'A valuable resource for my studies'

Clark Reber

I first visited the Sylvania Library about 1933, when I was four years old. It was located across the street in the former Henry Burnham house. I met Miss Huff, the librarian. I learned quickly that one did not talk or whisper within range of Miss Huff’s hearing, which was excellent.

For 12 years, the Library was a valuable resource for my studies at Maplewood Elementary and Burnham High School. Then, and now, I visited the Library several times a week. Except for participating in the Korean War and serving as a school administrator in another community, I have lived in Sylvania with ready access to the Library. In the late 1950s I helped transfer books from the old building to this new one.

I have always found the Sylvania Library staff members to be kind, cheerful and helpful. They are just nice people and professionally competent. (I have two daughters at the UT Library. I believe they meet the criteria above.)

My only minor criticisms are being closed Monday and Tuesday mornings, and talking in the Library. The first is financial reasons. As for talking, it is only rarely offensive and I realize we cannot revert to Miss Huff’s silent library.

I visit the Library frequently and always have at home several books on history or a biography, and perhaps some fiction. I feel fortunate to have access to the many thousands of books in the Library system. Meeting friendly staff members is a real privilege. Thank you.