Sumner Library

Sumner Library is a public library housed in a Tudor Revival building located at 611 Van White Memorial Boulevard. The original structure from 1915 underwent renovation in 2004 that added modern features while preserving the distinctive architectural character of the historic building.

The building was constructed in 1915, designed by architect Cecil Bayless Chapman and funded through the Carnegie Corporation. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000, recognizing its importance to the city's heritage.

The library served as a gathering place for the Jewish community, who came here to find books in Yiddish and Hebrew. This heritage shaped the building's identity for generations and remains part of its story today.

The collection includes materials in multiple languages such as Somali, Hmong, and Spanish, making it accessible to diverse communities. Visitors should check ahead to learn about specific collections or sections that match their interests.

The collection holds more than 5000 titles focused on Black history and literature, making it a destination for specialized research on this subject. Many visitors are unaware of this extensive resource when they arrive at the library.