[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18977-18978]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF BARBARA JEAN CAMPBELL

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 12, 2007

  Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, today I rise with the support of my 
colleague, Hon. Zoe Lofgren, to honor the life of Barbara Jean 
Campbell, who recently passed away. Barbara dedicated her life to 
public service and committed herself to expanding educational resources 
for the community around her. Her persistent efforts to improve the 
conditions of public libraries as well as the retirement benefits of 
former public employees have greatly benefited and enriched our 
community.
  Barbara Jean Campbell was born on March 3, 1929 in Oakland, 
California. She remained in the city of Berkeley for her education, 
attending local primary and secondary schools, and then obtaining her 
Bachelor's and Master's degrees in economics and library science 
respectively from the University of California, Berkeley.
  Barbara began her career in library management at the Berkeley Public 
Library. Subsequently, she managed a library for the Untied States Air 
Force in England for three years. After returning to the Berkeley 
Library, she was recruited by the Santa Clara County Library system, 
where she served for the remainder of her career.
  During her tenure at Santa Clara County, Barbara was among the first 
women to shatter the glass ceiling when she was appointed county 
librarian in 1973. She oversaw the opening of libraries in Morgan Hill, 
Campbell, Gilroy, Woodland, Saratoga, Alum Rock, and Milpitas. 
Furthermore, when Proposition 13 reduced library funds, Barbara played 
a vital role in keeping the libraries operating smoothly. By the time 
of her retirement in December 1984, she had left a legacy of eloquence 
and distinction in every task she undertook.
  While others may have viewed their retirement as an end to community 
service, Barbara only gave more of her time and energy to serve the 
public. She joined the California State Library Foundation's Board of 
Directors in 1992 and served as secretary of the Board. Although the 
board meetings were held in Sacramento, Barbara faithfully attended 
despite the long commute from the Santa Clara Valley. Her understanding 
of the inner workings of a library and her insight as a former 
professional library administrator provided skillful guidance for the 
organization while her enthusiastic personality brightened every 
meeting.
  In addition, Barbara devoted numerous hours to the Retired Public 
Employees Association (RPEA) of California in both the state and local 
chapters. In the Local Chapter 31, she served as president for two 
terms. At the state level, she served as secretary-treasurer from 1990 
to 1996. In 1996, she was appointed as President of the State 
Association, where she oversaw approximately 35,000 members and 
promoted the mission of RPEA: to preserve, protect, and enhance the 
retirement benefits of former public employees. After her service as 
president, she continued to aid the association as Immediate Past 
President and a member of the RPEA Volunteer Committee.
  Besides her extensive work in the California State Library Foundation 
and RPEA, Barbara was also a 50-year member of the American Association 
of University Women (AAUW) where she was an original member of the 
branch's evening bridge group. As education was a particular interest 
of hers, Barbara participated in the scholarship committee of various 
organizations, including Friends of the Campbell Library, California 
Association of Librarians and Trustees and Commissioners (CALTAC), and 
the Soroptimist Club. In her free time, Barbara enjoyed playing 
blackjack in Reno and bridge with AAUW. She was an avid San Francisco 
giants fan, loved to delve into mystery novels, and often shopped for 
kitchen appliances.
  Barbara Jean Campbell passed away on April 11, 2007 at the age of 78. 
She will be greatly missed by her many friends, including the Dean 
family, the Holt family, and her three godchildren Ralph Holt, Barbara 
Rosellini, and David Holt. She left a legacy of benevolence and 
exemplified the true meaning of service. Throughout her life, Barbara 
advocated for those that others overlooked. We are forever grateful for 
her commitment to enhance public resources, and her contributions are 
proof that one person can make a positive impact on a community.

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