Lillian Childress Hall: Indiana's First Black Librarian

Lillian Haydon Childress Hall (1889 – 1958) was hired in the 1920s to create library services for Black patrons. Hall’s work made national headlines as she promoted literacy programs and created a special collection that has since gone missing. Hall was hired amid a rising tide of Klan activity in Indiana, yet she was able to move the library forward through her contributions to The Indianapolis Public Library. Join us in-person at Central Library as we explore the story of Indiana’s first Black Librarian.

Presenter: Stephen Lane obtained his Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) and Master of Arts in Public History from IUPUI, and currently works at the University Library at IUI. Lane was formerly an Activity Guide in the Learning Curve at Central Library before becoming the Special Collections Librarian working to diversify the materials in the Indianapolis Special Collection Room (ISCR) to expand our understanding of Indianapolis history.

The lecture will be held in-person in the Indianapolis Special Collections Room (ISCR) located on the 6th floor within Central Library. Made possible by the Indianapolis Public Library Foundation. Registration is required. Age Group: Adults