Marjorie Adele Blackistone Bradfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Marjorie Adele Blackistone Bradfield
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| Born | May 10, 1911 Washington, D.C., US
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| Died | November 19, 1999 (aged 88) |
| Education | University of Michigan, Columbia University |
Marjorie Adele Blackistone Bradfield (born May 10, 1911 – died November 19, 1999) was an important American librarian. She worked for many years at the Detroit Public Library and for the Detroit Public Schools. Marjorie Bradfield made history as the first African-American librarian hired at the Detroit Public Library.
Marjorie Bradfield's Early Life and School
Marjorie Adele Blackistone was born on May 10, 1911, in Washington, D.C. She loved learning and went to college.
She earned a degree from the University of Michigan in 1934. The next year, in 1935, she graduated from the Columbia University School of Library Service. In 1938, she married Horace Ferguson Bradfield, who was a doctor. She continued her studies and received a Master of Library Science degree in 1940 from the University of Michigan.
Her Career as a Librarian
Marjorie Bradfield started her career in 1935. She became a librarian at Roosevelt High School in Gary, Indiana.
In 1938, Bradfield joined the Detroit Public Library. This was a big step, as she was the first professional African-American librarian there. She worked hard to improve the library's books and materials about African Americans. She also helped create the library's special Black History collection.
Bradfield left the library in 1950 to raise her two children. But she returned in 1964, continuing her important work. She kept building the library's collection of black literature. In 1967, the Detroit City Council gave more money for books about minority cultures. This was thanks to her efforts. The money helped expand the Azalia Hackley Collection. This collection focused on black literature about the performing arts. Bradfield also suggested that Clara Stanton Jones be hired. Clara Stanton Jones later became the Detroit Public Library's first black head librarian.
In 1968, Bradfield became the head librarian for the Detroit Public Schools system. There, she created special reading programs for Black History Month. She retired from Detroit Public Schools in 1980.
Marjorie Bradfield passed away in Detroit, Michigan, on November 19, 1999.
