Advocacy Honor Roll Honorees, 2000.
ALASKA
State Librarian, Karen Crane
Alaska State Library
The Alaska Library Association wishes to nominate the staff of the Alaska State Library, past and present. The Library Association was reminded of the history of excellent staff at the State Library. Among the roll call of those retired are: Dick Engen, Margaret Liebowitz, Phyllis DeMuth, Sheila Fuhrer, Audrey Kolb, Peggy Cummings Forcier, Judy Monroe, Jo Morse, Della Matthis and Mary Jennings. Current state library staff, under the leadership of Karen Crane and George Smith, carry on our state's strong tradition of outreach, sharing, innovation, promotion of all libraries, and cooperation. In Alaska, the State Library has provided strong leadership, helping in the development of libraries in communities without a tradition of library service, sharing expertise, providing training, facilitating discussion and paving the way for growth and expansion of services. State Library staff have been and continue to be powerful and effective spokespersons for all Alaskan libraries.
Senator Ted Stevens
Ted Stevens has served Alaska in the U.S. Senate since 1968. Recognizing the importance of libraries to a young and developing state, he has been a strong and consistent library advocate. Senator Stevens supported the Library Services and Construction Act and was instrumental in helping to secure funding under LSCA for Title IV, Services to American Indians, Hawaiians and Alaska Native groups. While an outspoken advocate for Alaska, Senator Stevens' support for libraries can be measured nationally. He has served on and chaired the Committee on Governmental Affairs which has oversight of proposed legislation, budget and other matters relating to the Archives of the U.S., the Governmental Printing Office, the Postal Service and the Library of Congress. While on the committee, Senator Stevens championed and protected special postal rates for libraries and provided exceptional support for the Library of Congress. His interest in LC continues as he currently chairs the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress. Senator Stevens was also instrumental in development of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 which provides strong language in support of libraries and their role in the provision of information.
Wilda Marston
Wilda Marston served on the Anchorage Municipal Library Advisory Board from 1978-90. For almost twenty years Wilda was the single most unabashed advocate and influential library supporter in Anchorage. During the long years leading up to the construction of a new main library building in 1986, Wilda lobbied local governing bodies and the community. As the moving force behind the new Loussac Library, the community honored Wilda by naming the library's theatre, the Wilda Marston Theater. As Anchorage is Alaska's largest city with 43% of the state's population, Wilda's support of libraries has influence of libraries has been felt statewide. In addition to serving the Alaska library community, Wilda served a term on the federal Depository Library Council with an appointment in 1993. Wilda has been a critical factor in the growth and life of the Anchorage Municipal Library, indeed in Alaska's libraries. She provides a wonderful example of the difference one person can make in the life of a community.
Elmer E. Rasmuson
Mr. Rasmuson has been one of Alaska's most consistent, visible and generous library supporters. For many years he personally supported development of the Alaska and Polar Regions Collections at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Library. He made annual contributions to the library and took an intensely personal interest in development of a collection, which has become internationally recognized. Mr. Rasmuson's generosity and recognition of libraries extended beyond the academic community to public libraries across the State. He and his family have been generous supporters of the Skagway Public Library and the Anchorage Municipal Library's Loussac Library. In addition to his personal contributions to libraries, the Rasmuson Foundation encourages grant requests from libraries and supports efforts to improve library service to all Alaskans. Because much of Mr. Rasmuson's generosity has been carried out quietly and with little fanfare, it would be difficult to put a dollar amount on his support. However, it is clear that he has been the single most generous and enthusiastic supporter of libraries in the State over several decades. Libraries in Alaska have been blessed with good supporters, however, had we been able to select only one Alaskan for recognition, that person would be Mr. Rasmuson.
Arthur Robson
Arthur Robson is one of Interior Alaska's great champions of public libraries, perhaps the greatest since George C. Thomas financed the construction of the first Fairbanks library in 1907. Art's leadership of the Council of Library Supporters was instrumental in moving Fairbanks' library out of the original log building into a spacious modern structure in 1977. Art also used his influence to help have a branch library built in North Pole and to have it expanded twice, most recently in 1994. Art's support goes far beyond construction. He has been an active member of the Library Commission for over a quarter-century, providing pro bono legal advice, and devoting untold hours waiting to testify before governmental bodies. Art has a strong grasp of library principles and standards, he has been a powerful advocate for intellectual freedom and a steadying influence in times of crisis. Most recently, Art wrote the incorporation documents and served as treasurer for the Library Support Group, formed to help pass a bond issue for the recently completed expansion of the main library. No library has ever had a more active, committed, and amenable advocate than Art Robson, who has supported Fairbanks' libraries with his time, his mind, his pocketbook, and, most importantly, his heart.
