John L. Dart Library

Front: Dart Hall, at Kracke and Bogard Sts., was founded in 1927 by Susan Dart Butler (1888-1959) as the first public library for African Americans in Charleston. She was the daughter of Rev. John L. Dart (1844-1947), who in 1894 established the Charleston Normal and Industrial Institute, later Burke H.S. The library began as a reading room in the printing office of the Institute, relying on Rev. Dart’s personal collection. Reverse: In 1931, with support of the Julius Rosenwald Fund, the collection and building expanded, and Dart Hall became a branch of the Charleston Free Library. The Dart family leased the building to the county for $1 a year until the county bought the building in 1952. Susan Dart Butler continued to serve as librarian until 1957. In 1968 a new library was completed here and the original Dart Hall Library was razed.