February 13, 2024
In February, we celebrate National Library Lovers Month. I would argue that there are no greater lovers of libraries than the librarians who staff them, me included. Did you know, the Indiana Historical Society is a special library and some of our staff identify as librarians, archivists, and/or historians? When you walk through our library’s door, you are very likely, however, to encounter a lover of libraries, no matter their degree or identifier.
In the spirit of the month, I want to highlight some great images from our digital collections of librarians in action in the libraries they (hopefully) loved.
Librarians at work at public libraries including the Indianapolis Public Library, ca. 1917, the Willard Library in Evansville, ca. 1926, the South Bend Public Library, ca. 1988, and the Brightwood Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library, 1981. Bass Photo Co. Collection, Indiana Historical Society, cropped; Indiana Historical Society, P0611, cropped; Indiana Historical Society, M1221, cropped; Indianapolis Record Collection, Indiana Historical Society, cropped
Librarians at work with children in schools and school affiliates, Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners library, 1924, Rea School Library, Terre Haute, 1943, Shortridge High School Library, Indianapolis, ca. 1940, and IPS School #64 with Principal Allen as acting librarian, Indianapolis, 1981. Bass Photo Co. Collection, Indiana Historical Society, cropped; Martin Collection, Indiana Historical Society, cropped; Indiana Historical Society, M0482, cropped; Indianapolis Recorder Collection, Indiana Historical Society
Librarians at work at university and special libraries, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Library, Terre Haute, 1943, Indiana Central University Library, Indianapolis, 1916, Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners library, 1925, Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, 1932. Martin Collection, Indiana Historical Society, cropped; Bass Photo Co Collection, Indiana Historical Society, cropped
Two of IHS’ helpful librarians, Suzanne and Amy, Indiana Historical Society
Please join me in wishing all your library-loving friends, and your favorite librarians a Happy National Library Lover Month!