ARIZONA
State Librarian, Gladysann Wells
Senator Edward Cirillo
Senator Edward Cirillo has demonstrated a significant interest in the development of libraries and archives in Arizona. He has been especially supportive of the Arizona Department of Library, Archives and Public Records. Senator Cirillo’s efforts to ensure the safety of employees, the public, and the collections in the State Library, Archives and Museum resulted in the reinstatement of a security staff in the rotunda of the Capitol. During his first term as Senator, Edward Cirillo sponsored a bill to assist the preservation efforts of the State's library collections, research materials and historic public records. Currently he is sponsoring a bill to support the tripling of Arizona's State Grants‑In‑Aid program
Mark W. Killian
Mark Killian, as Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, Member of the Library Board, and now as Director of the Arizona Department of Revenue, has vigorously supported the Department of Library, Archives and Public Records. He facilitated improved interaction between the Department and the Legislature. That support led to the development of a dynamic electronic reference service for legislative researchers. Mr. Killian continues to support the Department by encouraging staff of the Department of Revenue to become familiar with the electronic reference services available. He has encouraged them to volunteer to help with the annual Statehood Day celebration that has created a new Arizona tradition. A personal interest in preserving Arizona's history and providing access to its historical materials has resulted in support for the Department's efforts to improve its ability to care for these materials and assist clients who come to the Capitol to do historical and other archival research.
Harriet P. McIntosh
Harriet McIntosh has been a library volunteer for twenty‑three years. Some of her volunteer activities are: organized Friends of the Phoenix Public Library; organized Arizona Library Friends (ALF) state group; organized ALF State Legislative Secretaries Annual Luncheon; established Dial‑A‑Friend to Friends and libraries in state; served as member/chair/secretary/newsletter editor, Friends of the Phoenix Public Library; served as member/chair, Library Advisory Board; served as member of County Library Advisory Board. Between 1981 and 1998, for her work as an advocate, Ms. McIntosh received ten awards representing recognition from Arizona city and state institutions, as well as library support groups on local and national levels. Some of her honors are: Arizona Library Association Rosenzweig Award for outstanding service to Arizona libraries; White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services Best Newsletter Award; Phoenix Friends Amicus Award for distinguished service; Phoenix 100 Award from the City of Phoenix for volunteer cooperation in developing the city; and Arizona Center for the Book Parnassus Award for inspired commitment to books, reading, libraries and literacy.
Gary Pease
Gary Pease is a staunch advocate of the public library in his community and in the state, and he epitomizes community support and volunteerism. For thirty years, Mr. Pease has promoted Arizona libraries, and has provided outstanding service to the city of Sierra Vista and the state. Of significance contribution, is Mr. Pease's assistance with the development of the new Sierra Vista library building project, and his support in maintaining the County Library District when an effort was made to disband it. For his 30 years of outstanding service to Arizona libraries, Mr. Pease was a recipient of the Arizona Library Association Rosenzweig Award. Some of his volunteer activities are: served as member/chair, Sierra Vista Library Board of Trustees; served as member/president, Sierra Vista Friends Board; served as member/chair, Cochise County Library Citizens Liaison Council; served as member/chair, statewide Arizona Library Friends Board; served as member, Advisory Council to the State Library for the Arizona conference ‑ Second White House Conference on Library and Information Services.
Edwynne C. “Polly” Rosenbaum
Edwynne C. “Polly” Rosenbaum was the longest serving member of the House of Representatives in the country on both a state and national level ‑ serving 47 years from 1949 until 1994. “Polly,” known as the protector of our state's heritage, has clearly demonstrated throughout her years of public service, that her pet project has always been libraries. One of her overriding ambitions has been to ensure that every child has access to a public library. As a member of the State Library Board from 1976 until 1994, Polly was a strong supporter of the Department and all libraries in Arizona. She created the Homebound Tutoring Program for sick children, launched and continues as the Coordinator for the Statewide Essay Contest for Arizona schoolchildren for Statehood Day, and was one of the founders for the Arizona Women's Hall of Fame. Polly remains tireless in her support of libraries in Arizona, and is truly one of Arizona's greatest – an Arizona treasure.
CALIFORNIA
State Librarian, Barbara Will
California Public Utilities Commission
In early 1996, before the Federal government enacted a reduced telecommunications rate for schools and libraries, the California Pubic Utilities commission established a telecommunications discount of 60% for libraries statewide. This discount now is complemented by the Federal e-rate program, allowing library users statewide to obtain access to electronic databases and Internet information resources.
Deirdre “Dede” Alpert
State Senator Alpert spearheaded the legislative initiative to establish multi type library resource-sharing in California. Her efforts led tot he passage and funding of the Library of California Act in 1998. This legislation will link 8,000 libraries statewide and is the most farsighted of all library network laws nationwide, because it was able to build on current and emerging technologies,
Randy “Duke” Cunningham
At the time when the federal Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA) was due for repeal or reauthorization, Congressman Cunningham led the initiative to shape a new program (the Library Services and Technology Act) that responded to the two key priorities for Library users in California; access to technology and services to special populations. It was passed in 1996, due in large part to his efforts.
