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Effie Lee Morris

Effie Lee Morris (April 20, 1921 – November 9, 2009) was an African American children's librarian, educator, and activist, best known for her pioneering public library services for minorities and the visually-impaired.[1] Morris developed Cleveland Public Library's first Negro History Week and was New York Public Library's first children's specialist for visually-impaired patrons. She was the first coordinator of children's services at San Francisco Public Library, where she was also the first African American to hold an administrative position.[2]

An active leader in advocacy organizations, Morris served as president of the Public Library Association—the first woman and first African American person to do so.[3] Morris also served on the committees for prominent children's book awards, including the Caldecott Medal, Newbery Medal, and Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal (now known as the Children's Literature Legacy Award).[4] Morris wrote the original selection criteria for the Coretta Scott King Award to become an official award for the American Library Association (ALA) in 1982.[5]

Morris received many distinguished awards during her lifetime and posthumously. The ALA conferred their highest honor, honorary membership, on Morris in 2008.[6][7] In 2017, she was inducted posthumously into the California Library Association's Hall of Fame.[8]

Education and personal life

Morris grew up in segregated Richmond, Virginia. At the age of eight, she moved with her family to Cleveland, Ohio, where her father was head chef with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway.[9] Morris and her sister were among only a few African-Ameirican students at their elementary school in Cleveland. Reading was a part of Morris's life from an early age. After discovering her local Mount Pleasant branch of the Cleveland Public Library, she delighted in playing librarian by organizing her books on the front porch.[10]

Morris was valedictorian at John Adams High School[11] and won a scholarship to the University of Chicago, where she studied for three years. She returned home to Cleveland after her father fell ill and finished her undergraduate career at Western Reserve University (now called Case Western Reserve University), from which she received two bachelor's degrees: one in Social Sciences, and another in Library Science.[12] She studied under Harriet Long, who specialized in training children's librarians.[11] Morris returned to Case Western for graduate school, earning her Master of Science in Library Science in 1956. Her thesis was titled "A Mid-Century Survey of the Presentation of the American Negro in Literature for Children Published in the United States between 1700 and 1950."[13]

Morris married Leonard Virgil Jones in Honolulu, Hawai’i on August 25, 1971. At the time of their marriage, Jones was Assistant Vice President of Fidelity Savings and Loan Association.[14] A graduate of University of California, Berkeley, Jones played football for coach Pappy Waldorf.[15] Jones remained active at Berkeley, serving as a trustee of the Cal Athletic Foundation and a director of the Cal Alumni Association.[14]

Morris always wore a pendant of an owl, which was her personal symbol of excellence and a reference to The Three Owls column written by New York Public Library children's librarian Anne Carroll Moore. The column was the first series of children's book reviews to be published by the New York Herald Tribune. Moore's three owls represent the author, illustrator, and critic; Moore's fourth owl represents the reader.[16]

Career

Cleveland Public Library (1945-1955)

Morris's library career began during college at the Cleveland Public Library, where she worked in a branch serving a majority African American community. She focused on literacy for African American children and children in low-income urban areas.[1] She established the library's first Negro History Week celebration for children, for which she developed the programming and suggested reading list.[13]

New York Public Library (1955-1963)

In 1955, New York Public Library recruited Morris away from Cleveland. She worked in The Bronx and became the library's first children's specialist for visually-impaired patrons. The coordinator of children's services, Francis Landis Spane, allocated grant money for Morris to find materials for visually-impaired children.[17] Morris was the only librarian in the country working with blind children and advocated for new books to be written for this population. When blind children throughout the country wrote to her for books,[9] Morris worked with the National Braille Association (then known as the National Braille Club) to secure new adaptations of children's books. This included braille editions as well as multi-sensory adaptations using fabrics as illustrations.[17] During her time in New York, Morris served as president of the National Braille Association and chair of the Library of Congress's Committee for Book Selection for Blind Children.[13]

San Francisco Public Library (1963-1977)

Morris moved from New York to San Francisco in 1963 to become the first children's services coordinator at San Francisco Public Library. She was also the first African American to hold an administrative position at the library.[2] By 1973, she was still only one of ten African American librarians working in the San Francisco Public Library system.[18]

In 1964, Morris established the library's Children's Historical and Research Collection, featuring out-of-print books for young people that depicted ethnic stereotypes, in order to highlight the changing portrayals of ethnic and minority groups. The collection was renamed in Morris's honor in 1981.[19] In 1969, Morris helped establish the library's first African-American History program, which included a visit by five African American authors and illustrators, including author Lorenz Graham.[20][21][22]

