Google Doodle Celebrates Jeanne Córdova: Latina Librarian and Diversity Advocate

Jeanne Córdova, the first Latina president of the American Library Association (ALA), was a trailblazing librarian and advocate for diversity. Born in 1948 in Las Cruces, New Mexico, she was the first in her family to attend college. Córdova earned degrees in Spanish and library science and worked at various libraries throughout her career.In 1987, Córdova became the director of the Tucson-Pima Public Library in Arizona, where she oversaw the construction of a new main library building. She also served as president of the ALA from 1993 to 1994, focusing on increasing diversity in the library profession and improving access to library services for all people.Córdova was a passionate advocate for libraries and believed that they are essential to a democratic society. She received numerous awards for her work, including the Melvil Dewey Medal from the ALA and induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame.Córdova's legacy lives on through her dedication to libraries and her efforts to increase diversity in the profession. She will be remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for other Latinas in the field. In honor of Pride Month, today's Google Doodle celebrates Jeanne Córdova's contributions as a Chicana lesbian activist, feminist, and author.