James Dawe
Jim Dawe chaired the campaign for the recent Library Board Act, which voters approved on March 7, 2000 ad which resulted in $350,000,000 for public library construction and renovation throughout California.
Richard Rainey
State Senator Rainey successfully lead the legislative initiative for the library construction and renovation bond act (approved by the votes in March, 2000). Some $350 million will now assist California public libraries in creating; new sites and updating older facilities.
Posthumous Honorees
Edith M. Coulter
The annual Coulter Lecture of the California Library Association is named in honor of Edith Coulter. She was an outstanding reference librarian at the University of California, Berkeley and was one of the founders of the library school at Berkeley. From 1927 to 1929 she taught at the school full time and established a reputation for her superlative courses in reference, subject bibliography, government publications, and the history of the book and printing. Her influence was considerable. Coulter also as an active historian with a specialization in California history and several of her scholarly studies were published by the Book Club of California and California Historical Society.
James L. Gillis
James L. Gillis was the California State Librarian (1899-1917) who initiated, supported, and urged the establishment of county free libraries throughout the state during the early 1900s. He established the Department of Traveling Libraries, sending 200 libraries to rural communities of the state; the California county library law of 1911 is one his accomplishments. He established a books for the blind program in 1904 and opened a Library School in 1914.
Henry E. Huntington
In 1919 Henry E. Huntington deeded the estate, library, art gallery, and gardens to create the Henry E Huntington Library and Art Gallery. This deed, and the endowment he left, created one of the great research libraries in the world. It is located in San Marino, Los Angeles County.
Charles Lummis
Charles Lummis headed Los Angeles Public Library and helped lead it to its status as the premier public research library in California. He also founded the ‘Southwest Museum” (and, in fact, coined the term “Southwest”) and focused attention on the Spanish-Mexican heritage of the state.
Joseph C. Rowell
Joseph C. Rowell served as the long-time university librarian for the University of California at Berkeley and was also active in promoting the new state library association. In 1875, he was appointed California’s first full-time Librarian (at UCB). As university librarian he helped shape one of the nation’s great academic libraries by establishing bibliographic control over its collections, building its collections (especially its California history materials and university archives), worked on the planning of the new Doe library, and hired and developed an excellent staff. Upon retirement in 1919, he continued on as university archivist and developing the California collections until 1938.
COLORADO
State Librarian, Nancy M. Bolt
Camila A. Alire
For ongoing advocacy for library service to ethnic minorities. Dr. Alire took the lead in establishing a statewide Committee on Library Service to Ethnic Minorities in Colorado. The work of the Committee includes workshops (at which Dr. Alire is a frequent presenter); a scholarship for a person who commits to working with ethnic minorities; and a mentoring program to pair ethnic minority librarians and potential librarians with Colorado library leaders. Dr. Alire was the first recipient of the Colorado Library Association's Award for Exemplary Services to Minority Populations and the first recipient of the ALA Elizabeth Futas Award. She is also the author of Library Services to Latino Communities which gives encouragement and guidance to libraries seeking to provide library service to ethnic minorities.
Nancy M. Bolt
For leadership in support of libraries during her tenure as State Librarian in Colorado. Ms. Bolt has been Colorado State Librarian since 1987. During that time she has initiated the development of the Access Colorado Library and Information Network; initiated the establishment of the Colorado Library Card program, allowing Colorado residents to borrow materials from any public, school, or academic library in the state; acquired a new building for the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped; established the Colorado Center for the Book; ensured that libraries are included in prominent state telecommunication legislation; established a successful e-rate discount education program; and invited Emporia State University to bring an ALA accredited library graduate education program to Colorado after an absence of 15 years
Evelyn Brewster
In her 24 years as the public library consultant at the Colorado State Library, Evelyn Brewster worked tirelessly for the development of public library services statewide through consolidating and forming new libraries, establishing county libraries, training librarians and trustees, establishing public library systems, implementing Library Services and Construction Act grants for local libraries, and developing the County Equalization Grant program. Mrs. Brewster traveled the state extensively representing the State Library, and her consulting was characterized by her congenial manner and remarkable ability to bring groups together in support of libraries. She was recognized by the Colorado Library Association as the 1976 Colorado Librarian of the Year and received the Mountain Plains Library Association Distinguished Service Award in 1978.
Donna Jones Morris
For unstinting advocacy on behalf of libraries, Donna Jones Morris, Executive Director, Arkansas Valley Regional Library Service System, Pueblo, Colorado, was selected. She served as Co-chair of the Colorado Library Association Legislative Committee from 1995-98. During this time she persisted in building better relationships with key legislators, particularly the members of the state's powerful Joint Budget Committee. During her tenure as Co-chair, Morris coordinated the successful campaign that added over one million dollars in on-going State funds to support Colorado library programs. Morris has also been President of the Colorado Library Association (CLA) and received three awards from CLA, the Career Achievement Award in 1998, the Project of the Year (Near Project) Award in 1996, and the Librarian of the Year Award in 1992.
