Roanoke library talk explores Gainsboro Branch history Oct. 22

ROANOKE — Roanoke Public Library lists Jim Crow & Southern Libraries: The Story of the Gainsboro Branch Library for 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026.

The history talk is scheduled for the Community Room at Gainsboro Library. The city calendar identifies branch manager Megan Mizak as the speaker and says the program will examine the Gainsboro Branch’s place in the history of African American library access in Virginia.

The calendar description says the discussion will cover the early spread of public libraries, the barriers created by Jim Crow laws, and the role of community leaders in establishing the Gainsboro Branch. It identifies the Roanoke branch as the second freestanding library in Virginia operated for and by African Americans, opening in 1921.

The event listing is the source for the date, time and program description. Readers should check the library calendar before attending for any update to the room, schedule or participation details; the listing does not state a ticket price or registration requirement.

Source: Reporting based on the City of Roanoke official calendar, checked Oct. 18, 2026. The accompanying image is an original detailed GetStarNews illustrative editorial graphic; it does not depict actual officials, speakers, attendees, buildings or current on-site conditions. The artwork uses symbolic archival objects and a timeline rather than a documentary reconstruction.