Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center is Forsyth County Public Library's oldest branch. Committed to preserving African American history and experiences, it was dedicated 70 years ago. Here's a look at the center's history + how you can celebrate its platinum jubilee.

History

A library to serve Black Winstonians opened inside the Chestnut Street YMCA on February 15, 1927. It was named for poet George Moses Horton and moved to a room on East 6th Street in 1931.

Doctors HD Malloy Sr., H. Rembert Malloy, and JC Jordan donated land for a new facility on East 7th Street in 1953. Librarian of Congress L. Quincy Mumford came to town to deliver the keynote address at the dedication of the renamed East Winston Branch Library on Nov. 14, 1954.

In 1988, the branch was designated as the city's first heritage center. It was renamed and rededicated in 2004 to honor the three physicians that advocated for it. The historical marker for Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center was unveiled May 26, 2016.

The East Winston branch of the Forsyth County Public Library in 1978, 20 years before it was designated as the library's first heritage center. | Courtesy of the Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection via Digital Forsyth

Learn more

The three-day platinum jubilee celebration will be held at the center Thursday, Nov. 14-Saturday, Nov. 16. The community is invited to the following events:

Thursday, Nov. 14 | 4-6 p.m. | Enjoy an afternoon coloring in a 70th anniversary activity book. Supplies will be provided.
Friday, Nov. 15 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Take part in a panel discussion about the library and its impact on the community with former library staff.
Saturday, Nov. 16 | 11-11:30 a.m. | Watch a performance from the NC Black Repertory Company commemorating the library's significance and service to the community.
Saturday, Nov. 16 | 12:15 p.m. | Bring the family to participate in a children's book talk about "Building a Better Block with Brandon" by Devin Freeman.

All activities are free and no RSVP is required. Stop by any Forsyth County Public Library branch to pick up an activity book detailing the center's history.