Larry Wilkinson
When Larry moved to Telluride, Colorado in the early 1970's, not only was there no ski area, but there was no library. Deciding that something had to be done, Larry and his wife Betty established, on their own, Telluride Community Library, Inc. in an old, dilapidated Quonset hut. As they searched for a permanent home for the library, they found an old jail that was no more than a pile of rocks and bars. Finally securing a lease from the town, they set about rebuilding the old jail while going to the voters to establish a legal San Miguel County Public Library District #1. Now, with the second new library under construction--some 30,000 square feet, the Wilkinson Library will be a jewel in the Telluride community. Larry went on to serve on numerous statewide committees, served as Chairman of the Board of the Pathfinder Library System for over 20 years, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 1985 by the Colorado Library Association. He has been a continuing asset to Telluride as well as to the entire Colorado library community.
Posthumous Honorees
Gordon L. Bennett
Gordon Bennett led the Colorado State Library during a period of remarkable growth and change from 1944 to 1969. During this time, the budget increased from under $10,000 to over $1,000,000. The staff grew from 3 to 40. And the Library itself moved twice to obtain additional space. Services changed from books delivered in trunks, through a bookmobile stage, to a variety of service and development programs, including services to the institutionalized and handicapped, reference services to state government, and consulting services for school and public libraries. Statewide library cooperation, public library systems, long range planning, and networking of services all were initiated under Mr. Bennett's leadership. In addition to serving as president of the Colorado Library Association and The Public Library Association, Gordon Bennett was named 1980 Librarian of the Year by the Colorado Library Association in recognition of his second career as the head of the Park County (CO) Library.
John Irwin
For support of public access to information. John Irwin, member of the Colorado House of Representatives from Loveland, Colorado took the lead in sponsoring legislation to create the Access Colorado Library and Information Network (ACLIN). ACLIN provides integrated access to library resources of Colorado and selected information resources. Representative Irwin worked tirelessly to raise initial funds to begin the development of ACLIN.
Pauline A. Seely
Ms. Pauline A. Seely (1905‑1973) joined the Denver Public Library staff in 1948 as the Head of the Cataloging Department, and served as its Director of Technical Services from 1956 to 1970. Seely was nationally recognized as an authority on the Dewey Decimal Classification system, as well as in the fields of cataloging and classification in general. A widely published librarian, she authored the ALA Rules for Filing Catalog Cards, co-authored Bibliography of Place‑Name Literature, and wrote numerous articles in professional journals. She served on the Council of the American Library Association for several years, and was an active participant in the Mountain Plains Library Association and the Colorado Library Association. Ms. Seely was the worthy recipient of the Margaret Mann Citation (1954) and the Nell I. Scott Memorial Award (1968) for outstanding and unique contributions to the library field. Upon her retirement from the Denver Public Library in 1970, she became Assistant Executive Director of Forest Press, Inc.
Clyde C. Walton
Clyde Walton's contributions to library programs and services in Colorado went well beyond his 13 successful years as the Director of the University of Colorado Libraries at Boulder. He provided leadership in establishing and developing the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries as a consortium for sharing resources and developing automated library systems and services. The Alliance continues to be a highly successful organization. He also visited many libraries throughout the state to support and expand the University’s role as a statewide resource. His years in Colorado completed a noteworthy, professional career that included director positions at Northern Illinois University Library; and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Malcolm G. Wyer
Dr. Malcolm Glenn Wyer (1877-1965) was City Librarian of the Denver Public Library from 1924-51. Throughout his long tenure, Dr. Wyer was dedicated to advancing the role of the public libraries as a community adult education agency, rather than merely a recreational outlet or a collection repository. His philosophy of continuing adult education was embraced nationally, and has become a major tenet of public libraries. In addition, Dr. Wyer was the founder of the University of Denver School of Librarianship (1931), where he simultaneously served as Dean and Director of the University library for seventeen years. In 1934, he founded the Bibliographical Center for Research (BCR), the first of its kind in the nation, and the prototype cooperative for promoting library resource sharing. He was responsible for establishing a number of special collections at the Denver Public Library, including the esteemed Western History Department (1935) which is still recognized as one of the four most significant collections of Western Americana in the U.S., and the only one of those major collections within a public library. Dr. Wyer was President of the American Library Association (1936-37), the author of several books, a sought-after speaker, a constant contributor to professional journals and publications, and an indefatigable, life-long advocate for libraries.
