Finding Langston

As Langston transforms throughout his narrative, so does the meaning of the George Cleveland Hall Branch Library. When he initially sees the library on a street corner in a relatively affluent neighborhood, Langston recalls his mother’s assertion, “They don’t let colored folks in libraries, baby” (19). The white stone façade of the “fancy building” (18) symbolizes both segregation and the barriers of race and class that discourage Langston from pursuing his love of reading and quiet reflection. Langston has no illusions he will be welcomed or accepted in the library, but he hopes someone inside can direct him back to his own neighborhood.

To his astonishment, Langston is accepted inside the library for exactly who he is—a boy with a passion for reading. The friendly librarian assumes Langston is looking for a book, and Langston, speechless with surprise, follows her to the children’s room. After she assures him he can “borrow any kind of book” (21), Langston spies a volume with his name on it. Inside he reads the verse, “I pick up my life / And take it with me / And I put it down in / Chicago, Detroit” (21) and reflects, “Feels like reading words from my heart” (22).