Recently, while rummaging through some old files, I ran across
this letter to the editor in the June 17, 1998 issue of the Austin American-Statesman:
The June 12 article about
bookmobiles by Mike Cox brought back some wonderful memories of when I worked
as a part-time driver in the early 1960s while attending UT. We also were
responsible for stocking books, checking out books, keeping the generator going
for light and air conditioning that sometimes worked and cleaning up.
We went to schools,
retirement homes and several small towns and communities outside the city
limits. We set up shop at locations where branch libraries were eventually
built.
The librarian I worked with
mostly, Jean Siedo, made the job a pleasure. She knew the regulars on our route
and selected books from the main library stacks for them. She delivered books
to the rooms of some of those who were not physically able to come to the
bookmobile. She treated everyone with respect, regardless of age, race or
economic situation. She encouraged and counseled when needed. A few times I saw
her give food and money to children who had little. I'm sure that was not part
of her job description, but I respected her for everything she did.
Sometimes I wish we still
had bookmobiles.
Sid Frost
I had forgotten about that letter to the editor. I wish I had
reviewed it before I started writing Where
Love Once Lived. If I had, I could have added more details about how my
character helped others to the point where she was surprised with a special gift
from her patrons. Also, I may have used a different name for the character. I
used Liz Siedo, and I wouldn't want anyone to think the fictional character was
really the live person Jean Siedo. Even though their actions to their patrons
were similar, I made up the rest.
