The concept of the Black Public Library emerged during the segregation era in the United States when Black people were often denied access to public libraries that typically served only White patrons. In response to this systemic exclusion, Black communities established their own libraries to provide access to educational resources, reading materials, and cultural artifacts for Black individuals.

These libraries played a crucial role in promoting literacy, education, and cultural pride within Black communities, especially during a time when access to educational resources and opportunities was limited for Black people. The Black Public Libraries served as centers for learning, gathering, and community empowerment, providing a safe space for Black individuals to explore and celebrate their history and culture.

Notable examples of Black Public Libraries include the Allen County Public Library's African American Library and Culture Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, New York. These libraries continue to preserve and promote Black history, literature, and art, serving as important cultural institutions for the Black community and beyond.