Featured photo: Gloria Coles-photo courtesy of and copyrighted by the Flint Public Library
Written by Jameca Patrick-Singleton
Nearly every seat reserved for public speaking was filled at the June 2, 2022 Flint Public Library Board of Directors meeting. The public had one request, to honor Gloria Coles by adding her name to the name of the library.
Coles, who was the director of the library from 1984-2004, is credited in large part for making books by and about African American people a large part of the selection at the library and making the library accessible to children throughout the city, particularly African American children.
“She opened the door for us-our children,” said community advocate E. Hill Deloney.
“African American Children could get into the library” De Loney added.. “It’s breaking my heart to tell this story. I’m telling you, if you don’t do it now it will never be done.”
According to the board of directors, one key issue is in the process of renaming the organization as opposed to simply renaming the building. They are consulting Law Library Specialist Attorney Ann Seurynck for counsel on any steps they would possibly need to take.
Activist Liz Taylor stated that this change is important enough to see to the end.
