Honoring the Legacy of James “Library” Brown
Honoring the Legacy of James “Library” Brown
James Brown (1937-1991) dedicated his career to curating and expanding the Newark Public Library’s collection of resources on the African American experience. As a librarian for 29 years, he served as Principal Librarian and Head of the African American Room, playing a vital role in shaping this unique and invaluable space.
After his untimely passing at the age of 53 in 1991, the African American Room was renamed in his honor. Mr. Brown was especially passionate about encouraging Newark’s youth to value education and recognize the Library’s role in their academic and personal growth.
James Brown (1937-1991) dedicated his career to curating and expanding the Newark Public Library’s collection of resources on the African American experience. As a librarian for 29 years, he served as Principal Librarian and Head of the African American Room, playing a vital role in shaping this unique and invaluable space.
After his untimely passing at the age of 53 in 1991, the African American Room was renamed in his honor. Mr. Brown was especially passionate about encouraging Newark’s youth to value education and recognize the Library’s role in their academic and personal growth.
About the James Brown African American Room
The James Brown African American Room (JBAAR) is a space designed for exploration and inspiration. Its collection offers cross-disciplinary access to materials about African American life, history, and culture. Visitors can browse titles of current interest, timeless classics, and essential reference sources.
The JBAAR is proud to provide a welcoming and resource-rich environment for learning, exploration, and connection. Our services and amenities include:
- A curated collection of fiction and non-fiction circulating and reference books highlighting African American life, history, and culture
- A spacious, newly renovated room that serves as a designated quiet space for study, reading and reflection
- Themed book displays and rotating exhibits showcasing diverse topics and perspectives
- Personalized readers’ advisory and reference services to assist with your information needs
- Engaging programs and events that celebrate African American heritage and culture
- Free Wi-Fi and access to three public computers
- Printer and copy machine services
- Friendly staff ready to help with your research, reading, or technology questions
We host an annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture and Black History Celebration as part of our ongoing commitment to honoring African Diasporic history and culture through meaningful programming and community engagement.
Our most recent MLK Lectures featured Kenneth B. Morris Jr., the great-great-great-grandson of Frederick Douglass; history professor and writer Dr. Tanisha C. Ford, author of Our Secret Society: Mollie Moon and the Glamour, Money, and Power Behind the Civil Rights Movement; and Grammy-nominated poet, human and civil rights activist, writer, and filmmaker Kevin Powell.
Our Black History Celebrations include a curated exhibit and a series of engaging programs that explore key themes in African American history and culture. Through panel discussions, film screenings, and artist talks, these annual events highlight the contributions of Black individuals across various fields and spark meaningful conversations around creativity, resilience, and identity. Explore recent programs from 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Interested in streaming movies and TV shows, reading eBooks, listening to audiobooks, taking online classes, or even learning a new language?
Check out JBAAR ONLINE—our hub for accessing free digital platforms like Kanopy (streaming movies and TV shows), Hoopla (eBooks, audiobooks and more) and LinkedIn Learning (online classes). You’ll also find staff picks across all formats, plus information on how to get a library card. Everything is free with your Newark Public Library card.
Support the Vision
The Friends of the James Brown African American Room work to honor Mr. Brown’s pioneering legacy by raising funds to expand the collection of books, music, films, and reference materials. Their efforts also enable the Library to present more programs and exhibitions that celebrate African American history, culture, and literary achievements. Click here to join or learn more about the Friends of JBAAR
Stay Connected!
Sign up for our email list to receive updates on upcoming programs, events, new additions to our collection, and more. Be the first to know what’s happening in our space dedicated to celebrating African American history, culture, and legacy. Don’t miss out—join today!
