By Allison Strickland
New Ekstrom book collection to celebrate diversity
The University of Louisville’s Ekstrom Library has dedicated a new collection of books to celebrate diversity and to honor the woman who brought the love of reading to generations of Louisvillians.
On November 19, the collection of multicultural children’s literature was dedicated and named in honor of Barbara S. Miller, who was the director of children’s services at the Louisville Free Public Library and was “The Story Lady” to the city’s children.
In the 1960s and 70s, Miller told stories on the local children’s television program T-Bar-V Ranch, and she was also known for gathering children together at the library for story time. By telling stories, she said, she would increase their desire to read.
Media and periodicals librarian David Horvath said that the primary users of the collection will be teacher education classes.
“We expect to see a lot of other users, both for classroom application and just for pure pleasure,” he said. “We hope that families use the collection frequently.” Members of the community can use the collection if they have a community borrower’s card.
“Barbara Miller was an important figure in the formation of Louisville’s reading environment,” Horvath said. “Given her struggle as an African-American woman and a librarian in a segregated society, it is fitting that a collection which celebrates diversity and multicultural sensitivity be named in her honor.”
The collection currently has about 500 books on the shelf and another 500 that have not been processed. Donations of books that focus on multicultural or diversity issues will be accepted by Ekstrom Library to add to the collection. Monetary contributions of $20 per book will also be accepted, said Horvath, noting that books purchased in this way will have a bookplate with the donor’s name.
For more information on making a donation to the collection, call Horvath at (502) 852-7589.
