“I am the Dunbar Jupiter Library. I am neither walls nor shelves that stand in rows. I am the Wisdom of the Universe, Captured, and arranged for you. I am an open door. ‘ENTER.’”
— Mary L. Rice (1933 – 2022), first librarian of the Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library
Today, I had the opportunity to visit the public library in the historic Dunbar community in Fort Myers, Florida. A panel of retired African-American nurses told stories of the changing face of healthcare during their career from the 1960’s to today. While the prejudice that they faced in their career was intolerable, they met the challenge with courage and resolve in advocating for their patients and their community. They are an inspiration and their stories are a historical treasure chest.
About Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Library
The location of the panel was the Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library. At the entrance, near the circulation desk, you can find laminated copies of the 1978 newspaper magazine describing the historically African-American Community on the “wrong side of the tracks.” Dunbar has a unique and challenging history that I hope you will read more about… or just ask the staff.
This library is home to the largest African-American book collection in Southwest Florida. As a storyteller-speaker, I have a collection of stories that take place during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950’s and 1960’s. I am always looking for more information on the historical context of these stories, and I got lost for a half hour just reading titles. I did eventually settle on a stack of books to check out with my library card.
The Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Library was the dream of five African-American housewives and mothers who lived in the Dunbar Community. This would become the first public library of an underserved community and a community resource for books and materials on their African-American history. The special collection honors Mary L. Rice, one of the founders and the first librarian.
What’s in a name?
The library takes its name from the community, Dunbar, and the author, Jupiter Hammon.
Jupiter Hammon (1711 – 1806), known as a founder of African-American literature, published his poem in 1761 in New York and became the first published African American author in North America. (Wikipedia)
I’m not sure of the origin of the community name, but it may be from a famous author. Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872 – 1906) became one of the first African-American writers to establish an international reputation. He published his first poem at 16 years old. In addition to his poems, short stories, and novels, he also wrote the lyrics for the musical comedy In Dahomey (1903), the first all-African-American musical produced on Broadway in New York. (Wikipedia)
For today’s inspiration, read the poem, Dreams…
Dreams
~ by Paul Laurence Dunbar
What dreams we have and how they fly
Like rosy clouds across the sky;
Of wealth, of fame, of sure success,
Of love that comes to cheer and bless;
And how they wither, how they fade,
The waning wealth, the jilting jade –
The fame that for a moment gleams,
Then flies forever, — dreams, ah — dreams!O burning doubt and long regret
O tears with which our eyes are wet,
Heart-throbs, heart-aches, the glut of pain,
The somber cloud, the bitter rain,
You were not of those dreams — ah! well,
Your full fruition who can tell?
Wealth, fame, and love, ah! love that beams
Upon our souls, all dreams — ah! dreams.
Books
