Photographs from the Gainsboro Branch Library

The Gainsboro Branch Library opened on 13 December 1921 in the basement of the Odd Fellows Hall, later the William A. Hunton YMCA, on Gainesboro Rd. and Patton Ave.  Lucy Addison, Rev. A. L. James, and Rev. Lylburn L. Downing began the first Gainsboro Library Advisory Board that worked to open the library.  Ella F. Bowden was the first librarian (1921-1923), followed by Emma Lyons (1924) and Harriet Miles (1924-1928).   Virginia Y. Lee became the fourth branch librarian in 1928.  

Virginia Dare Young Lee was born 22 November 1906 in McComas, West Virginia to Robert D. and Lula B. Young.  She was raised in Roanoke, Virginia and attended Harrison School, graduating as class Valedictorian in 1924.  After graduating from the Hampton Institute’s School of Library Science she worked at LeMoyne Junior College in Memphis, Tennessee and later Gilmer School in Roanoke, Virginia. 

Upon becoming the branch librarian at the Gainsboro Library, Lee immediately began to develop a Black History Collection and create library displays of the accomplishments of African Americans.  Later she continued to grow the library’s collection by writing to prominent African Americans who would donate signed copies of books, photos and other materials to the library. 

As the library’s collection grew, it became clear that the basement of the YMCA could no longer accommodate the library. Lee appealed to the City to build a new library, yet she was met with resistance.  However, the City agreed to allocate $20,000 toward building construction, if Lee could somehow secure the land. Undeterred, Lee approached Father Thomas at St. Andrews Catholic Church in 1941 and asked if the church would be willing to lease land for the new library.  Father Thomas gave his blessing and worked with Lee to write a letter to Pope Pious XII for permission.  The Pope did more than lease the land, he donated the land for the new library, “for the next 99 years.”

On 10 May 1942 the new library was open to the public.  The design of the library was imagined and  sketched by Lee, drawing from the Tudor style of the Hotel Roanoke. Architectural firm Eubank & Caldwell, Inc. completed the design and blueprints for the building. The new building covered 3,050 square feet and  included a main reading room, office, lecture room, reference room and an unfinished basement.  The library's opening day collection was 7,000 titles. 

In 1943, Lee collaborated with the William A. Hunton Branch YMCA and the Hampton Institute  to launch the People’s War College, an adult education series designed to prepare citizens for life during and after World War II.  Courses offered varied from religious studies, to bookkeeping, shorthand, english and mathematics. After the end of the war, the program was renamed the Community College. In 1946 the program ended.

In the mid-1940s, Lee faced opposition from city officials, demanding that she dispose of the library’s growing collection on black history.  Lee defied the officials and hid the collection in the basement of the library and continued collecting materials.  

After 43 years of service, Virginia Y. Lee retired from the Gainsboro Library in 1971.  Upon retirement, she gifted 3,500 books and other items on black history that she collected to the library.

Following Lee’s retirement Rebecca Cooper became branch librarian from 1971 to 1972.  Caralene (Carla) Levern Mathis Lewis became branch librarian in 1973.

Carla Lewis was born in Bladen County, North Carolina on 2 February 1949.  She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and then attended Federal City College in Washington D.C.  In 1969 Lewis transferred to Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia, graduating in 1973 with a degree in Elementary Education. 

Shortly after graduation, Lewis became branch librarian of the Gainsboro Library and quickly implemented children's programing including preschool storytimes and puppet shows. 

In 1976 and 1982, the City of Roanoke attempted to close the Gainsboro Library, however both closures were stopped due to the community’s push for it to remain open.

The Virginia Y. Lee Collection was dedicated in 1982 through the efforts of Carla Lewis. The collection consists of rare and first edition books, many of which were collected by Lee, on African American history and literature. 

The library was designated a Virginia State Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, an accomplishment overseen by Lewis with the involvement of many community leaders.  Additionally, Lewis launched the Roanoke Public Libraries Oral History Initiative in 2006 and was instrumental in collecting and preserving stories of historic Gainsboro by gathering participation of neighborhood residents. 

In 2008, Lewis oversaw the renovation of the Gainsboro Library which included expanding the building with an addition, nearly doubling the size of the structure, yet maintaining its original character.  The renovation added a community room, new bathrooms, a hallway, study room and teen center to the library.  Additionally, the Virginia Y. Lee Collection was moved and is now housed in the Virginia Y. Lee Room.

Lewis retired after 36 years as branch librarian in 2009.   

Today the Gainsboro Branch Library continues to serve the community and honor the dedication and legacy of the librarians that came before.