Alma Smith Jacobs

Who was Alma Smith Jacobs?

Alma Smith Jacobs was the first African American to serve as Montana State Librarian. She served as Head Librarian at the Great Falls Public Library from 1954–1973, and in 1973 was named Montana State Librarian, serving until 1981.

Alma Smith was born in Lewistown, Montana, the daughter of Martin Luther and Emma Smith. She moved with her family to Great Falls, Montana in 1923. After receiving a bachelor's degree in sociology from Talladega College in Alabama in 1938, she served as bookmobile librarian traveling throughout the south. In 1942 she received a bachelor’s degree in library science from Columbia University, and became Assistant Librarian at Talladega College. In 1946 she returned to Great Falls, Montana, to serve as Catalog Librarian at the Great Falls Public Library, and in 1954 was promoted Head Librarian serving until 1973. She was the driving force behind the construction of the city’s modern library in the 1967, and the expansion and development of the rural library service program throughout Montana. In 1973 she was selected as Montana State Librarian where she was instrumental in development of library federations in Montana.