I am one of Robert’s colleagues at the former Minneapolis Public Library (MPL), which merged with Hennepin County Library (HCL) in 2008. Robert made many friends at MPL, and news of his illness and passing has deeply saddened us. He made a significant impact on our lives, and on our work at MPL. The following is a summary of Robert's MPL career, compiled from MPL annual reports and the Official Bulletin (O.B.), an employee newsletter, now online at https://tinyurl.com/HCLorgrec
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Robert began his MPL career in 1983 as an Audio Visual Aide in Art/Music/Films (AMF), then split his time for 10 years between AMF and the Public Relations Office (PRO), where he worked as a Display Aide, then Graphic Artist. In 1993 he left AMF to work as Library Aide II (.5) in the Humanities Division (which folded into the Humanities, Social Sciences, Art/Music Section (MASH) in 2002), and continued to work for PRO (which became Public Affairs Office in 1998), until 2003, when he went FT in PAO.
Robert’s health challenges were acknowledged in at least two annual reports: in 1985 (“Graphic Artist Robert Williams was out from March 11 to May 1 with heart problems”) and 1988 (“Despite Graphic Artist Robert Williams' extended absences in the spring and winter due to health problems, the following arcade exhibits were presented in 1988 . . .”).
Annual reports and official bulletins frequently highlighted PRO displays in the Central Library arcade, and in various departments, crediting Robert with “clever and catchy poster artwork,” “a beautiful portrait of the Bard” (Shakespeare), “an extremely attractive poster” and “Robert Williams' arcade displays were outstanding and original.” Robert drew illustrations used for slides in the 1990 Planetarium show, "Dinosaurs in the Dark of Night."
Robert’s work was recognized and appreciated by patrons, as reflected in this 1994 MPL “fan mail” letter, reproduced in the Official Bulletin:
"Robert quickly learned my name and recognized my voice over the phone. His personable manner made me feel welcomed to the services. He'd always say, 'Hello, Ms. Journey. What can I get for you this week?' He hasn't been in the department for quite a while but I remember his high level of service very well."
From the October 3, 1994, Official Bulletin, "Spotlight on Humanities":
Robert Williams splits his time between our Division and PRO. He processes Pop Library transfers, works at the reference desk and lends his artistic talent to our display efforts. He enjoys working on various art projects outside of the library, working primarily in water colors and pastels. He describes himself as an expert potty trainer, and will have his hands full as full time parent to Rosa for the next few months.
Occasionally the Official Bulletin had news of Robert’s work getting published:
March 11, 1996 O.B. – PUBLISHED
A portrait by Robert Williams, PRO/History, was published in full color on the front page of the March 6 edition of City Pages. Robert painted a stylized portrait of U.S. Attorney David Lillehaug to accompany the cover story, "The Trials of David Lillehaug."
July 22, 1996 O.B. – STAFF INVOLVEMENT
Several caricature portraits by Robert Williams, PRO/Humanities, were published in the July 1996 issue of Corporate Report. The color illustrations accompanied the magazine's cover story on Minnesota's most overpaid and underpaid CEOs.
In addition to work duties, Robert participated on the Library softball team (1984) and with the MPL Staff Association.
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Robert began his MPL career in 1983 as an Audio Visual Aide in Art/Music/Films (AMF), then split his time for 10 years between AMF and the Public Relations Office (PRO), where he worked as a Display Aide, then Graphic Artist. In 1993 he left AMF to work as Library Aide II (.5) in the Humanities Division (which folded into the Humanities, Social Sciences, Art/Music Section (MASH) in 2002), and continued to work for PRO (which became Public Affairs Office in 1998), until 2003, when he went FT in PAO.
Robert’s health challenges were acknowledged in at least two annual reports: in 1985 (“Graphic Artist Robert Williams was out from March 11 to May 1 with heart problems”) and 1988 (“Despite Graphic Artist Robert Williams' extended absences in the spring and winter due to health problems, the following arcade exhibits were presented in 1988 . . .”).
Annual reports and official bulletins frequently highlighted PRO displays in the Central Library arcade, and in various departments, crediting Robert with “clever and catchy poster artwork,” “a beautiful portrait of the Bard” (Shakespeare), “an extremely attractive poster” and “Robert Williams' arcade displays were outstanding and original.” Robert drew illustrations used for slides in the 1990 Planetarium show, "Dinosaurs in the Dark of Night."
Robert’s work was recognized and appreciated by patrons, as reflected in this 1994 MPL “fan mail” letter, reproduced in the Official Bulletin:
"Robert quickly learned my name and recognized my voice over the phone. His personable manner made me feel welcomed to the services. He'd always say, 'Hello, Ms. Journey. What can I get for you this week?' He hasn't been in the department for quite a while but I remember his high level of service very well."
From the October 3, 1994, Official Bulletin, "Spotlight on Humanities":
Robert Williams splits his time between our Division and PRO. He processes Pop Library transfers, works at the reference desk and lends his artistic talent to our display efforts. He enjoys working on various art projects outside of the library, working primarily in water colors and pastels. He describes himself as an expert potty trainer, and will have his hands full as full time parent to Rosa for the next few months.
Occasionally the Official Bulletin had news of Robert’s work getting published:
March 11, 1996 O.B. – PUBLISHED
A portrait by Robert Williams, PRO/History, was published in full color on the front page of the March 6 edition of City Pages. Robert painted a stylized portrait of U.S. Attorney David Lillehaug to accompany the cover story, "The Trials of David Lillehaug."
July 22, 1996 O.B. – STAFF INVOLVEMENT
Several caricature portraits by Robert Williams, PRO/Humanities, were published in the July 1996 issue of Corporate Report. The color illustrations accompanied the magazine's cover story on Minnesota's most overpaid and underpaid CEOs.
In addition to work duties, Robert participated on the Library softball team (1984) and with the MPL Staff Association.