A consummate advocate for children, Morris once advised the library's architects that the proposed railings in the children's section were dangerous for children, as they had been set too wide. During her fourteen-year tenure, Morris wrote the library's declaration of children's rights,[23] translated the library's card application into five languages,[24] established a city-wide summer reading program, and wrote booklists for the annual event.[21] In 1975, Morris used a Library Services and Construction Act grant to establish "Dial-a-Story", a 24-hour phone line where callers could listen to a three-minute recorded story for preschool-aged children.[25]

Public Library Association presidency (1971-1972)

From 1971 to 1972 Morris was the first African American and first woman to serve as president of the Public Library Association.[3]

Post-library career

After leaving San Francisco Public Library, Morris worked as a senior editor of urban education at Harcourt Brace Jovanovich from 1978 to 1979.[26][27]

After her retirement, she taught courses on children's literature the University of San Francisco, Mills College, Case Western Reserve University, and Clark Atlanta University.[28]

In 2004, Morris delivered the commencement address to graduates of the UCLA School of Library and Information Science.[29]

Leadership and advocacy

Awards and honors

Posthumous tributes

Bibliography

Quotes

External links

References

  1. ^ a b c Zalusky, Steve (June 15, 2010). "Effie Lee Morris honored for her work as a librarian, advocate for underserved children and the visually impaired". ALA News. American Library Association. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
  2. ^ a b Wilkin, Binnie Tate (2006). "Effie Lee Morris: Retired Children's Services Coordinator, San Francisco Public Library". African American Librarians in the Far West: Pioneers and Trailblazers. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. pp. 155–156. ISBN 978-0-8108-5156-6.
  3. ^ a b c Orange, Satia Marshall (2012). "Pay It Forward for Effie Lee Morris: A Tribute". In Jackson, Andrew P.; Jefferson Jr., Julius C.; Nosakhere, Akilah S. (eds.). The 21st-Century Black Librarian in America: Issues and Challenges. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. 253. ISBN 978-0-8108-8245-4.
  4. ^ Harris, Violet (Summer 2001). "An Interview with Effie Lee Morris". The New Advocate: For Those Involved with Young People and Their Literature. 14 (3): 280.
  5. ^ a b Thompkins, Joyce Hollmon (1993). An annotated bibliography of the Coretta Scott King Award Books from 1970–1990. Atlanta, GA: Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
  6. ^ a b Kempf, JoAnne (March 1, 2008). "ALA names three honorary members". American Library Association. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
  7. ^ a b "Honorary Member: Effie Lee Morris". American Libraries. 39 (8): 39. September 2008.
  8. ^ a b "California Library Hall of Fame". California Library Association. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
  9. ^ a b c d "Effie Lee Morris". The HistoryMakers. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
  10. ^ Wilkin, Binnie Tate (2006). "Effie Lee Morris: Retired Children's Services Coordinator, San Francisco Public Library". African American Librarians in the Far West: Pioneers and Trailblazers. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. 154. ISBN 978-0-8108-5156-6.
  11. ^ a b Harris, Violet (Summer 2001). "An Interview with Effie Lee Morris". The New Advocate: For Those Involved with Young People and Their Literature. 14 (3): 277.
  12. ^ Garner, Carla (February 26, 2009). "Effie Lee Morris (1921–2009)". BlackPast. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
  13. ^ a b c d e Wilkin, Binnie Tate (2006). "Effie Lee Morris: Retired Children's Services Coordinator, San Francisco Public Library". African American Librarians in the Far West: Pioneers and Trailblazers. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. 155. ISBN 978-0-8108-5156-6.
  14. ^ a b "Leonard Jones and Miss Effie Morris Are Wed in Honolulu". Oakland Post (California). Vol. 8, no. 19. Oakland, CA: Alameda Publishing Corp. September 2, 1971. p. 13.
  15. ^ Wilkin, Binnie Tate (2006). "Effie Lee Morris: Retired Children's Services Coordinator, San Francisco Public Library". African American Librarians in the Far West: Pioneers and Trailblazers. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. 161. ISBN 978-0-8108-5156-6.
  16. ^ Wilkin, Binnie Tate (2006). "Effie Lee Morris: Retired Children's Services Coordinator, San Francisco Public Library". African American Librarians in the Far West: Pioneers and Trailblazers. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. 156. ISBN 978-0-8108-5156-6.
  17. ^ a b Harris, Violet (Summer 2001). "An Interview with Effie Lee Morris". The New Advocate: For Those Involved with Young People and Their Literature. 14 (3): 278.
  18. ^ Noel, Angie (April 21, 1973). "The Fight for Soul in the Library". Sun-Reporter. No. 16. San Francisco, CA. p. 16.
