Thank you to Jay Rhinehart, member of the Lilburn Ward, for sharing these pictures and information about a historic new library that will be opening in Lawrenceville. Jay is an architect who has been on the team designing this beautiful library, partnering with the Hooper-Renwick Legacy Preservation Committee to remember an important part of American history in Lawrenceville. One member of the design team has created displays for the Smithsonian and has brought his talents to memorialize the history of the former school, soon-to-be library. It is so neat to have a preview!
A ribbon cutting ceremony is happening on June 16th, with a soft opening of the library and historical exhibit on June 16th. This would be a great place to visit on Juneteenth (June 19th) or that week. (It's recommended to check to make sure the library is open before you go as it's in the final stages of inspections with the hope to open on June 16th).
Address:
56 Neal Blvd,
Lawrenceville 30046
Hours
M-T 10-8
F-Sat 10-5
Sun-12-5
More information about the former school, now library:
The Hooper-Renwick School in Lawrenceville was Gwinnett County’s only public school for African American students during the era of segregation.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Hooper-Renwick served as the primary educational institution for Black students in the county, offering grades one through twelve.
The school’s closure in 1968 coincided with the desegregation of Gwinnett County schools, marking the end of an era. In the years that followed, the building served various purposes but faced potential demolition in the 2010s. Community members and alumni rallied to preserve the site, leading to the formation of the Hooper-Renwick Legacy Preservation Committee in 2016. Their efforts culminated in plans to transform the historic building into a themed library and Black history museum, set to open in June 16, 2025.
