Montgomery, Alabama (June 29, 1923 -November 24, 2008) Age 85 yrs

Bertha Pleasant Williams was the first African-American professional librarian in Montgomery, Alabama. In 1948, the city was segregated. A certified librarian was required as a prerequisite to open a library for the city’s African American residents. Williams, who had recently graduated from Atlanta University, took the position. She established the Union Street Library. Williams worked in libraries for most of her life. Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in library science from Alabama State University in 1943. She obtained a master’s degree in library science from Atlanta University in 1946. Williams also worked at Alabama State University Library for fourteen years. She served as Head of the rare Book Collection and archives for seven of those years. In 2012, the Montgomery City Council voted to rename the Rosa Parks Library branch. It was changed to the Bertha Pleasant-Williams Library at the Rosa Parks Avenue Branch.