LibGuides: Women's History Month: Women of SAPL

Women's History Month 2024Toggle Dropdown

Powerful Women of San Antonio Public Library

The Women of SAPL

Elizabeth Howard West 1914 - 1916: Served two terms as President of Texas Library Association 1917: Became Director of San Antonio Main Library (SAPL), two years before the 19^th Amendment was ratified in the U.S. Constitution. 1918 - 1925: First Woman Director of Texas State Library Developed the states first library service for the blind Advocated for the status of academic librarians First President of the Southwest Library Association (1922) 1925 - 1942: First Librarian for Texas Technical College (Texas Tech University – Lubbock) Founded the Lubbock Chapter of the American Association of University Women in 1926.
	Prudence L. Curry 1930: First Library Manager of the Carver Branch Library Curry influenced a whole generation of young African Americans in San Antonio to love reading, learning and respect the place of books in our society. Over a period of 28 ½ years, she developed and expanded the collection of the Carver Branch Library. Motto: “Put the right book in the right hands at the right time!” Received her Masters in Library Science from Spelman College. *Carver Library was constructed in 1929 as the African American library of San Antonio, Texas under Jim-Crow-era racial segregation.
Isabel G. Bazan Born in San Antonio, Texas on July 8, 1920 1942: Our Lady of the Lake College (OLLU) B.A. 1968: Later obtained 36 hours in Library Science from Our Lady of the Lake 1972: Chief of San Antonio Main Library 34 years of service with SAPL Miss Bazan had many titles and projects including: Head of Old Prospect Hill Branch Library Head of San Pedro Branch Library Head of History, Social Science and General Reference Department of San Antonio Main Library Served as a coordinator for Spanish language materials and attended workshops in Austin and El Paso on providing materials to Latino communities. *On March 10, 1977, SAPL Board of Trustees named the branch in her honor.
	Minnie B. Cameron 1917: Joined San Antonio Main Library as a Reference Librarian 1920: Returned to San Antonio Main Library Worked as a Spanish and German translator in World War 1. Head of Texana Department for 34 years. Lead the expansion of volumes and collections and was recognized nationally as an authority of Texana. 528 volumes to 6000 volumes. Member of the Texas Library Association and the American Library Association Her research has assisted historians with involvement with La Villita.
Julia Grothaus 1917: Joined San Antonio Main Library 1918 - 1921: Worked for the federal government in library services for the Army in World War 1. 1933 - 1957: Served as Library Director Under her direction, the institute was a recipient of significant bequest, including the Harry Landa Estate, the Edward Dixon Estate and the Harry Hertzberg collection of rare books and circus memorabilia. Developed bookmobile services. Provided in-service training for employees at Our Lady of the Lake College. (OLLU) Successful in maintaining the library system during the Great Depression. 1940 - 1941: Served as President of the Texas Library Association Appointed a committee to establish a library school at the University of Texas at Austin.
	Marie Berry 1935: Joined SAPL as an apprentice then as a Reference Librarian. 1940: Graduated from St. Mary’s University. 1957: Obtained her Master’s Degree at Our Lady of the Lake. 1958: Became the Head of History, General Reference and Social Studies Department. Built an extensive Holocaust and Judaica collection. This collection included a four-volume encyclopedia of the Holocaust. 1975 - 1976: Served as President of the San Antonio Historical Association and San Antonio Conservation Society. 45 years of service helping educate three generation in San Antonio and Bexar County. Known as “The Source” whenever a different question of history arose, the quickest way and most accurate was to ask Marie Berry.
Leah Carter Johnston 1922: Joined San Antonio Main Library in 1922. 1927: Developed “Young Pegasus”, the first children’s poetry competition in the United States and is still active today. 1964: Mrs. Johnston and 12 friends organized and created Friends of SAPL Established and was Head of the San Antonio Main Library Children's’ Department for 33 years. Charter member of League of Women Voters. Published a children’s local history book “San Antonio – St. Anthony’s Town”.
	Geraldine LeFevre 1947: Obtained Library Science Degree from the University of Oklahoma 1970 - 1985: Served as Assistant Director 35 years of service to San Antonio Public Library. Sought out improvements and development of children's programs and services. Assisted SAPL systems into the Computer Age. Worked at Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary, Women’s Breakfast Club of San Antonio, Zonta Club of San Antonio, and Friends of SAPL.
Grace Philippi 1922: Joined SAPL Philippi worked as an un-paid apprentice at the age of 17 and worked 6 months with the library for free. 1959: Became the Head of Literature, Philosophy and Religion. She oversaw 650,000 books, one of the largest collection among the four other departments at the main library. Gained fame with her quick ability to find the proper reference materials. Member of the American Library Association and the Texas Library Association.