Barbara Bryan

BRYAN Barbara (Day) Bryan, 84, died on January 29, 2012, at Bridgeport Hospital follow ing a courageous six-month effort to regain her health and inde-pendence. A longtime Fairfield resident, Barbara's life reflected the values of professionalism, civic engagement, and an active, healthy lifestyle. Born in Livermore Falls, Maine, she was the daughter of Lorey C. and Olga (Bergquist) Day. After earning a B.A. from the University of Maine, she began a career in library science, working as a cataloger first at Harvard and then at Yale University. While at Yale, Barbara met and fell in love with Robert S. Bryan, a graduate student in architecture and city planning. They married in 1950 and moved to Fairfield, where Barbara accepted a position as cataloger for the Fairfield Public Library. She earned an M.S. degree in library science from Southern Connecticut State University, and was subsequently promoted at Fairfield Public to reference librarian (1954-57) and assistant director (1957-65). She was then tapped by Fairfield University to serve as assistant director of Nyselius Library, and was later promoted to University Librarian. At her retirement in 1996, Barbara was named University Librarian Emerita, a fitting capstone to her 31 years of service to the University, and an honor she treasured. During her long career, she was active within her profession, serving on and/or chairing various boards at the local, state, and national level. Barbara was particularly pleased to be recognized for the quality of her service when, in1988, her peers named her Connecticut's Librarian of the Year. She was also a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi. In retirement, Barbara volunteered daily at the Fairfield Historical Society; served on the boards of the Association of Connecticut Libraries and Oak Lawn Cemetery; remained a representative to the Connecticut Library Association's Legislative Committee; and was an active member of both the Fairfield University Retirees Association (past president) and the University's Institute for Retired Professionals (advisory board, two terms). In town, Barbara served on the Library Building Committee and the Historic District Commission, both as a member and as commissioner (2003-2008) of the latter. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Bob, who died in 1996, and by her brother, Richard L. Day. She will be missed by her many, many friends. A graveside service will be held Friday, February 3, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Fairfield with the Rev. David Spollett officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Hope, 636 Old Post Rd., Fairfield, CT 06824, or to your favorite charity. For information or to sign anonline guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com