Alumnus to read from new book, A True Politician

Barry Seaver, Ph.D. '97, will give a reading and signing of his book A True Politician from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, at The Regulator Bookshop, 720 Ninth St., Durham.

A librarian at the Durham County Public Library, Seaver began research for his book as a SILS student with former Dean Edward Holley acting as his doctoral dissertation adviser. The book is about Rebecca Browning Rankin, who served from 1920-1952 as the municipal reference librarian of the City of New York.

Serving in many key policy-making positions, both on mayoral committees and in professional organizations, Rankin was an ardent lobbyist for the role of information in educating the electorate. She published more than 50 articles and books on aspects of city government and libraries, and delivered weekly radio speeches on WNYC from 1928 to 1938.

Rankin's career as a librarian, author and radio commentator demonstrates the use of research in the formation of public policy decisions and provides a unique perspective on politics in New York. She also served as president of several library organizations including the Special Library Association, which she led to national status during her tenure. During the Depression, she established the association’s employment service and worked with Mayor Fiorello La Guardia and other library officials to provide pensions for public librarians in New York City. Rankin and La Guardia shared the belief that government should carry out the will of the people and care for their needs, and the two worked together to make this a reality.

A True Politician is published by McFarland & Co. Inc. of Jefferson, N.C.