She’s been described as a librarian’s librarian, the “little general,” and a woman who, when she spoke, people listened. She was a stickler for everyone being on time, she was intimidating, but she had a gruff kindness and a helping hand. And she could be convinced with a little help from chocolate. If you met her, you never forgot her. Ask anyone who knew her, and all will have a Sr. Dennis story to tell.
Sister Mary Dennis was a woman of learning. She earned multiple degrees-- from Temple University, Drexel Institute of Technology, Catholic University of America, Villanova University, and St Charles Borromeo Seminary. She did advanced study at Indiana University, Fisk University, Lincoln University, Wesleyan University, University of Oklahoma, and Bodleian Library of Oxford University.
Sister Mary Dennis was a woman of accomplishment and influence. The Catholic Library Association honored her with a life membership for her 37 years of service. She joined and served ACRL, OCLC, PALINET, PaLA, and Pennsylvania Council of Networks in many capacities. She has been listed in Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who in Library Service, and Who’s Who in American Education.
Sister Mary Dennis was a woman of enthusiasm and innovation. She thrived on discovering new ways of doing things. On her sabbatical in 1977, Sister traveled by Greyhound bus, visiting 45 libraries, writing of her experiences in Catholic Library World, and bringing back new ideas to use at Rosemont. TCLC benefited from her pioneering spirit in many ways; she was the driving force to establish a cooperative film library, and a continuing education fund for staff members of all levels, and she instigated an early group contract for BRS, an online literature search service.
Sister Mary Dennis was a woman of determination and action. Ideas came to fruition under her leadership. Talents blossomed under her tutelage. She mentored students and other librarians long before it became popular in the library world.
Sister Mary Dennis was a woman of dedication and service. She served as library director at Rosemont College for 28 years. She was active in all aspects of campus life, despite her many off-campus library-related activities and duties.
Sister Mary Dennis was a woman of vision. One of her enduring visions was TCLC, our library cooperative. Her spirit of cooperation and helpfulness lives on in her legacy to us. She would be happy to know that “her” cooperative has grown to 43 libraries, but she would be planning to expand - members, services, and educational opportunities.