Barbara S. Miller Multicultural Children's Literature Collection : Who is Barbara Miller?

Barbara Simmons Miller (1909-2000) had a shining career as a librarian-educator. At Louisville Free Public Library, she served as Children’s Librarian at the Western Branch, and later as the Coordinator of Children’s Services. She served on the faculty at Spalding University, Louisville Municipal College, the University of Kentucky and University of Louisville. She was also well known as the “Storytelling Lady” on the popular local children’s television show, T-Bar-V Ranch on WHAS television. 

After her official retirement in 1978, Ms. Miller’s advocacy for children’s literacy and storytelling continued. Among many accomplishments, she served on the committees for the prestigious Newberry and Caldecott Children’s Book Awards. In 1979, she was one of four United States librarians who were delegates to the USSR to study library services for children in Moscow and Kiev. Narrative and photographic materials documenting this trip are available for viewing by appointment in the Barbara Simmons Miller papers in the University of Louisville Archives and Special Collections.

Barbara Miller was a tireless volunteer and energetic civic leader, serving on more than ten different Boards including the J. B. Speed Art Museum, Kentucky Opera, Louisville Theatrical Association, African American Heritage Foundation and the Advisory Committee of the Louisville Free Public Library.