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<title>Hannibal Square Library</title>
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<p><b>Hannibal Square Library</b> was a library established to serve the Black community in <a href="Winter_Park%2C_Florida" title="Winter Park, Florida">Winter Park, Florida</a> that operated from 1937 to 1979. In 1881, the Hannibal Square neighborhood was built to house to Black families who worked for white residents and visitors and in the railroad or service industry.<sup id="cite_ref-:0_1-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:0-1"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>1<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> In 1936, Mertie Graham Grover, a former teacher, was hit by a car and killed in Winter Park.<sup id="cite_ref-:2_2-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:2-2"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>2<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Her husband, Rollins College professor Dr. <a href="Edwin_Osgood_Grover" title="Edwin Osgood Grover">Edwin O. Grover</a>, started a fund to build a library in her memory in the Hannibal Square neighborhood that would serve the Black residents who were barred by <a href="Racial_segregation" title="Racial segregation">segregation laws</a> from using the county library.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_3-0" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-3"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>3<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Dr. Grover was Professor of Books and taught classes on reading and literature and later started his own publishing company, the Angel Alley Press. He was also instrumental in gaining the land for the future Mead Botanical Garden.<sup id="cite_ref-4" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-4"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>4<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup>
</p><p>The Hannibal Square Library collection began with the purchase of 100 books and was initially kept in the Colored Day Nursery and later in the local elementary school. <sup id="cite_ref-5" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-5"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>5<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> As resources and funds were assembled for the construction of the library, a non-profit called Hannibal Square Associates was formed. Their objectives were “to establish, own and operate a public library; to own and develop a recreation center and any other enterprise for the social and civic betterment of the Negro population of Winter Park, Florida; and to promote and encourage education and the attendance of the Negro population of the City of Winter Park at institutions of higher learning; to cultivate the artistic, scientific and literary tastes and aspirations of the Negro population of the City of Winter Park.” <sup id="cite_ref-6" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-6"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>6<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> In 1936 prior to the construction of the dedicated library building, funds for the library were half provided by the community. The Orlando Sentinel donated a number of books to the children's collection.<sup id="cite_ref-7" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-7"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>7<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup>
</p><p>The Hannibal Square Public Library-Mertie Graham Grover Memorial was built on the north side of West New England Avenue near Pennsylvania Avenue, next to the Black elementary school.<sup id="cite_ref-8" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-8"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>8<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-9" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-9"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>9<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> It opened on July 1, 1937, at a cost of $1,100.<sup id="cite_ref-10" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-10"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>10<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> Initially it was open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 4-6 pm and 7-9 pm. <sup id="cite_ref-11" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-11"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>11<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> The library hosted a variety of local clubs and organizations over the years, including the Boy Scouts, Benevolent Society and Colored Women's Club (also known as the Ideal Woman's Club). <sup id="cite_ref-12" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-12"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>12<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> In the 1950s, the library began to receive some funding from the city, although less than the public library received. In 1955, a children's room was added, funded with donations of time, labor and money.<sup id="cite_ref-:2_2-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:2-2"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>2<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> In 1962 and 1963, the <a href="Winter_Park_Public_Library" class="mw-redirect" title="Winter Park Public Library">Winter Park Public Library</a> changed its policies to allow all residents, regardless of race, to access its library services.<sup id="cite_ref-13" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-13"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>13<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup>
</p><p>In 1968 Hannibal Square Associates was dissolved with its assets distributed to the Winter Park Library Association and resulted in the consolidation of the Hannibal Square Library into the Winter Park Public Library system, which was formally founded in 1902. <sup id="cite_ref-14" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-14"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>14<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> <sup id="cite_ref-15" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-15"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>15<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> In 1979, the Hannibal Square library closed when the 460 East New England Avenue library opened.<sup id="cite_ref-:1_3-1" class="reference"><a href="#cite_note-:1-3"><span class="cite-bracket">[</span>3<span class="cite-bracket">]</span></a></sup> The Hannibal Square building was moved to a place behind the Winter Park Community Center.
