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February 6, 2007
Happy Birthday, Norma Perlman!
Today we celebrate Norma Perlman’s 90th birthday. I understand that her children wanted to throw her a big party. She declined. The only party that she would permit would be library staff, family and friends only and be held in the library. She even had to be convinced to hold it in the beautiful and considerably larger Bryant Room – initially, she would only consent to the staff room. And, by the way, no gifts, please.
Well, Norma – your presence is truly our present – every day. Norma’s history with the Bryant Library dates back to 1964 when she was first elected to the Bryant Library Board of Trustees. A short and probably incomplete history of her accomplishments include:
* President of the Board in 1971
* Instrumental in the founding of the Friends
* The Bryant Library “Carpe Diem” sundial was installed in her honor
* Stepped down from the board in 1979
* Has been a member of the Friends ever since
* In 2002, the new Reference Desk, which was a gift from the Friends, was dedicated to Norma (an honor she politely brushes off as “unnecessary.”)
* Very active in the Roslyn community and school-related organizations as well.
* She was also one of the original founders of the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund, established some 24 years ago, and was an honoree in 2005.
* Norma is responsible for the art showcase in the lobby and spends hours setting up and dismantling displays.
Norma always teases me about Googling and blogging. Well, today I “googled” Norma and found 4 pages – there are links to the blog, where she’s been mentioned a few times, several from the Roslyn News, referring to letters she’s written, or that she’s been mentioned in, and charitable organizations she belongs to.
Consider this quote from a letter that Norma wrote to the Roslyn News during the terrible school scandal: “I am writing to express my concern at the continued legal pursuit of prior board members. The backbone of this community has been the wonderful people who have given countless hours of their time with no other motive than to make Roslyn the very special community it has been for many decades. If in the name of our community we send out a signal that no good deed will go unpunished, in the future we will only attract those who feel that there is some personal benefit to them in serving this community."
Norma doesn’t give of herself for personal benefit, but rather to benefit the community. And, boy, has she ever. What is Norma’s secret? What makes Norma, Norma? I don’t know, but she is bright, cultured, funny beyond belief, energetic and capable, has a sparkle in her eye… she is the Bryant Library’s grande dame. In the Jewish faith, there is a name for this woman – we call it “Eishet Chayil,” the Woman of Valor. Eishet Chayil is actually a poem, sung on Friday nights to remind us all of the strength of women. Translated, it describes a “Woman of Valor” as one who sets the tone of love and personal growth. To know Norma is to appreciate her strength and talents. Here is a short excerpt from the Eishet Chayil:
Eshet chayil mi yimtza v'rachok mip'ninim michrah
An accomplished woman, who can find? Her value is far beyond pearls.
Oz v'hadar l'vushah vatischak l'yom acharon
Strength and honor are her clothing, she smiles at the future.
Rabot banot asu chayil v'at alit al kulanah
Many women have done worthily, but you surpass them all.
In 2002, when the Reference Desk was dedicated to Norma at the 57th Annual Bryant Library Association Meeting, our former Library Director, Elizabeth McCloat spoke about Norma. She said “I finally realized why Norma is never tired. It’s because her day isn’t measured in time, but rather in random acts of kindness. As Norma knows, it’s not a building that makes the Library special. In her words ‘The Bryant Library is people.’ We believe that the Bryant Library is Norma Perlman…”
There is no one who works in the library who doesn’t light up when they hear Norma’s distinctive voice in the building. Norma is a tremendous inspiration to all who know her. “Norma has an inexhaustible supply of optimism and vision,” says Barbara Czekala, the Head of the Reference Department, “she is part of the fabric of the library.” Thank you for bringing joy to our building and for doing all that you do. Happy, happy birthday, Norma.
Posted by Michele at February 6, 2007 3:10 PM
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