The University of Delaware Library Residency honors Pauline A. Young (1900-1991), a civil rights leader, historian, author, and librarian for over thirty years.

On September 17, 1900, in West Medford, Massachusetts, Pauline A Young was born to successful caterer James R. Young and his wife Mary Leila. Following James’ death just a few years later, Mary Leila Young relocated to Wilmington, Delaware with all four of her children, including Pauline. Together they lived with Pauline’s aunt, Alice Dunbar-Nelson, who was an educator, a writer, and the wife of author Paul Laurence Dunbar. Pauline’s grandmother also lived in the household, so that Pauline and her siblings grew up under the supervision of three matriarchs.

Young made many significant contributions throughout her life as an activist for education and civil rights. She served as President of the Delaware Chapter of the National Association for the Association of Colored People (NAACP) as well as Chair of the state NAACP Education Committee. She assisted in founding the local chapter of the League of Women Voters and American Federation of Teachers. In her later years, she was also very active in the Ardencroft Association, the governing body for the village of Ardencroft in New Castle County, Delaware, where she lived for many years. Young frequently voiced her concerns and viewpoints on issues in the community by writing letters to the editors of Delaware newspapers and by exchanging correspondence to advocate positive changes in the community.

View the complete biography on Pauline A. Young

The Pauline A. Young Residence program The Pauline A. Young Residency at University of Delaware offers early career development and professional work experience in an academic research library to recent graduates of ALA-accreditated graduate library education programs.

The Residency is designed to accelerate professional growth and career advancement through a variety professional work experiences, mentoring, committee service and conference attendance.