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<div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="References">References</h2></div>
<div class="mw-references-wrap mw-references-columns"><ol class="references">
<li id="cite_note-:0-1"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-:0_1-0">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><style data-mw-deduplicate="TemplateStyles:r1238218222">
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</style><cite id="CITEREFMiller2020" class="citation web cs1">Miller, Shannon Shelton (2020-01-17). <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/winter-park-hannibal-square-heritage-center/">"Hannibal Square Heritage Center of Winter Park: Pride & Progress | Visit Florida"</a>. <i>www.visitflorida.com</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2022-03-20</span></span>.</cite></span>
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<li id="cite_note-:1-3"><span class="mw-cite-backlink">^ <a href="#cite_ref-:1_3-0"><sup><i><b>a</b></i></sup></a> <a href="#cite_ref-:1_3-1"><sup><i><b>b</b></i></sup></a></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20220320073654/https://omeka.wppl.librarymarket.com/exhibits/show/winter-park-history-reference-/winter-park-neighborhoods/hannibal-square/hannibal-square-library">"Hannibal Square Library · Winter Park's Historic Homes and Buildings · Winter Park Library Archive"</a>. <i>Winter Park Library</i>. Archived from <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://omeka.wppl.librarymarket.com/exhibits/show/winter-park-history-reference-/winter-park-neighborhoods/hannibal-square/hannibal-square-library">the original</a> on March 20, 2022<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2022-03-20</span></span>.</cite></span>
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<li id="cite_note-4"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-4">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://winterparklibraryarchives.org/exhibits/show/histbioref/edwin-osgood-grover">"Edwin Osgood Grover · People of Winter Park · Winter Park Library Archives"</a>. <i>winterparklibraryarchives.org</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2025-05-02</span></span>.</cite></span>
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<li id="cite_note-5"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-5">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://winterparklibraryarchives.org/exhibits/show/winter-park-history-reference-/winter-park-neighborhoods/hannibal-square/hannibal-square-library">"Hannibal Square Library · Winter Park's Historic Homes and Buildings · Winter Park Library Archives"</a>. <i>winterparklibraryarchives.org</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2025-05-02</span></span>.</cite></span>
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<li id="cite_note-6"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-6">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://winterparklibraryarchives.org/exhibits/show/winter-park-history-reference-/winter-park-neighborhoods/hannibal-square/hannibal-square-library">"Hannibal Square Library · Winter Park's Historic Homes and Buildings · Winter Park Library Archives"</a>. <i>winterparklibraryarchives.org</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2025-05-02</span></span>.</cite></span>
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<li id="cite_note-7"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-7">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://winterparklibraryarchives.org/items/show/3518">"Hannibal Square Library Seeks Financial Aid To Continue Work · Winter Park Library Archives"</a>. <i>winterparklibraryarchives.org</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2025-05-02</span></span>.</cite></span>
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<li id="cite_note-8"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-8">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation news cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.newspapers.com/article/orlando-evening-star-hannibal-square-ass/13608484/">"Hannibal Square Associates Organized in 1937 to Build Library (Mar 1963)"</a>. <i>Orlando Evening Star</i>. 1963-03-28. p. 27<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2024-05-22</span></span>.</cite></span>
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<li id="cite_note-9"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-9">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://historyengine.richmond.edu/episodes/view/4561">"The Hannibal Square Elementary School"</a>. <i>dsl.richmond.edu</i>. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://archive.today/20240522082716/https://historyengine.richmond.edu/episodes/view/4561">Archived</a> from the original on May 22, 2024<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2024-05-22</span></span>.</cite></span>
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<li id="cite_note-10"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-10">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://winterparklibraryarchives.org/exhibits/show/winter-park-history-reference-/winter-park-neighborhoods/hannibal-square/hannibal-square-library">"Hannibal Square Library · Winter Park's Historic Homes and Buildings · Winter Park Library Archives"</a>. <i>winterparklibraryarchives.org</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2025-05-02</span></span>.</cite></span>
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<li id="cite_note-11"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-11">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://winterparklibraryarchives.org/exhibits/show/winter-park-history-reference-/winter-park-neighborhoods/hannibal-square/hannibal-square-library">"Hannibal Square Library · Winter Park's Historic Homes and Buildings · Winter Park Library Archives"</a>. <i>winterparklibraryarchives.org</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2025-05-02</span></span>.</cite></span>
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<li id="cite_note-13"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-13">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite id="CITEREFParnellVassel" class="citation news cs1">Parnell, Susana; Vassel, Yvonne. <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://digital.lib.usf.edu/SFS0000129/00001">"A History of the Winter Park Public Library"</a>.</cite></span>
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<li id="cite_note-14"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-14">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://winterparklibraryarchives.org/exhibits/show/winter-park-history-reference-/winter-park-neighborhoods/hannibal-square/hannibal-square-library">"Hannibal Square Library · Winter Park's Historic Homes and Buildings · Winter Park Library Archives"</a>. <i>winterparklibraryarchives.org</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2025-05-02</span></span>.</cite></span>
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<li id="cite_note-15"><span class="mw-cite-backlink"><b><a href="#cite_ref-15">^</a></b></span> <span class="reference-text"><cite class="citation web cs1"><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://winterparkmag.com/history/">"History - Winter Park Magazine"</a>. <i>winterparkmag.com/</i><span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">2025-05-02</span></span>.</cite></span>
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<div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="Further_reading">Further reading</h2></div>
<ul><li>Peter Schreyer (2016). <i>The Hannibal Square Heritage Collection: Photographs and Oral Histories</i>. The Florida Historical Society Press. ISBN 978-1886104860</li></ul>
<div class="mw-heading mw-heading2"><h2 id="External_links">External links</h2></div>
<ul><li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="http://www.hannibalsquareheritagecenter.org/">Hannibal Square Heritage Center website</a></li>
<li><a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://omeka.wppl.librarymarket.com/collections/show/105">Winter Park Library archives on Winter Park's West Side neighborhood</a></li></ul>
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</style><span class=" nourlexpansion"><a class="external text" href="geo:28.5959,-81.3579"><span class="geo-nondefault"><span class="geo-dms" title="Maps, aerial photos, and other data for this location"><span class="latitude">28°35′45″N</span> <span class="longitude">81°21′28″W</span></span></span><span class="geo-multi-punct"> / </span><span class="geo-default"><span class="geo-dec" title="Maps, aerial photos, and other data for this location">28.5959°N 81.3579°W</span><span style="display:none"> / <span class="geo">28.5959; -81.3579</span></span></span></a></span></span>
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