Inez Mabel Crawford

Photographed by A. W. Barker of Ottawa, Kansas, likely before 1900 Inez Mabel Crawford (August 16, 1869 – February 1938) was a prominent socialite in Ottawa, Kansas who moved to San Mateo, California, and worked for many years as the first city librarian and head librarian of the San Mateo City Library.

Early life Inez Mabel Crawford was born on August 16, 1869, in Ottawa, Kansas, the daughter of Levi Russell Crawford (1834–1897) and Inezette J. Kalloch (1847–1928). and adjusted her book acquisitions to the tastes of the community, including romances for the women of the community and adventure novels and mysteries for the men. Beyond her duties as librarian, she also worked towards the passage of a local bond issue that increased the size of the library by a factor of three.

She was a member of the American Library Association, California Library Association, California Book Plate Society, San Mateo Business and Professional Women's Club, She served the California Library Association as president of its second district and became the chairman of the Art Section of the San Mateo Woman's Club.

She died in February 1938 and is buried at Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas.