Anne Spencer was born Annie Bethel Scales Bannister, on February 6, 1882. She showed incredible dedication to education and civil rights throughout her life. When she was 11 years old, her family moved to Lynchburg. This move allowed her to attend what is now called the University of Lynchburg. Back then, this university was famous for offering quality education to all students. Even though she initially struggled with reading, Anne worked hard and eventually became the valedictorian six years later, proving her determination and intelligence.

In 1901, Anne married Edward Spencer, who later became Lynchburg's first parcel postman. They had three children and lived at 1313 Pierce Street, which is now the Anne Spencer House and Garden Museum.

Anne Spencer dedicated herself to improving the lives of African American people in Lynchburg. She actively took part in various civic groups and was one of the founding members of Lynchburg's first NAACP chapter. Her home was a safe haven for travelers who faced discrimination by Jim Crow laws, hosting important figures like Martin Luther King, W. E. B. Du Bois, Langston Hughes, and Thurgood Marshall. 

Anne started her writing journey in 1920 with the publication of her first poem. Over the years, she wrote many poems, with 30 of them being published. Her recognition as a poet grew when she became the first African American woman poet to be featured in the Norton Anthology of Modern Poetry.

In 1924, Anne took on another significant role. She became the first librarian at Dunbar High School. Even though the library was located inside the public high school, it also served the general public as a branch of Jones Memorial Library. The Dunbar Public Library would serve the high school community by day, and the African American community in the evening. Anne often worked 12 hour days to support the library schedule. 

Anne spent 3 months training for her position under experienced Librarian Rachel Harris. Ms. Harris travelled all the way from Louisville, KY to help open the Dunbar library. During her time at Dunbar, Anne often supplemented the collection with books from her own personal collection. It was her mission to provide the students and the community the best literature possible.  Anne served as the school's librarian until she retired in 1946. 

Prior to Anne's retirement, the Dunbar PTA wrote to the Library board. Up to this point, LCS paid Anne's salary and provided the library space, while Jones Memorial supplied the books and furnishings.  The PTA was not satisfied with the library budget and was concerned with Anne's pending retirement.  In light of this, the board voted to review the transfer of school branches to the school district.  In 1946 the Woman's Community Club asked that the Dunbar Library be moved to the Woman's Community Club so the community could continue to utilize the collection. The board denied the request.   

In 1947 Jones Memorial Library transferred ownership of the Dunbar Public Library to Lynchburg City Schools. The school would now be responsible for all apsects of the library. Jones did donate a large majority of the books housed in the Dunbar collection back to the Dunbar Library. Other school branches had to return their collections to Jones Memorial. 

Anne continued to be an active member in the community and write until she passed away at her home in  1975. 

For more information on Anne Spencer visit one of the sites below. 

The Anne Spencer House and Garden Museum @ https://www.annespencermuseum.org/

National Women's History Museum @ https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/anne-spencer

Poets.org https://poets.org/poet/anne-spencer