CONNECTICUT
State Librarian, Sharon Brettschneider
Faith Hektoen
The Children's Librarians' Librarian, Faith was the first State Consultant for Children's Services and served in that capacity for more than 20 years. During that time she crossed the path of many in the state. Her proteges include several of the most respected library directors in the state as well as a handful of past presidents of the state's professional association. She is so respected that an award was created in her honor to recognize an individual or group that has made an impact on library service to children in Connecticut at the local and/or state level.
Phillip James
Librarians think of the statewide trustee organization, they think of Phil James. For more than 20 years he has devoted himself to the effective development of the Association of Connecticut Library Boards. He criss-crosses the state to aid library boards at the drop of a hat. His unfailing good humor and innate panache have made him an effective advocate for libraries. He has created many local advocates through his Herculean efforts.
Lillian Levin
A long time local library advocate, Lillian has become one of the leaders of the Friends of Connecticut Libraries. Her book on effective book sales has not only guided friends groups all over the country, but raises funds for the statewide Friends organization. She actively promotes the “Born to Read” program in Connecticut.
Virginia Mathews
Officially, she is a consultant to the Library of Congress Center for the Book. Unofficially she is one of the nation's premier library advocates. Relatively recently she received the first Herbert and Virginia White Award for Promoting Librarianship. Many years ago, she helped create National Library Week. Her activities promoting libraries in between are too numerous to enumerate. With over 50 years of active advocacy behind her, she continues to write, publish, and advise library advocates in Connecticut, the nation and the world.
John Short
Currently a member of the State Library Board, Jack has had many roles in the library community. For more than 30 years he has promoted the development of library friends groups throughout the state. Jack has written a book on library fundraising and lectures on the subject to library groups around the country. He has served nationally on the ALTA Board. Every library leader in the state has received a typical "Jack note" with compliments leading up to yet another good idea to try.
Posthumous Honorees
Target '76, Library Community
Adeline Mix, Philanthropic Community
DELAWARE
State Librarian, Mary Chute
Action Agenda Implementation Committee (AAIC), Lewis W. Purnell, Chair
The AAIC was appointed by Governor Thomas R. Carper in April, 1993 to carry out the recommendations of the Action Agenda for Delaware Libraries. This long range plan for improving Delaware's public libraries was the
result of a statewide effort, initiated as a part of Delaware's participation in the 1991 White House Conference on Libraries. The AAIC was successful in achieving full implementation of the Action Agenda by the year 2000.
Susan Brynteson
Susan Brynteson, Director of Libraries, University of Delaware, has a distinguished record of service at both the state and national levels. An innovative leader, she established the first automated library system in Delaware, encouraged her staff to be active in local and national library organizations, and made the University of Delaware Library a valuable resource for all Delawareans. As Chair of the Delaware Library Association's Legislative Action Committee, she has led community initiatives to improve public libraries. At the national level, she has served on the Information Policies Committee of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the Intellectual Freedom Committee of the Association of College and Research Libraries. A former ALA Councilor, she has also served on ALA's Committees on Legislation and Intellectual Freedom and has been active with the Coalition for Networked Information.
Congressman Michael N. Castle
Congressman Castle was the recipient of the 1998 Legislator Award from the White House Conference on Library and Information Services Taskforce (WHCLIST) for his leadership in co-authoring a bi-partisan letter to support ESEA Title VI funding which supports public school libraries. He was a strong supporter of LSCA (Library Services & Construction Act) which provided for significant funding for construction projects for public libraries in
Delaware. He has also been a key supporter of the Federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), and an advocate for affordable telecommunication rates for libraries and schools to access state, national, and international networks of information. He received the Distinguished Service Citation from the Delaware Library Association in
1997.
Ada Leigh Soles
During her service as State Representative and as a member of the Joint Finance Committee, Ada Leigh Soles was chief sponsor of Delaware's first state standards law for libraries and championed the first state funding for public libraries. The Delaware Library Conference and Technology Education Center was dedicated in 1997 in her honor for her leadership and service to libraries and all who love learning.
Tom W. Sloan
Former Delaware State Librarian, Tom W. Sloan was the recipient of the DLA 2000 Distinguished Librarian Citation for providing a decade of outstanding leadership for Delaware libraries. He provided leadership in organizing the library community to implement An Action Agenda For Delaware Libraries, the catalyst for a multitude of statewide library cooperative initiatives. He provided leadership in advancing Delaware libraries into the Information Age through the automation and linking of libraries through the Delaware Library Information Network and through the creation of Delaware: The Digital Library of the First State. He also provided learning opportunities for the library community through the establishment of the Librarian/Archivist Scholarship Loan Program and the Delaware Library Technology Education Center.
