|
Honoring Allen Public Library’s Director Barbara Buehler
By Tom Keener
The success of a civilization is partially based upon
the proliferation of its libraries and educational infrastructure.
Ancient Rome had over ten libraries while Athens, according to
Lionel Casson, had "as many private libraries as Athenians." Along
with other local arts organizations, the Allen Public Library has
catapulted Allen to unprecedented cultural heights.
By offering acclaimed authors and illustrators hailed
by The New York Times reviewers; decorative and performing
artists; gifted storytellers; historians; puppeteers; national
exhibits; and outstanding children’s, teen, and adult programs, the
library has established a widely-respected reputation. Other
innovative initiatives provided by the library include the Homework
Zone and CHAT, a program designed to assist
English-as-a-second-language patrons with their conversation skills.
Both D Magazine and the Dallas Observer
have designated the Allen Public Library as the best in the
Metroplex. Allen's library received features in The Texas
Catholic, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Texas Monthly.
With an undeniably high level of success, the Allen Public Library
owes a great deal of this achievement to the creative vision and
outstanding leadership of Library Director Barbara Buehler. She
has led the library's transition from a book and magazine depository
to an information and cultural arts center, now recognized as one of
the most premiere libraries in the State of Texas.
Barbara was born in San Diego, California, to NH and
Vira Parrish. After NH’s honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy,
the Parrish family returned to their native state, North Carolina.
Barbara was raised in Clinton but graduated from high school in
Smithfield.
While attending the University of North Carolina at
Greensboro, she worked in the university library helping process
books, never contemplating that she would eventually become one of
the most respected librarian’s in Texas. During her senior year,
she noticed the black jack dealer at a Monte Carlo party in the
officer’s club at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. The dealer, First
Lieutenant Dan Buehler, noticed her as well. After her college
graduation, Lt. Buehler and Barbara married.
While Dan served in the US Air Force, the newlyweds
moved frequently, preventing Barbara from establishing a career.
After Dan was honorably discharged as Lieutenant Colonel, they moved
to Plano. Here, Barbara volunteered at their children’s school
library and became interested in pursuing a library career. She
enrolled in Texas Women’s University (TWU) in Denton and earned a
Masters of Library Sciences.
In 1982, Allen’s library director, Bob Lanier,
announced he was leaving and the Library Board began the interview
process. Betty Lowman, who served on the library board when Barbara
was selected, states, “Barbara was the right person for the right
time. She possessed wonderful credentials and identified a creative
vision for the future. I take great pride in serving on the library
board that selected a dutiful and distinguished public servant.”
At the Allen Public Library, then the old blue house
along Allen Drive, one of Barbara’s first duties was unclogging the
only toilet. She laughs that she learned that task as a mother and
not at library school. The library board’s first major objective
was to propose a bond program for a new library along Century
Parkway. Through Barbara’s vision and facilitation, the bond passed
in 1985 and this new library was completed in 1989. As Allen
continued to grow at exponential rates, that building soon became
obsolete.
The newest library, completed in 2005, now occupies a
54,000 square foot facility that includes an aquarium, 300-seat
auditorium for performances, computer lab, coffee shops, and a
gallery for featuring works of local artists and national exhibits.
In 2006, the Northeast Texas Library System (NETLS)
named Barbara as Library Director of the Year. NETLS cited Barbara
“for seeking and being responsive to citizen input in evolving the
library’s role in the community.”
When asked about her proudest achievement, Barbara
names “forming the Friends of the Library in 1983.” She explains
this choice is “because that exemplary organization has grown so
well and has proved to be an outstanding example of citizen
volunteers working in partnership with local government to achieve
an excellent community resource.” What inspires Barbara about
library work “is the joy of continuous learning.”
As a history major, Barbara enjoys historical
fiction. Among those she admires are William F. Buckley for his
commentary, Robin Williams for zaniness, and Katherine Graham and
Sandra Day O’Connor as leaders for women.
Former Allen Councilperson and Library Board member
Dr. Eileen Tollet states “I am impressed by her progressive
approach, and her understanding that the library should grow. I
watched her grow with the library, always willing to listen, never
letting her ego get in the way of the library, and defending the
collection against “wing nuts.”
Former Allen Mayor Dr. Joe Farmer described Barbara
as “a consummate professional. Being patient, yet innovative and
always searching for ways to improve services to the citizens of
Allen. Throughout her tenure, she has been an effective and
positive leader for library services. Her dedication to Allen will
be an invaluable asset for future generations.”
Mayor Steve Terrell, states, “The City of Allen has
been very fortunate to have had Barbara Buehler as our Librarian.
She did an excellent job of directing our library, and managing the
tremendous growth. The Allen library began in a small house and has
now grown to a multi story, award winning library. I want to thank
Ms. Buehler for her leadership and for her dedication to the Allen
Public Library."
After a 25-year distinguished career as the Allen
Public Library Director, Barbara Buehler retired on January 31 to
begin pursuing travel, hobbies, and more time with friends and
family. In addition to the new library facility that is the heart
and soul of the Allen culture, her legacy is the development and
nurturing of a library for all our citizens that builds bridges
between different cultures, religions, and languages to make our
city better.
Purely personal: Barbara, hardiest congratulations
for a successful career, and thanks for your friendship, especially
when I lost my parents, and may your trails always lead to green
pastures.
|
