We are pleased to share some exciting news about the Library with you! In response to a grassroots initiative, Flint Public Library Board of Trustees has unanimously voted to embark on a process that will rename the Library. Once the legal groundwork is in place, the new name will be the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library.

Gloria Coles became the Director of Flint Public Library in April 1984. She was the first African American woman to hold that position, and she spent the next 20 years living into her vision of what a library should be and do for the community.

“Ms. Coles was an inspiring leader, a tireless advocate, and a force for change,” says Board President Reta Stanley. “She retired in 2004 but has been actively involved in the community and with the Library ever since. We often choose to honor significant people after they have passed away, but it is far better to do so while they are alive. Therefore, the Board of Trustees was pleased to vote unanimously in favor of this name change.”

You can read the entire press release here. Please join us in congratulating Ms. Coles and in thanking the Board of Trustees for collaborating with the public in this effort.