Background
Anderson, John Firth was born on October 5, 1928 in Saginaw, Michigan, United States. Son of Harlan Firth and Irene Martha (Bowser) Anderson.
Librarian religious organization administrator
Anderson, John Firth was born on October 5, 1928 in Saginaw, Michigan, United States. Son of Harlan Firth and Irene Martha (Bowser) Anderson.
Bachelor of Arts, Michigan State University, 1949; Master of Science in liberal studies, University of Illinois, 1950.
Young people's librarian, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore, 1950-1952; with, Baltimore County Public Library, 1952-1958; supervisor adult work, Baltimore County Public Library, 1955-1956; assistant county librarian, Baltimore County Public Library, 1956-1958; director, Knoxville (Tennessee) Public Library System, 1958-1962; director, Tucson Public Library, 1962-1968, 73-82; city librarian, San Francisco Public library, 1968-1973; executive presbyter, stated clerk, Presbytery of Santa Barbara (California), 1982-1991; retired, 1991; interim executive presbyter, Presbytery de Cristo, 1993; stated clerk, Presbytery de Cristo, since 1993. Member Presbyterian Churchwide Administrative Coordinating Cabinet, 1987-1989. Consultant on library buildings, development and management.
Member Arizona Library. Advisory Council, 1975—1981. Board directors Amigos Bibliographic Council, 1977—1981, vice-chairman, 1977—1979, secretary, 1980—1981.
Charter member Freedom to Read Foundation. Board directors Arizona Theatre Company, 1978—1982. Member of American Library Association (member at large council 1961-1965, board directors public library association 1961-1965, board directors library administration division 1964-1965, chairman library organization and management section 1964-1965, member at large council 1966-1970, president library administration division 1968-1969), Placeta Del Oro Homeowners Association (secretary treasurer 2008-2010), Arizona Association County Libraries (president 1979-1980), Arizona Library.
Association (president public libraries division 1964-1965, president 1967-1968, Library. of the Year 1968, Rosenzweig award 1981), Southwestern Library. Association 1976-1978, California Library. Association (council 1970-1971), World Alliance Reformed Churches (member Caribbean and North America area council 1991-1993, recording clerk 1992-1993), Arizona China Council (president 1979-1980), Beta Phi Mu.
Married Patricia Ann Goble, June 18, 1950 (deceased October 1995). Children: Douglas Firth, Elizabeth Ann. Married Barbara Peterson Smith, May 18, 1996.