The Douglass-Truth Branch houses one of the largest collections of African American literature and history on the West Coast. A building expansion in 2006 greatly expanded shelf space for the collection. The collection features more than 10,000 items, including biographies, magazines, literature, music and films.
Researchers and students will find many helpful resources. The collection has a strong emphasis on Northwest materials and Seattle-area history with pamphlets, fliers and posters on local leaders and issues. Contemporary titles are regularly added.
The collection was established in 1965 through a donation by the local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, a national service organization founded by African-American college women.
Seattle Black Spatial Histories Institute (SBSHI) is Wa Na Wari’s two-year oral history and community story training institute in partnership with the Black Heritage Society of Washington State and the Library, with support from 4Culture.