4415 Natural Bridge Avenue

In 1974, the St. Louis Public Library broke with tradition by naming a new branch after Julia Davis (1891–1993)—a respected educator, historian, and lifelong advocate for African American history. Davis graduated from Dumas Elementary, Sumner High School, the Norman School, and Stowe Teachers College. She taught in the St. Louis Public Schools from 1913 to 1961, spending 35 years at Simmons Elementary.

Upon her retirement, Davis established a fund to support the purchase of books, manuscripts, and materials documenting the global contributions of African Americans. This initiative became the Julia Davis Collection, a research archive that continues to grow and inform future generations.

At the dedication of the original branch at 4660 Natural Bridge Avenue, Davis remarked that the purpose of the collection was “to perpetuate the learning and sharing of authentic information concerning the contributions of people of African descent to world culture.”

On February 14, 1993, the Julia Davis Branch opened at its new and current location: 4415 Natural Bridge Avenue. Donated by Commerce Bank and designed by architect Russell Lewis, the 15,000-square-foot building features a 125-seat auditorium and public access to educational software and computers. The Julia Davis Collection, previously housed at Central Library, was relocated to the branch, solidifying it as a vital center for research, learning, and cultural celebration.

On May 16, 2025 the library was damaged in an EF3 tornado that devastated North St. Louis city.