949.[1] She started the first bookmobiles in the country, bringing books to underserved and rural areas. Griggs also established branch libraries in Durham’s mill district and high school, and assisted in setting up the Durham Colored Library for the African-American population in 1916.[2] The concept of open stacks was an anomaly at the time, but despite opposition, Griggs fought for students to have direct access.[3] Reaching out to local furnishing companies, Griggs acquired art and furniture to create “booklover’s rooms,” where “poetry, drama, and music evenings were held for the students.”[4]
[1]. Biographical Reference Collection 1972 – 2004, Box 12, Duke University Archives.
[2]. See Fuller to Bertram, 16 December 1916, Board of Trustees Correspondence, Box 1, DCL Archives.
[3]. Woman's College Library planning, 1930-1934, Guide to the Lillian Baker Griggs Papers, 1930 - 1949 Box 3.
[4]. Biographical Reference Collection 1972 – 2004, Box 12.
[2]. See Fuller to Bertram, 16 December 1916, Board of Trustees Correspondence, Box 1, DCL Archives.
[3]. Woman's College Library planning, 1930-1934, Guide to the Lillian Baker Griggs Papers, 1930 - 1949 Box 3.
[4]. Biographical Reference Collection 1972 – 2004, Box 12.
