University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Biology Library

About Us

Bamber Reading Room

Lion, from Georges Cuvier's The Animal Kingdom

 

 

Pictured with the honorary plaque for the Bamber Reading Room are Robert M. Riffle (left), Rosemary Riffle, and Robert F. Riffle. 

The Lyle E. and Lois R. Bamber Reading Room was officially dedicated on October 25, 2001. Mrs. Bamber’s nephew Robert F. Riffle, his wife Rosemary, and their son Robert M. Riffle were present for the event. The ceremony began with welcome remarks by University Librarian Paula Kaufman. Professor Emerita Elisabeth Davis, Mr. Bamber’s successor at the Biology Library, talked about her association with Mr. Bamber when she served as assistant biology librarian. Curator of Special Collections Gene Rinkel spoke about his memories of Lois Bamber when she volunteered at the University Archives.

The Lyle E. and Lois R. Bamber Reading Room is dedicated to the memory of the first biology librarian, Lyle E. Bamber, who worked at the University Library from 1939-1971. A plaque on the west wall of the Biology Library acknowledges the gift of Lois Riffle Bamber (1905-1997) in honor of her husband, Lyle E. Bamber (1903-1980). After serving the Natural History Library from 1939 through 1959, Lyle Bamber organized the Biology Library where he worked until his retirement in 1971

Bamber Reading Room in 1959.

 Facing North

Bamber Reading Room in 1959.

 Facing Northwest

Information from the The Library Friends - News Releases

Return to Biology Library Welcome Page