Letter from Toni Morrison about the Reading Room

This is the second letter sent to Lorain Public Library about the reading room that the library will be dedicating in Toni Morrison's honor.

This letter is likely written by Toni Morrison and is addressed to Kenneth Cromer, then the director of the Lorain Public Library System. This letter is also printed on Princeton University letterhead, with the same address as in item #2903.

The text of the letter is as follows:

"Dear Kenneth L. Cromer,

I am so delighted by the news in your July 15 letter. The kinds of things described for the Reading Room seem exquisite to me and ought to produce a warm and welcoming atmosphere for people who would relish the comfort of such a place. Certainly some of my most memorable and happiest moments were spent in the Lorain Public Library. (There was no YA section then - just children's books and all the rest. So I read everything.)

Please convey to The Nord Family Foundation my sincere appreciation. Their generosity coupled with the Library's commitment have moved me deeply.

You should know that I expect to be in Paris from October to December 10. If your plans for the dedication could be after the 10th, or even during the beginning of the year, I can easily attend."

Although I have put myself in semi-isolation (trying to begin a new book) I want to be as helpful as I can: don't hesitate to let me know of the progress or obstacles on any phase of the project in which I could be of service.

Sincerely,

Toni Morrison (signature)

~ Lorain Public Library System, “Letter from Toni Morrison about the Reading Room,” Lorain County Memory, accessed November 13, 2026, https://loraincountymemory.org/items/show/2904.

Dublin Core

Title

Letter from Toni Morrison about the Reading Room

Description

This is the second letter sent to Lorain Public Library about the reading room that the library will be dedicating in Toni Morrison's honor.

This letter is likely written by Toni Morrison and is addressed to Kenneth Cromer, then the director of the Lorain Public Library System. This letter is also printed on Princeton University letterhead, with the same address as in item #2903.

The text of the letter is as follows:

"Dear Kenneth L. Cromer,

I am so delighted by the news in your July 15 letter. The kinds of things described for the Reading Room seem exquisite to me and ought to produce a warm and welcoming atmosphere for people who would relish the comfort of such a place. Certainly some of my most memorable and happiest moments were spent in the Lorain Public Library. (There was no YA section then - just children's books and all the rest. So I read everything.)

Please convey to The Nord Family Foundation my sincere appreciation. Their generosity coupled with the Library's commitment have moved me deeply.

You should know that I expect to be in Paris from October to December 10. If your plans for the dedication could be after the 10th, or even during the beginning of the year, I can easily attend."

Although I have put myself in semi-isolation (trying to begin a new book) I want to be as helpful as I can: don't hesitate to let me know of the progress or obstacles on any phase of the project in which I could be of service.

Sincerely,

Toni Morrison (signature)

Publisher

Lorain Public Library System

Date

1994-07-26

Rights

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Format

JPG

Type

Paper

Coverage

Lorain, Ohio