Carter G. Woodson Branch Library
🏢 Gary Public Library · GARY, Indiana
Carter G. Woodson Branch Library
Carter G. Woodson Branch Library honors the pioneering African American historian who founded Black History Month, carrying his legacy of scholarship and community education to Gary's lakefront neighborhoods since its original founding as the Miller Branch in 1914.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays.
📍 Location & Contact
Address: 501 S. Lake Street, GARY, IN 46403
Phone: 2199383941
Website: garypubliclibrary.org
📖 About Carter G. Woodson Branch Library
<p>Carter G. Woodson Branch Library is a branch of the Gary Public Library, located on South Lake Street near Gary's lakefront neighborhoods. The branch traces its origins to 1914, when it opened as the Miller Branch — one of the earliest neighborhood branches in a system founded just six years earlier in 1908. The branch was later renamed to honor Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950), the Virginia-born African American historian, author, and educator who founded Negro History Week in 1926, the precursor to Black History Month. Woodson's dedication to preserving and teaching African American history makes him a fitting namesake for a community library. The Gary Public Library also maintains an Indiana Room at its main location for local history research, continuing the tradition of community scholarship Woodson championed throughout his career.</p>
⭐ What makes this branch special
- Named for Carter G. Woodson, historian who founded the precursor to Black History Month
- Traces its roots to the Miller Branch, established 1914 — among Gary's earliest branches
- Serves Gary's lakefront neighborhoods near Lake Michigan
- Part of the Gary Public Library system, founded 1908 with an Andrew Carnegie grant
📱 Free with a Gary Public Library Card
Digital borrowing and Indiana statewide research databases available 24/7 at no cost.
📍 More Gary Public Library branches
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Carter G. Woodson, and why is this branch named after him?
Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950) was an African American historian, author, and educator often called the 'Father of Black History.' He founded Negro History Week in 1926, which evolved into Black History Month, and established the Journal of Negro History. Naming the branch in his honor reflects his legacy of making history accessible to all communities.
What was the Carter G. Woodson Branch originally called?
The branch opened in 1914 as the Miller Branch, named for the Miller neighborhood it originally served. The Gary Public Library system records it as one of the earliest neighborhood branches in the system, which was itself founded in 1908.
Is the Carter G. Woodson Branch open on weekends?
The branch is open on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It is closed on Fridays and Sundays. Weekday hours are Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.