I just read a Library Journal review of a book by Poppy Z. Brite written by a librarian named Marylaine Block in 1992. It piqued my curiosity when I saw that she worked as a research librarian at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. This is near where I grew up and I actually utilized the university’s library for research projects when I was in high school in the 90’s. Also, it’s one of those places that if you’ve never lived there, you’ve probably never heard of it.
She died in September of 2014 at the age of 70 having contributed some books on libraries and countless reviews.
Beyond a simple obit in American Libraries journal I can’t find any real background on her, proving my own lack of research acumen, or perhaps her skill at staying out of the databases that she doubtless utilized regularly.
As a writer, a wannabe author, and a lover of libraries and librarians, I just wanted to get her name out there again and say thank you to all my librarian friends who toil away in the background. Who, especially in this digital age, are more important now than ever. Thank you Marylaine for the work you’ve done and to all who, like Prometheus, help bring the light of information and inspiration to the masses.