Joyce Colander ’68, MALS ’69 leaves legacy at Beverly Library

January 26, 2021



Joyce Colander ’68, MALS ’69 retired as manager of the Beverly branch of the Chicago Public Library in November 2019. She worked at the Beverly branch for 41 years.



After earning a master’s degree in library science from Rosary College (now Dominican University), Joyce joined the Sherman Park branch as a first assistant in adult services. When the Beverly branch opened in May 1970, she assumed a position as librarian I, first assistant, in adult services. By 1972, she was promoted to librarian II, first assistant.



Starting in 1975, Joyce took time off to raise her five sons and daughter. She returned to the Beverly branch as a librarian II, first assistant, in March 1985, and was promoted to librarian III, first assistant, in 1988. Joyce officially assumed responsibilities as branch manager in 2005, and she helped open the new Beverly branch in 2009. Rather than work in her administrative office, Joyce preferred spending most of her time at the reference desk in the main study area.



“I made a lot of friends and assisted many with materials, which was the best part of my job and something I will remember forever,” Joyce said. “Working with the patrons and having them come back years later to tell me that I helped them and their children and appreciated what I did to assist them was the best reward I could receive from my work.”



READ MORE: Colander retires quietly as manager of Beverly library