Historical February–March 2010 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
I recently spoke with a longtime resident of the neighborhood, Ilene McGinn.
She lived on 60xx Pershing for over 40 years.
She went to first grade at St. Roch School and was married at that church.
Her life clearly involved the neighborhood which she calls “friendly and kind.” Although she now resides in Webster, she returns here frequently because of Charing Cross Library on Skinker.
The librarian, Charles Lampkin, to her epitomizes the friendliness and kindness of Skinker DeBaliviere. McGinn wanted to recognize Charles’ special qualities.
She said that “he treats everybody exactly the same.” He gives his undivided attention to the patrons.
In fact, “he makes you feel like the only patron of the library. No request is out of bounds.
If it’s in print, he’ll get it.” She has never been disappointed after a visit to the library. Sometimes he will get a book for her she did not request because he thought it was something she’d like.
He is able to relate to each person and that person’s reading tastes. McGinn helped to campaign to get a bookmobile for the neighborhood years ago and helped to move books to Charing Cross from the Kingsbury kiosk. Our library remains very special to her as does an exceptional librarian whom many adore.
Original photograph caption
Charles Lampkin at Charing Cross Library. Descriptive caption supplied; photographer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2010.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2010_02.pdf, printed page(s) 5; PDF page(s) 5.
