The One and Only: Vivian Ann Davidson Hewitt

Vivian Ann Davidson Hewitt’s memoir, The One and Only: Vivian Ann Davison Hewitt, gives the reader a firsthand account of an ever-changing world through the eyes of a local librarian. Her life spans many milestones: She was the first African-American librarian in Pittsburgh and the first African-American president of the Special Libraries Association. She even organized a boxing match with Joe Louis at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh–Homewood branch. Reading through her memoir it is impossible not to be in awe of how much she has seen and done over the years.

Hewitt is a longtime member of the ALA and its Black Caucus, giving her memoir special significance for librarians. She gives a personal account of the library system during the early 20^th century and its evolution over time, which, while not her main focus, is still fascinating.

Hewitt throws a lot of information at the reader through her stream-of-thought writing style. Regardless of whether she is reminiscing about an eccentric client she once had or a famous person she grew up with, the reader’s attention is always held until the end of the story.

INDEXED. VIVIAN ANN DAVIDSON HEWITT. 192 P. $24.99. PBK. 978-0615687834