Media Center Frequently Asked Questions

• Who was Mary Peacock Douglas?
• Is the Library Media Center open before or after school?
• How often will my child visit the Library Media Center?
• Why isn't my child bringing home a library book every week?
• Can parents check out books?
• Can I volunteer? Do I need library experience?

Who was Mary Peacock Douglas?

Mary Teresa Peacock began her career as a school librarian in the late 1920s, a time of rapid growth for school libraries. In 1930, she was the first person named to the position of State Library Supervisor for North Carolina, a position she would hold until 1947. During this time, Mary Peacock Douglas contributed greatly to the professional literature on the importance of quality libraries and librarians in schools. Mary Peacock Douglas went on the become the chairperson of the American Library Association’s Committee on Post-War Planning, which published a revised set of national standards for school libraries in 1945.

In 1947, Mary Peacock Douglas became the first Supervisor of Libraries for Raleigh City Schools, where she continued to use her influence to be a strong advocate for school libraries. Some would say that she became instrumental in the proliferation and development of libraries in public schools. In fact, as a school system, Wake County Public Schools currently enjoys some of the best and busiest school libraries in the country.

In 1968, Raleigh City Schools was preparing to build and open Farrior Hills School, the same year in which Mary Peacock Douglas announced her retirement. The new school never opened as Farrior Hills, but was instead re-named Mary P. Douglas Elementary School. The following is an unpublished story that was found with Mary P. Douglas’s signature among some personal papers. It is believed that she read this to the staff of the new school at its dedication in August 1968.

“There is an Eastern Legend that runs thus:

In a forest near a great city, a golden ball was let down out of heaven every day at noontime, and whoever could touch the ball, it was said, would receive wonderful virtues. Many tried to reach it, but it was always lifted just above their hands. One day, there were in the crowd – waiting for the descent of the ball – an old man and a little boy. And the old man said to the others,

“If today, none of us can touch the ball, let us lift up this child so that he may touch it and receive the blessing.”

Acting on this counsel, when the tallest of them could not reach the ball, they stood together and lifted the boy until his tiny hand touched the golden ball, and lo, each person forming the living pyramid felt the thrill and received the magic gift.

My wish is that all of you will together lift the child so that, in touching the ball, he will pass from generation to generation the gift of understanding and responsibility essential to true growth.”

Since the school became a Creative Arts and Science Magnet school in 2000, the “Mary P.” has increasingly been left off the school name, but her impact should not be forgotten. Therefore, the Library Media Center proudly bears her full name.

Hours of Operation

The Mary P. Douglas Library Media Center is open from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.

Parent Checkout

Can’t get to the public library? Come to the Douglas Library Media Center. Parents can check out up to 20 books to share at home. Reading with your child every day at home is a great way to support the reading instruction that he or she is receiving at school. All you need to do is stop by the Library Media Center to register.

Volunteer Opportunities

We offer a variety of ways in which you can volunteer in the library. If you have a few extra minutes, please just drop in. No experience necessary. We also have opportunities for older siblings to complete Community Service Projects.

© 2007 Wake County Public School System
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