Library Job

In the summer of 1959 or 60 I got a chance to work as a Library Page at Tyrrell Public Library in downtown Beaumont. The role of a Library Paige is to put books returned by patrons back on the shelves – IN THE RIGHT PLACE. Beyond that, straightening books on the shelves, known as the stacks, was a part of the job as well as doing miscellaneous jobs assigned by Miss Porter, the librarian to whom I reported.

Working in the library was a great job. I loved to read and got first dibs on new books. I met some really interesting people and heard great stories. I started out at $1.00/hour and worked up to $1.25/hour by the time I left in 1962.

In the summers I worked 8 hours a day 5 days a week. I think we were closed on Mondays. During school I worked two hours a day on weekdays and eight on Saturday.

Mostly I rode the city bus to get to and from work. Occasionally, Mom would drive me and after I got my license in 1960 (at age 14!!!) I was allowed to drive myself.

The bus ride was about a half an hour each way whereas it was only about 15 minutes by car.

One of the librarians, Mrs. White, had an MGA sports car that I coveted. She occasionally let me move it from one parking space to another. I loved that car.

Miss Porter, my boss, was a sweetheart with a crusty exterior. She kept me working hard most of the time.

Mrs. Williams, a widow, ran the film department and was my best friend there. She was a real encourager. Her son was one of the first of the wave of MBA’s who ran the financial systems of the country. I think he was an Annapolis grad.

There was a lady who ran the pamphlet room who was a real character. Once she was mistaken for Bonnie Parker of Bonny and Clyde fame.

The building was the former First Baptist Church. It was stone outside and dark wood inside. No air conditioning so summers could be warmish. There was a fascinating circular staircase that led upstairs to the children’s library and a bunch of nooks and crannies to explore. I had my own private reading room where I could relax during my lunch hour.

My grandmother, Nora Barrett, worked for BonWit Lennon one half block away and she and I would often have lunch at the Neisner’s soda fountain. I could get a hamburger, fries, a coke and a piece of pie for under a dollar.

This is the view from Pearl Street. Behind me was a Walgreens, my nearest supply of Reece’s Cups.

This is the side view. To my left was city hall and the Civic Auditorium where my High School graduation ceremony was held. To my right was Schrafts - a stationery store that had that wonderful paper and ink fragrance. Between Schrafts and the library was an alley where we parked our cars

This view was never available to me when I worked there. This area was a bunch of retail shops. It is certainly apparent that the library building was earlier a church.