A Tribute to MARY ANNE MILLER - 1924-2010
Library Board Member 1996-2004
Library Board President 2000-2004
Mary Anne Miller, a Board member of the Friends of the Whitehall Public Library, passed away on December 5, 2010.
We remember her for her dedicated service to the Friends, the Library itself and the Whitehall community.
Mary Anne was a long term Whitehall resident (since 1954). Following retirement from Federated Investors, Inc. she became involved with the Whitehall Public Library. She was a member of the Library Board from October 1996 to December 2004, serving as President for the last four of those years.
Notable events during her tenure included completion of the Library's new addition in 1998, and the transition of the Allegheny County library system from 45 separate, independent libraries to a federated system. Under the new system, each library has access to the resources of the entire County, but retains enough autonomy to adapt these resources to the needs of the local patrons.
Mary Anne's leadership as Library Board President helped the Library to make great progress under the new system, and laid the foundation for further progress that continues to this day.
After completing her term on the Library Board, she was appointed to the Friends Board. She served as Vice President and President and, in spite of serious health problems, continued to serve as a board member until her death.
In addition to remembering her dedication to helping the Library, we will also remember her kindness, friendliness and willingness to share the benefits of her wide experience.