“When I was first introduced to adult books at the library (Louise Riley, in fact), the librarian and my mother showed me the biography section, because they thought I would enjoy them as a start. Although a precocious reader, I was naïve enough to think I had to read all of them before moving on to other book shelves. Reading had progressed well into the latter half of the alphabet before I realized my childish error. By then, life stories had become part of my soul. These recommended books are an eclectic bunch, full of the force of personality and determination that lift some people above the ordinary.”
About Judith Umbach
Judith Umbach’s career was in information technology management at The City of Calgary, and she has an MBA from the University of Calgary. She also has degrees in literature from McGill University and Leeds University. She loves travelling around the world and shares her adventures through her blog, Been Touring.
Her passion for libraries resulted in the naming of a branch in her honour by the Calgary Public Library. She was Chair of the Calgary Public Library Board for eight years and served as a Director of the Calgary Public Library Foundation Board, where she chaired the Council of Champions for seven years. Over the last few decades, she has donated to the Library’s Calgary’s Story more than 5000 photographs of buildings and construction in Calgary.