Perseverance, dedication and integrity all describe pioneering Annie L. McPheeters.

She received an associate's degree in English and education at Clark College in 1929, where she worked as a library assistant and later became the acting librarian. After teaching in Summerville, Georgia, and Greenville, South Carolina, McPheeters earned a bachelor's degree in library science from Hampton University in 1933. A year later, she became the first African-American professional librarian with the Atlanta Public Library. In 1950, McPheeters accepted the position of reference librarian at Georgia State University, becoming the first African American faculty member at the school. She later obtained her master's degree in library science from Columbia University in 1956. She furthered her education by enrolling in journalism courses at Georgia State University and Clark College during the 1970s.

However, McPheeters' list of accomplishments doesn't end there. Listed below are some of her numerous achievements:

In addition, many of McPheeters' writings have been published. Some of them are: An Educational Program for the Blind (1944), Library Eyes for the Blind (1944), Atlanta Branch Aids Negro Group (1949), Negro Progress in Atlanta, Georgia, 1950-1960, Scarcity of Children's Librarians in Public Libraries (1960), Negro Progress in Atlanta, Georgia, 1961-1970 (1974), and Library Service in Black and White: Some Personal Recollections (1988).

McPheeters played a great role in the development of the Auburn Avenue Research Library until her death on Dec. 23, 1994. The Cary-McPheeters Gallery, located on the Research Library's first floor, was named in her honor along with former librarian Alice D. Cary.