Lillian Haydon Childress Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lillian Haydon Childress Hall
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| Born | February 24, 1889 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
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| Died | April 23, 1958 (aged 69) Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
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| Occupation | Librarian |
Lillian Haydon Childress Hall was an important American librarian. She was born on February 24, 1889, and passed away on April 23, 1958. Lillian Hall was the very first African American librarian in Indiana to have professional training. She was also the first African American to graduate from Indiana's state library school.
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Early Life and Learning
Lillian Sunshine Haydon was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on February 24, 1889.
She went to Berea College and finished her studies there in 1904. Later, in 1910, she earned a degree in education from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.
In 1915, Hall joined the Indiana Public Library Commission Summer School for Librarians. This school later became the Indiana University School of Library and Information Science. She made history by becoming the first African American to graduate from this program.
A Career Helping Others Read
Starting at Cherry Street Library
The Cherry Street Library was a special place. It was a branch of the Evansville Public Library that opened in November 1914. This library was built with money from Andrew Carnegie, a famous businessman. It was the first free public library built north of the Ohio River just for African Americans.
Lillian Hall started working there in January 1915 as an apprentice. An apprentice is someone who learns a job by working with an experienced person. After she earned her librarian's degree in July, she became the branch librarian. She worked hard to connect with the community. She invited teachers to visit and started fun clubs for boys and girls.
Leading the Dunbar Branch
In 1921, Hall received an exciting offer. She was asked to manage a new branch of the Indianapolis Public Library. This branch was in the Martindale-Brightwood area, an African American neighborhood. The library was called the Paul Laurence Dunbar Branch. It was located inside an elementary school for African American children.
Working at Crispus Attucks High School
In 1927, Hall left the Dunbar branch for a new role. She accepted a position at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Public Library opened a new branch right at the high school. Lillian Hall was chosen to be the head librarian there.
She worked at Attucks High School for 29 years. Lillian Hall retired in September 1956, after a long and successful career.
Personal Life and Family
Lillian Hall married William H. Childress in 1910. After he passed away in 1919, she married John Wesley Hall in 1929. Her only child, William Hobbs Childress, Jr., was born in 1911. He later served one term in the Kentucky General Assembly.
Lillian Hall passed away in Indianapolis on April 23, 1958. She was buried in Crown Hill Cemetery.
Lillian Hall's Lasting Impact
Lillian Hall is remembered as a true pioneer for African Americans in the library world. She was especially known for mentoring other library assistants, like Hallie Beachem Brooks. During her career, she built a wonderful collection of books. These books were written by and about African Americans, and they were very important for the people who used her libraries.
