Although the Library is currently closed, we want to share the inspiring story of Anna Barber in honor of Women’s History Month.
One of the founding members of the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), Anna Barber was known as a community advocate and activist throughout her life.
After beginning her career in government at the Census Bureau, Barber later taught high school and became involved in numerous social causes. Some of her activities included establishing other key community foundations such as Arlington Thrive, the Arlington Street People’s Assistance Network (ASPAN), Bridges to Independence, and For Immediate Sympathetic Help.
Her dedication to helping others is evidenced in these robust organizations; most notably, 32 years after its founding, AFAC now serves over 3,100 families each month.
Anna Barber passed away in 2007. You can read her obituary in The Washington Post.
Anna Barber was one of the women nominated by a community organization to be featured in the Library’s Women’s Work: Then and Now exhibition which opened at Central Library on March 5, 2020.
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