Mrs. Bard
Mrs. Harriet Bard was the first professionally trained librarian of Morrisson-Reeves, and she expanded the collection to include musical recordings and microfilm.  She instituted numerous programs designed to distribute books to people outside the actual library.  Early in her tenure, she personally took books to the Smith-Esteb Tuberculosis Hospital, and later programs provided books to home-bound patrons and Wayne County Jail inmates.  She established branch libraries in the local Boys’ Club and in the Townsend Center, and began bookmobile service to local parks, playgrounds, retirement homes and rural towns.

One of Mrs. Bard’s most lasting contributions is the building that currently houses Morrisson-Reeves.  By the late 1960s it became apparent that the much-loved building, built by Mr. Morrisson and renovated by Mrs. Reeves was no longer practical.  Its design was not conducive to modern library practices, and its age made further maintenance costs prohibitive.  Mrs. Bard worked tirelessly with architects to fashion the best possible library configuration, even spending a summer taking classes on library buildings.  The result of her effort is the present building that is modern enough to accommodate all of the changes that have taken place since 1975, and yet retains a feel for the past.  Even though the old building was demolished, many architectural and furnishing pieces were salvaged and incorporated into the new one.  Visitors can still see these items today.