Frieda
Heller was a world unto herself at University School.
Being a southern woman, in a decidedly Yankee environment, she
provided contrast in both personality and demeanor. Her
rich southern drawl served to soften her matriarchal demeanor.
To be sure, Frieda Heller was serious about herself and her role
in developing young minds. While at the school, Frieda completed
her Master's Degree in 1937 at Columbia University. She could be
a taciturn librarian, when required, full of shush and demanding
conformance, but her mission was to share her love of books with
children.
Miss Heller was
on the University School faculty from the start--and a close
friend of many including Lou LaBrant, Margaret Willis and Ruth
White. She was author of 8 works on using books to enrich the
teaching experience. Her major work, I can read it myself,
published in 1965, focused on independent reading in the primary
grades. She also co-authored a book about free-reading in grades
7-12 ( with LaBrant ).
No
matter what Frieda had to say, it was peppered by frequent
"..Don't cha knows" as if to sear her southern
heritage and personality deep into the memories of all She knew.
She
remained at her post in the beautiful University School Library
for over two decades. Faculty remember her as an adjunct
resource of great skill in a school that expected students to
find their own way, do their own research, and learn to use the
levers of knowledge offered by great libraries.
Frieda Heller touched the
mind of nearly every University School student. We honor her for her
efforts to impart in us a lifetime love of books and reading.