Posthumous Honorees
Helen Bennett
Helen Bennett was dedicated to the development and advancement of school library services and school librarians. For 35 years, she was a high school librarian in Harrison, New York, and was appointed as the first Supervisor of School Libraries at the Delaware Department of Public Instruction, 1963-71. She served on ALA's Council for many years, and on the ALA/National Education Association Joint Committee, 1970-71. She was also a Regional Director for the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) in 1959. She established a scholarship endowment and left her estate to the Delaware Library Association to support the training of professional school librarians.
Mary L. Hopkins
Mary L. Hopkins Was one of the book wagon pioneers in the early 20th century in Delaware. She was affectionately known as “Miss Mame,” her route was 48 miles and it took 3 days to serve her rural patrons. The Delaware Public Library Commission said of her, she “not only gave valuable library service but she gave of herself to the extent that her influence will be felt for many years in Sussex County.”
Florence Bayard Kane
First Delaware State Librarian, Florence Bayard Kane was appointed to head the Delaware State Library Commission when it was first established in 1901. A graduate of the Drexel Institute Library School, she published pamphlets on “Free Libraries in Delaware,” organized rural routes for book wagons, and gave lectures around the state of Delaware regarding libraries.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
State Librarian, Mary E. (Molly) Raphael
District of Columbia Library Association (as personified by Mary Feldman)
Since its founding in 1894 D.C. Library Association has been a strong advocate for all types of libraries in the D.C. metropolitan area. One of its first efforts led to the establishment of a public library for the District of Columbia. DCLA also initiated Library Legislative Day in 1975. This annual event brings librarians of all types from across the nation to meet with legislators to discuss issues of crucial importance to libraries and is now primarily organized by the ALA Washington office, but DCLA’s Legislative Committee and membership are still intimately involved. DCLA is a membership driven organization and has had many outstanding members. Currently, one, Mary Feldman epitomizes the best of DCLA. She has worked on a number of committees, most notably editing the monthly newsletter, INTERCOM for many years. The dedication of members like Ms. Feldman strengthens DCLA’s ability to advocate for librarians and library customers in the D.C. metropolitan area.
Federation of Friends (Lillian Wesley, Founding Pres.)
Lillian Wesley retired in 1987 and devoted herself to helping the District of Columbia Public Library – first through volunteering and serving as Friend’s President at its Woodridge Branch, and then as the founding president of the Federation of Friends of DCPL in 1990. She served as Federation president for five years. She successfully lobbied the Mayor, the Budget Office, City Council and Congress to restore library funding in the late 80’s. She also engineered the reclassification of librarian salaries to higher level in 1989 so that they were more competitive with other area librarians. The Federation’s primary mission is to advocate for DCPL services, programs, facilities and needs and to support the branch and central library Friends groups. Mrs. Wesley continues to support Federation activities even today and served of DCPL’s Strategic Planning Committee in 1998-99.
Alice Hagemeyer
Alice Hagemeyer is a true pioneer of library services. As a deaf librarian at the D. C. Public Library, she became convinced that public libraries were ideally suited to meet the informational needs of both deaf and hearing individuals who wished to learn more about deafness or deaf culture. In 1976 Ms. Hagemeyer became the first librarian for the deaf community at the D. C. Public Library and remained in this position until her retirement in 1991. She promoted an annual Deaf Awareness Week, which is now celebrated in libraries across the country, and other programs to raise public awareness of library and community resources on deaf history, deaf culture, and sign language. Her passionate advocacy for the deaf community contributed to the formation in 1980 of a permanent unit within ALA for library services to the deaf. In 1986 she founded the Friends of Libraries for Deaf Action (FOLDA).
Virginia (Ginny) B. Moore
Virginia B. Moore retired after 30 years as a school librarian and continues to participate in DCLA, DCASL, AASL, and ALA. She is currently serving her 12th year as an ALA Councilor-at-large. Her enthusiasm for reading and literacy has connected children, youth, and adults with information resources through quality service and programs including author visits, art, and essay contests. She organized student library assistants and coordinated annual National Library Week Balloon Launch Day programs, established a partnership with the United States Postal Service for stamp collecting activities, and worked in cooperative endeavors with the D. C. Public Library, Gelman Library of George Washington University, and the National Agricultural Library. She continues her advocacy as a part-time adult services librarian at the Greenbelt Library of Prince George's County Memorial Library System and in volunteer church library service at the Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Washington, DC.
Dr. Elizabeth Stone
Dr. Elizabeth Stone is recognized as an enthusiastic champion of libraries and librarians, an advocate of continuing education and an innovative thinker. She was Dean of the School of Library and Information Sciences at the Catholic University of America and president of DCLA, DCSLA and ALA. Her creativity helped produce the National Library Logo and the library postage stamp. Under her leadership the DCLA was revitalized and membership soared due to the creation of interest groups and more varied programs including co-sponsored programs such as the Joint Spring Workshop. Dr. Stone’s devotion to continuing education (CLENERT) is her most powerful and lasting gift. She wisely advocated that continuing education was the best way to ensure that librarians would be empowered to provide only the best for their libraries and their patrons.
