OSADA, Toshiko

OSADA, Toshiko. (Shizuoke-shi, Japan, Sept. 16, 1930--Shizuoke-shi, Japan, Mar. 1, 2023). The first children's librarian at the CARNEGIE-STOUT PUBLIC LIBRARY, Osada earned a degree in library science and psychology at CLARKE COLLEGE and an M.A. in library science at Rosary College in River Forest, Illinois. (1) She began her career working at the Chicago Public Library before finally returning to Dubuque.

In addition to familiarizing new students with the library, Osada visited Dubuque schools to explain Japanese customs. She also taught such skills as origami to students at Clarke, Girl Scout troops, and interested students at the library. (2) As part of the DUBUQUE ART ASSOCIATION 1972 program on Oriental art, Osada performed the Japanese tea ceremony. (3) She had previously been trained in the ceremony while growing up in Japan. (4)

To help Japanese children understand America, Osada was asked to translate author Judy Blume's book It's Not the End of the World, a task that took two years. She was the Manager of Children's Services at the Carnegie-Stout Library from 1969-2006. (5)

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Source:

1. Tauke, Mary Sue, "Origami for Fun," Telegraph-Herald, August 17, 1969, p. 6

2. Ibid.

3. Webster, Kathy, "Pine Trees Painted in Charcoal," Telegraph Herald, January 23, 1972, p. 11

4. "Japanese Tea Ritual Expresses Philosophy of Life," Telegraph-Herald, July 10 1960, p. 11

5. Obituary, Telegraph Herald, Mar. 5, 2023, p. 11A