  19. ^ a b "About the Effie Lee Morris Collection". San Francisco Public Library. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
  20. ^ Harris, Violet (Summer 2001). "An Interview with Effie Lee Morris". The New Advocate: For Those Involved with Young People and Their Literature. 14 (3): 283.
  21. ^ a b "Black Artist Given Gift". Sacramento Observer. Vol. 6, no. 17. Sacramento, CA. March 20, 1969. p. 18.
  22. ^ a b Graham, Lorenz; Bryan, Ashley; Morris; Effie Lee (2000). How God Fix Jonah. Honesdale, Pennsylvania: Boyds Mill Press. pp. ix–x. ISBN 1-56397-698-6.
  23. ^ Wilkin, Binnie Tate (2006). "Effie Lee Morris: Retired Children's Services Coordinator, San Francisco Public Library". African American Librarians in the Far West: Pioneers and Trailblazers. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. 149. ISBN 978-0-8108-5156-6.
  24. ^ Fiels, Keith Michael (January 19, 2010). "Memorial Resolution Commending Effie Lee Morris" (PDF file). Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  25. ^ a b Oversight Hearings on Library Services and Construction Act: Hearings Before the Subcommittee on Postsecondary Education of the Committee of Education and Labor, House of Representatives, 97th Cong. 382-383 (1984) (Testimony of Effie Lee Morris).
  26. ^ "People". Jet. 53: 21. February 2, 1978.
  27. ^ a b c "Children's Champion Effie Lee Morris Dies". American Libraries Magazine. November 16, 2009. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
  28. ^ a b Wilkin, Binnie Tate (2006). "Effie Lee Morris: Retired Children's Services Coordinator, San Francisco Public Library". African American Librarians in the Far West: Pioneers and Trailblazers. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. 150. ISBN 978-0-8108-5156-6.
  29. ^ Wilkin, Binnie Tate (2006). "Effie Lee Morris: Retired Children's Services Coordinator, San Francisco Public Library". African American Librarians in the Far West: Pioneers and Trailblazers. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. pp. 158–161. ISBN 978-0-8108-5156-6.
  30. ^ a b c "Effie Lee Morris Jones". Women's National Book Association, San Francisco Chapter. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
  31. ^ a b "Caldecott Medal & Honor Books, 1938-Present". Association for Library Service to Children. Retrieved December 8, 2019.
  32. ^ Smith, Henrietta M., ed. (1994). The Coretta Scott King Awards Book from Vision to Reality. Chicago, IL: American Library Association. pp. ix–xi. ISBN 0-8389-3441-2.
  33. ^ Garnes, Carolyn (February 19, 2019). "It Takes a Village". American Library Association. Retrieved December 4, 2019.
  34. ^ a b Wilkin, Binnie Tate (2006). "Effie Lee Morris: Retired Children's Services Coordinator, San Francisco Public Library". African American Librarians in the Far West: Pioneers and Trailblazers. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. 238. ISBN 978-0-8108-5156-6.
  35. ^ Legislature of the State of California (1982). Journal of the Assembly. p. 11281.
  36. ^ Sharpe, Maida Wood (December 1958). "An Individualized Reading Program". Elementary English. 35 (8). National Council of Teachers of English: 512. JSTOR 41384803.
  37. ^ "Effie Lee Morris Lecture Series". San Francisco Public Library. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
  38. ^ a b c Wilkin, Binnie Tate (2006). "Effie Lee Morris: Retired Children's Services Coordinator, San Francisco Public Library". African American Librarians in the Far West: Pioneers and Trailblazers. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. 153. ISBN 978-0-8108-5156-6.
  39. ^ "San Francisco Librarian Honored for Teaching Children to Read". Sun-Reporter. Vol. 56, no. 16. San Francisco, CA. April 22, 1999. p. 4.
  40. ^ "National Braille Association, Inc". The HistoryMakers. Retrieved December 8, 2019.
  41. ^ "Trailblazers Award". Black Caucus of the American Library Association. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
  42. ^ 2010 Congressional Record, Vol. 156, Page E1063 (June 10, 2010)
  43. ^ "Silver SPUR Luncheon". San Francisco Bay Area Planning and Urban Research Association. 12 October 2010. Retrieved April 21, 2019.
  44. ^ "Butler Children's Literature Center". Dominican University. 21 August 2017. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
  45. ^ Morris, Effie Lee; Šašek, Miroslav (1967). See the city!. Place of Publication not identified.
  46. ^ Šašek, Miroslav (1962). This is San Francisco. New York, NY: Macmillan. ISBN 0789309629.
  47. ^ Brown, Tricia; Ortiz, Fran; Morris, Effie Lee (1984). Someone Special, Just Like You. New York, NY: Henry Holt and Company. pp. 59–64. ISBN 978-0-8050-4268-9.
  48. ^ "Reading Program At Library". Sun-Reporter. Vol. XXVI, no. 21. San Francisco, CA. June 28, 1969. p. 17.
  49. ^ Keller, Shelly, ed. (1996). "Keeping the Promise: Recommendations for Effective Library Service to African Americans" (PDF file). Retrieved December 5, 2019.