Clara Breed, known throughout San Diego as "The Library Lady," is credited with establishing San Diego's modern library system and with being the driving force behind the fundraising, planning and building of the new Central Library Building. She was first hired as Children's Librarian in 1928 and throughout her career was a tireless advocate for children, books, and literacy. During World War II she provided Japanese-American children from San Diego with stamped and addressed post cards so they could write to her from their internment camps. For three years she sent letters, books and supplies to the children in the camps. Those letters were the basis for the 2006 book by Joanne Oppenheim, "Dear Miss Breed: True Stories of the Japanese American Incarceration during World War II and A Librarian Who Made a Difference." In 1955 she was honored as "Woman of the Year" by the San Diego Women's Service Council and in 1993 received a commendation from President and Mrs. Clinton. In retirement, Miss Breed authored a centennial history of the library, "Turning the Pages: San Diego Public Library History, 1882-1982." Title supplied by cataloger.
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