Siskiyou
County
Biographies
CELIA GLEASON
Among the most thoroughly efficient librarians of Northern California is numbered Miss Celia Gleason, in charge of the Siskiyou County Free Library at Yreka, where she is rendering a valuable service that is fully appreciated by the public. A native of the state of Vermont, she is a daughter of Leonard and Elizabeth Nott (Tracy) Gleason, both of whom were members of old American families. Her father was a lawyer by profession and he and his wife were lifelong residents of the east. They were the parents of five children, namely: Edgar, who died many years ago; Martha, who died in Los Angeles; Urban, who died young; Sidney, who was drowned in childhood; and Celia.
Miss Gleason was educated in the public schools and St. Alban’s College and after her graduation she devoted her time and attention to the care of her mother for several years. In 1888 she went to Los Angeles, with her sister, Martha, giving her unremitting care, and after the latter’s death rested for a while. In 1889 she was appointed assistant librarian in the public library of Los Angeles, and was made acting librarian in 1912 by appointment of the board of supervisors. She was at that time the possessor of a certificate as county librarian granted by the state board of library examiners. She served in that capacity until 1925, though in the meantime she had been offered various other desirable positions. Miss Gleason was in full chare of the largest county library ever established, the county library of Los Angeles county. This library was far below its present standard of completeness when she took charge of it, but through her efforts it was built up to the largest and best equipped in the state. In 1925, feeling the need of rest, she retired and enjoyed well earned leisure until 1929, when the board of supervisors of Siskiyou county appointed her to her present position as the executive head of the Siskiyou County Free Library. She is primarily a lover of books, has had years of valuable experience and is actuated by a desire to render the highest type of service, so that in every essential respect she is well qualified for the work which she is doing. Miss Gleason is a republican in her political views and is a member of the California Library Association and the American Library Association. Reading, outdoor sports and hiking are her favorite diversions and in former years she walked many miles every year, visiting various libraries on these trips. Because of her fine personal qualities and her attainments she is very highly regarded by all who know her.
Transcribed
by Joyce Rugeroni.
Source: Wooldridge, J.W. Major History of the Sacramento Valley
California, Vol. 2 Pages 94-95. Pioneer Historical
Publishing Co. Chicago 1931.
© 2010 Joyce Rugeroni.
Golden Nugget Library's Siskiyou County Biographies