Ruth Gagliardo

Ruth Garver Gagliardo (September 6, 1895 – January 4, 1980) was an American educator known for her work in developing library services for children. Gagliardo was referred to as the "Kansas Book Lady" for her efforts in promoting books and advocating for resources for teachers and parents. She held several prominent leadership roles in national organizations, including serving as the vice president of the National Parent Teacher Association and as president of the Association for Library Service to Children. Gagliardo's creation of a traveling book exhibit is credited with the start of book fairs in the United States.

Early life and education

Ruth Jane Garver was born in Hastings, Nebraska, on September 6, 1895. Her father, a traveling minister, died before her birth; her mother remarried when Ruth was seven and the family moved to Topeka, Kansas in 1910. Her mother inspired a love of literature in her and her brother and Ruth collected children's books as a young girl. She began her undergraduate degree at the University of Kansas in 1918, graduating with a bachelor's degree in English in 1922.

In 1942 Gagliardo volunteered to write a book review column for the Kansas Teacher, an educational journal published by the Kansas State Teachers Association. Gagliardo's creation, the Kansas Children's Traveling Book Exhibit, is credited with beginning book fairs in the U.S. She also served as the state representative for Kansas at the White House Conference on Children and Youth in 1950 and 1960. She was inducted into the National Education Association Hall of Fame for American Women in 1976.