Posthumous Honorees
Citizen Advocates for Libraries (Charmaine Boyd)
In 1981, Charmaine S. Boyd, a college librarian, founded the D. C. Citizen Advocates for Libraries (CAL). In the 1970’s the D. C. Public Library budget was cut by 22%. Ms. Boyd saw that an organized lobbying effort was needed to increase support for the Public Library. CAL was formed as a broad coalition of individuals and organizations. CAL organized rallies for library support, lobbied Congress on Library Legislative Day, engaged in crisis action campaigns to fend off severe budget cuts, worked behind the scenes to influence budget preparation, and coordinated citizen testimony before the City Council. The group’s efforts resulted in better book inventories, additional children’s librarians, extended library hours and other improvements. As more and more Friends groups formed, CAL could concentrate on education and training of library supporters and Friends organizations. This model of citizen advocacy remains the model for the Friends organizations today.
Theodore Noyes
Theodore Noyes is often referred to as “the Father of the library movement in Washington”. It was his vision, his unselfish tenacity of purpose and his vigorous presentation of the need which in 1896 won from Congress the legislation authorizing the free public library in Washington as a supplement of the public schools and a “people’s free university”. He served as the President of the Board of Trustees for the Public Library from the date of its first meeting in 1896 until his death in 1946. At his death the Trustees said, “It was the influence of his character, exercised with singular devotion to the welfare of the city, which contributed so generously to the healthy growth and the increasing value of the Public Library.”
Dorothy Porter
Librarian extraordinary, archivist, bibliographer, collector, historian, lecturer and prolific author, Dr. Porter-Wesley served as curator of the Moorland Spingarn Research Center at Howard University for over 43 years. In 1930 she took charge of a small but significant collection of about 3,000 items relating to African American culture. Through her tireless efforts, the collection grew into a major repository of over 200,000 items that cover all aspects of the African American experience. Both as founding curator of the Moorland Spingarn Collection and as a writer she helped build appreciation for the value of resources for African-American studies and the importance of their collection, preservation, and dissemination. Her work serves as a model for similar special collections. Dr. Porter-Wesley was the quintessential scholar-librarian who devoted her life to sharing her vast knowledge with students, writers and colleagues.
Ainsworth Rand Spofford
As Librarian of Congress from 1864-1897, Ainsworth Rand Spofford persuaded Congress and the public that the Library of Congress was a national institution, and extended library services to residents of the District of Columbia. Spofford obtained Congressional approval that secured a national role for the Library; passage of the great Copyright Act of 1870, and acquired a number of valuable special collections including the library of Peter Force. He also led the 26-year campaign to build the monumental Jefferson Building to house the Library of Congress in its own structure. In addition Spofford was a founding member of the D.C. Library Association and became its first president. With Theodore W. Noyes, associate editor of the Washington Evening Star, Spofford led the movement for the establishment of a free public library and reading room for the District of Columbia. An Act of Congress established DCPL in 1896 because of their advocacy
Elva Van Winkle
Elva Young Van Winkle, a distinguished storyteller, told stories to countless numbers of Washington children during her thirty-seven years as a children’s librarian with the District of Columbia Public Library. As part of her work she trained several generations of children’s librarians as storytellers. She also taught storytelling to high school and junior high school students. These students who told stories to younger children called themselves “The Van Winkle Fablers.” She taught storytelling at The Catholic University of America School of Library and Information Science and at the library school at the University of Rhode Island. Miss Van Winkle was zealous in her belief that storytelling was key to bringing children to books. “After they are told the story, they want to read the book. Simple as that,” she said. Through the Annual Elva Young Van Winkle Storytelling Festival, she is honored as the person who established storytelling as a tradition at DCPL.
FLORIDA
State Librarian, Barratt Wilkins
Barbara D. Cooper
Barbara Cooper, of Fort Lauderdale, has been a tireless state and national advocate for the improvement of libraries. She was a principal advocate for the first Florida Governor's Conference on Library and Information Services and served as chair of the conference planning commission as well as chair of the Florida delegation to the 1979 White House Conference. Ms. Cooper was founder of the Council for Florida Libraries, a state citizens advocacy group. She was a principal advocate for establishing the Broward County Library in 1974 and was the first chair of that county's library advisory board as well as a founder and first chair of the Broward County Library Foundation. At the national level she was 1983‑84 ALTA President and a member of the ALA Legislation Committee and received the 1978 American Library Association Trustee Citation.
Jody Fitzgerald
Jody Fitzgerald, of Tallahassee, has been the legislative advocate for the Florida Library Association for twenty‑two years and is known as the principal lay spokesperson for libraries before the Legislature. She was persuasive in convincing the Legislature to the pass the 1983 and 1992 revisions to Florida's library law without a single change in wording as submitted by the library community. This is a feat that is still recognized as phenomenal by many. Ms. Fitzgerald has been at the forefront of every major library initiative that has been before the Florida Legislature including increases in funding for state aid, the confidentiality of library records law, the Florida Literacy Act, and the Florida distance learning initiative. She served as a lay delegate to the 1990 Florida Governor's Conference and the 1991 White House Conference on Library and Information Services.
Roslyn S. Kurland
Roslyn S. “Robbie” Kurland, from Hollywood, Florida, has been very active both at the state and national levels in advocating for libraries. At the national level she serves on the executive boards of the Urban Library Council and the Friends of the Libraries USA and was chair of the ALTA Legislation Committee. She has served as chair of both the State Library Council and the State LSCA Council as well as chair of the Broward County Library Advisory Board. Mrs. Kurland was president of the Friends of the Broward County Library from 1984‑89. She was a lay delegate to the 1990 Florida Governor's Conference on Library and Information Services and an alternate delegate to the 1991 White House Conference. She received the American Library Association Trustee Citation in 1991
Helen Muir
Helen Muir, from Miami, is recognized as one of the leading library advocates in Florida for several decades. She served as head of the campaign to create the Miami‑Dade Public Library System and then headed the 1972 Decade of Progress Campaign which generated $34.7 million to build library facilities in Dade County. She was a founder of the Friends of the Miami‑Dade Library. She served three terms as a member of the State Library Council and as its Chair. Mrs. Muir was inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame. She is the author of highly acclaimed book titled “Miami USA” (1953, rev. 1990). Mrs. Muir was awarded the American Library Association Trustee Citation.
Eugenie M. Suter
Eugenie Suter, from Jacksonville, was one of the first legislative advocates for the Florida Library Association. She initiated “Florida Library Day” in the Legislature during the 1970 session – the first such day by any association in the State and one of the first in the nation. It was a model for the annual ALA Library Day. Ms. Suter is credited with securing the initial $12.5 million appropriation in 1972 for the R. A. Gray Building, the first permanent home for the State Library of Florida and the State Division of Library and Information Services. She served on the State Library Council and was its chair for several years. She lives in Ft. Lauderdale now and currently serves as a member of the Broward County Library Advisory Board.
Posthumous Honorees
Quintilla Geer Bruton
Mrs. Quintilla Geer Bruton (1907‑1989) of Plant City, was one of the two people credited with establishment of the Tampa‑Hillsborough Public Library and securing funding for it. She was one of the founders of the Friends of the Tampa‑Hillsborough Library, and was president of the Friends group when the multi‑million dollar downtown Tampa public library was dedicated in 1968. Mrs. Bruton was instrumental in securing state and federal assistance to build the first rural library in Florida located in Ruskin. She also served simultaneously as chair of the Plant City Library board, the Tampa‑Hillsborough Library Board, and the State Library Board. As such, she was a strong advocate for securing a permanent building for the State Library.
William Thomas Cash
William Thomas Cash (1878‑1951), of Tallahassee, was Florida's first State Librarian and held that position for more than twenty‑four years. As a former teacher, newspaper editor, and state legislator, W. T. Cash was able to persuade the 1925 State Legislature to create a modern State Library. He envisioned many of the progressive programs that were to take hold in Florida, including the State's library development plan which was to culminate in library service in each of Florida's 67 counties by 1997. Mr. Cash worked and advocated for a permanent facility for the State Library and State Archives, which eventually became the current R. A. Gray Building. He was instrumental in saving many of the earliest historical records of the state which became the foundation of the modern Florida State Archives. Mr. Cash also created a circulating collection for the State Library which brought library books and reading to many areas in Florida without establishing local public libraries.
Dorothy Dodd, Ph.D
Dorothy Dodd (1902‑1994), of Tallahassee, was a noted historian and library leader. Although she was the last State Librarian to hold the position without a professional library science degree, she made the State Library a statewide force for library development. She established what was to become the Bureau of Library Development and staffed it with consultants to assist local governments in the establishment and extension of public library service. Dr. Dodd was the first State Archivist and established the State Library's highly noted Florida History Collection. She was inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame. Dr. Dodd was author of a well‑known history of the State of Florida.
Sylvia H. Shorstein
Sylvia H. Shorstein (1931‑1995), of Jacksonville, was best known for helping her city's library grow and improve. She was a founder of the Jacksonville Library Foundation and as chair of the Jacksonville Public Library Board of Trustees, organized the first system‑wide volunteer plan when libraries were facing reduced funding. She served as a member of the State Library Council and on the executive board of the Urban Libraries Council and was an active advocate before the State Legislature and the Congress. In 1993, Mrs. Shorstein won the Florida Times Union EVE Award for volunteer service. Former Governor Bob Graham once commented on Sylvia Shorstein that, “There are certain people whose spirit on E |
