Alma Smith Jacobs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alma S. Jacobs
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Alma Smith Jacobs at a library c. 1960s
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Alma Smith
November 21, 1916 |
| Died | December 18, 1997 (aged 81) |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Talladega College, Bachelor's degree in sociology, 1938; Columbia University, Bachelor’s degree in library science, 1942 |
| Occupation | Librarian |
| Known for | First African American to serve as Montana State Librarian |
Alma Smith Jacobs (born November 21, 1916 – died December 18, 1997) was a very important librarian. She made history by becoming the first African American to be the State Librarian of Montana. She worked hard to make libraries better for everyone in the state.
Early Life and Education
Alma Smith was born in Lewistown, Montana. Her parents were Martin Luther and Emma Smith. In 1923, her family moved to Great Falls, Montana.
Alma went to Talladega College in Alabama. She earned a bachelor's degree in sociology in 1938. After college, she worked as a bookmobile librarian. This meant she drove a special van filled with books to different communities. She traveled all over the southern United States, bringing books to people who might not have easy access to a library.
In 1942, Alma continued her education. She earned another bachelor's degree, this time in library science, from Columbia University. After that, she became an Assistant Librarian back at Talladega College.
A Leader in Libraries
In 1946, Alma Smith Jacobs returned to Great Falls. She started working at the Great Falls Public Library. Her first job there was as a Catalog Librarian. This meant she helped organize and list all the books in the library.
Head Librarian in Great Falls
By 1954, Alma was promoted to Head Librarian, also known as the director, of the Great Falls Public Library. She held this important position until 1973. During her time as director, she helped build a brand new, modern library for the city in 1967. She also worked to expand library services to people living in rural areas across Montana.
Montana State Librarian
In 1973, Alma Smith Jacobs was chosen to be the Montana State Librarian. She was the first African American to hold this position. As State Librarian, she played a big part in creating library groups, called federations, across Montana. These groups helped libraries work together and share resources.
Breaking Barriers
Alma Smith Jacobs was a true pioneer. She was the first African American to lead the Montana Library Association. She also became the first African American president of the Pacific Northwest Library Association. On top of that, she was the first person from Montana to serve on the executive board of the American Library Association. These were all very important leadership roles in the library world.
Community and Civil Rights Work
Beyond her library work, Alma Jacobs was also a strong leader in civil rights activities in Montana. She was part of the Great Falls Interracial Council. This group worked to remove racial barriers in the community. They also helped airmen at Malmstrom Air Force Base.
Alma was also active with the Montana Advisory Committee. This committee worked with the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. She also helped start the Montana Committee for the Humanities.
Recognition and Legacy
Alma Jacobs was involved in many community groups. She was active in the Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She also served as president of the Montana Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. She was a national board member of the United Church Women.
Her contributions were recognized many times:
- In 1999, the Great Falls Tribune newspaper named Alma Jacobs one of the top 100 Montanans of the 20th Century.
- In 2010, the Great Falls Tribune named her one of the top 125 Montana Newsmakers.
- In June 2009, the City of Great Falls declared "Alma Smith Jacobs Week." The Great Falls Public Library also named a new area "The Alma Jacobs Memorial Plaza." They honored her as "an exceptional librarian and community leader."
- In 2016, she was added to the State Capitol Gallery of Outstanding Montanans.
- In 2017, a beautiful mural of Alma was painted on the side of the Great Falls Public Library. Artists Jim DeStaffany and Andrew Fowler created it.
