The Fort Hill Library began in Marietta, Georgia, founded by Hattie G Wilson in 1947, for the benefit of Black children, and through the use of her own personal resources. At that time, it was the only library that Black people in the community could use. Located on Lemon Street and in the heart of the Black community, it was a pillar of educational excellence, alongside Lemon Street High School.

In 1959, it was incorporated into the Cobb County-Marietta Public Library system.

In 1971, the Cobb County Library System opened a branch in the former all-black school on Lemon Street, and in 1986 it was renamed the Hattie G. Wilson Library, acknowledging Mrs. Wilson’s participation and leadership as a notable civil rights activist and educator who established this first Black History collection in the state.

From this location the Black Awareness Group was founded by Mrs. Wilson’s daughter, Felecca Wilson Taylor who was also an educator, librarian, storyteller and key participant in the civil rights movement in Marietta. Participants were mentored by Mrs. Felecca Wilson Taylor, also known as Ms. Fefe about current events in the civil rights movement as well as introduced to Black history authors and books, holding us accountable for understanding and preserving “our” Black history.

Fort Hill Community Library is the vision realized by the personal donation of Michael Thomas of 175 African American history and literature books to Cole Street Community Church for the purpose of preserving the memory and significance of the original Fort Hill Library. Additional books donated by Cole Street Community Church and Allen Temple Baptist Church has grown the vision and our collection.

The community owns our history and despite current efforts to bury “our story”, the Fort Hill Community Library resurgence will provide access to learn more about Black history, which is vital in telling the complete and true story of American History.