Meet Diane Craig: The Dedicated “Library Lady”-September 10, 1979

Brings Books, Games, and Joy to Norwood’s Shut-Ins and Seniors

Whether visiting shut-ins at home, patients recovering in nursing homes, or children confined by illness, residents across Norwood affectionately know her as “the library lady”—the warm-hearted outreach coordinator who transforms library services into a lifeline of connection and community care.

Comprehensive Outreach Program at Morrill Memorial Library

Officially serving as the outreach coordinator for the Morrill Memorial Library, Diane Craig has built what stands as one of the most extensive library outreach programs of its kind in the eastern half of Massachusetts, and potentially across the entire state. “The program ties in with the growing trend in all fields, to provide more services for the elderly and the disabled,” Craig explained while detailing her multifaceted community work.

The outreach initiative reaches deep into the community through several specialized channels:

• Nursing Home Deliveries and Group Readings: Craig regularly delivers requested books and large-print editions to four cooperating nursing homes in Norwood. Going beyond simple drop-offs, she gathers patients in groups to read aloud poetry, short stories, and excerpts from classic literature, creating a reliable and anticipated weekly visit.
• Mental Stimulation and Interactive Activities: To foster active engagement, Craig has devised oversized, themed crossword puzzles where patients call out answers to her clues. Her programming also features interactive trivia quizzes, spelling bees, singalongs, and educational film and slide presentations.
• Day Care Center and Home Shut-In Services: The program also extends to the recently opened Day Care Center for the Elderly on Central Street, with plans for library-sponsored activities. Meanwhile, the home shut-in service reaches residents of all ages—including youngsters and individuals of any age group confined by injury or illness. Craig responds to calls for home visits the same day or within 24 hours, noting, “You have to go when you are needed.” Homebound patrons can borrow books, cassettes, recordings, art prints, magazines, and pamphlets.

Volunteer Recruitment and Professional Background

Because the outreach effort has grown into a demanding “juggling act,” Craig and library administration are actively recruiting community volunteers to assist with home deliveries, nursing home visits, and reading aloud. Interested residents can contact Craig or adult services librarian Barbara Carow at 769-0200.

Craig’s path to library service bridges social science and community care. A native of Stoughton who still resides there, she graduated from Stoughton High School, earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology at Stonehill College in North Easton, and pursued a master’s in social psychology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. After finding the job market swamped with sociology majors, she embraced an opportunity to serve as branch librarian in South Norwood. When the South Norwood branch closed in 1976, she transitioned to the main library to spearhead the outreach program.

Over the subsequent three years, Craig’s innovative work has drawn inquiries and requests for guidance from libraries across surrounding towns. “It’s particularly gratifying to me,” Craig reflected, “because I enjoy library work, and I’m also using my sociology background as I deal with shut-ins, the disabled and the elderly.”

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger