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Piqua has had a public library since 1890. Read on to discover the history of the Piqua Public Library.

“Freed Will: The Randolph Freedpeople From Slavery to Settlement,” explores one of the largest emancipations in American history. Nearly 400 formerly enslaved people journeyed hundreds of miles from Virginia to Ohio. They meant to claim land that was willed to them after they were freed. Upon their arrival to the Miami Valley, they were met with threats of violence. This is only the beginning of their story, which does not end in tragedy. The exhibit consists of nineteen panels and several display cases. Follow the Freedpeople’s history from freedom, their grueling pilgrimage and legal battles to community building in the present day. 

Every Thursday we’re sharing a historical postcard from Piqua’s past. Using Jigsaw Explorer, we’ve created digital puzzles out of these postcards. Check them out and enjoy them for your Throwback Thursday!

The Randolph Freedpeople

In the late spring of 1833, 400 people were freed from slavery, but only in writing. The former slaves of John Randolph would have to wait thirteen years for their freedom. Randolph, of the Roanoke Plantation in Virginia, freed his slaves in his will. His family contested his will and fought for over a decade to keep the former slaves as their property.

Early Black Communities in Southwest Ohio

There were many Black communities in Southwest Ohio in the 1800s. Some are where the Randolph Freedpeople settled after their land in Mercer County was stolen. Others were communities of free Black Americans. Unfortunately, few of these villages survive today. Some became part of larger towns. Most disappeared as their residents moved away.

City of Piqua National Library Week Proclamation

Thank you to the Piqua City Commission and Mayor Kris Lee for commending the Piqua Public Library and our staff! In recognition of our staff's diligence and hard work for our community's citizens, they have proclaimed the week of April 4 - 10, 2021, to be National Library Week.

Our next series of Piqua Puzzles are going to be of items found in the Piqua Public Library. Put the puzzle together, and see if you can figure out where the object is in the library.