CORRECTION 3/1/2024: Per Brenda Mitchell-Powell's book, "Public in Name Only", full integration of the Alexandria (VA) Library occurred in 1962, not 1950]]>
This item is part of Jones Memorial Library Manuscript Collection 1396, the Dunbar High School Library Papers.]]>
The postcard is alluding to the segregated services of Patterson Drug Store in Lynchburg, Virginia. The store had been the site of a December 1960 sit-in by students at Randolph College, protesting the racial segregation of the drugstore's restaurant services.]]>
In the correspondence, Dickerson notes that Jones Memorial Library is donating books to the Dunbar High School Library. At the time, Dunbar High School Library provided services to "colored" residents of the city.

In the series of exchanges, city officials seek information about library services for "the use of the colored people in the City of Lynchburg."

Included with the correspondence is a list of libraries in the city and which racial populations they serve and a letter from the Lynchburg City Manager to the League of Virginia Municipalities, requesting information about library statistics in the state.]]>
In her letter, Burke requests information about the racial integration of the Jones Memorial Library.

An unsigned response on 05 October 1950 from Jones Memorial Library to Burke clarifies that the library is not integrated.]]>
In the letter, Stuart advocates for integration of the library's services and facilities.]]>