From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)
Providence WPA Colored Library (Webster County, KY)
(start date: March 10, 1939 - end date: March 27, 1942)The Providence Colored Library was first mentioned in the Dixon Journal in 1939. It was announced that "The colored people's library at Providence will be opened today [March 10, 1939]." The announcement was made by Mrs. Wendell Johnson who was over the county (rural) project. Miss Kattye Orr was the librarian at the Providence Colored library. The library statistics included 200 books used by 131 Black families and 485 readers.
The Providence library was one of eight new library centers in Webster County. All of the libraries were established during the Great Depression as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) library efforts in Kentucky. The Providence Colored Library was located in Dr. Ferguson's Building at 104 Finley Avenue.
Six of the new library centers were sponsored by the Webster County School System. The center in Clay was sponsored by three local clubs, and the Providence Colored Library was sponsored locally. The number of books donated to the centers were matched by an equal number of new books brought by the WPA. Residents were encouraged to visit the libraries.
In June of 1939, it was reported that there was continued interest in the colored WPA library. Some books and magazines had been donated to the collection, with the largest donation of 51 books from Mrs. T. J. Montgomery. In September of 1939, Mrs. Ruth Poole was the librarian. A few months later, there was a silver tea event in January of 1940. The event was sponsored by the C. P. Church Missionary Society and the proceeds were to be used to purchase new books for small children.
At some point after January 1940, the Providence Colored Library was closed. The facility reopened in October of 1940 and Mamie G. Rice was the librarian. Two years later, on March 27, 1942, it was announced in the Dixon Journal that all WPA libraries in Webster County were being closed "as a result limiting WPA projects to work directly connected with defense." This was a decision made by the federal government.
Sources: "Lisman Library opens Wednesday: Others opening. The Dixon Journal, 10 March 1939, front page; "WPA Library for Negroes now open in Providence." Providence Enterprise, 23 March 1939, front page; "WPA Library receives high commendation: Eight book centers." The Dixon Journal, 14 April 1939, front page; "Interest grows in colored WPA library." The Providence Enterprise, 08 June 1939, p.8; "Interest shown in library books." The Providence Enterprise, 14 September 1939, p.2; "Colored Library gives "silver tea"." 01 February 1940, p.2; "Negro W.P.A. library reopened." Providence Enterprise, 10 October 1940, p.2; "WPA libraries are closing." Dixon Journal, 27 March 1942, front page.