Uncrowned Community Builders

Frances K. Hall was born in Thomasville, Georgia, but has been a resident of Buffalo since infancy. She attended P.S. #75 and Hutchinson Central High School. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Library Science from the University at Buffalo.

She was the first black trained librarian in the City of Buffalo. Mrs. Hall began her career at North Jefferson Branch Library. She later became a Field Worker with the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library. In this position, she traveled all over Erie County helping to upgrade town and city libraries. As a result of a recommendation submitted by Leeland Jones, Jr., a member of the Board of Supervisors, she and her fellow librarians helped to establish libraries at the Erie County Home and Infirmary, Erie County Holding Center, and Erie County Penitentiary. She retired from the library system as Assistant Deputy Director of Personnel. The Professional Librarian's Association honored her as Librarian of the Year in 1973.

Mrs. Hall was one of the founding members of Gamma Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The chapter has grown from the original seven members to over 180 sorors.

She has served as a board member for the Buffalo Urban League, Legal Aid, and Coordinated Care Management Association. She has volunteered for the American Red Cross and American Lung Association. She is a member of Buffalo Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; Gamma Phi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Sorority; Harriet Tubman 300s; and a life member of the NAACP. In addition, she is a member of Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church were she has served as a member of the Pastor Parish and Nominating Committees. She is a former member of the Zonta Club.

Mrs. Hall was married to the late Thomas B. Hall, Sr., and is the mother of two sons, Thomas B. Hall, Jr., and Glowver D. Hall. She has two grandchildren, Miles L. Hall and Allegra Bess Hall. Her sons and grandchildren reside in Seattle, Washington.