One of the pioneers in the development of Rhode Island’s state library network and statewide library development in general, Jewel Drickamer, died February 15, 2005 in New Haven, Connecticut. She served at the Department of State Library Services (DSLS, now the Office of Library and Information Services) as Deputy Director from 1964 -1975 and then as Director from 1975 until she retired in 1980. Before coming to Rhode Island Ms. Drickamer worked in a variety of library settings including the Cleveland Public Library, the Hartford Public Library, the National Association of Broadcasters library in Washington, DC, and in various branches of the New York Public Library. She spent her retirement in Rhode Island, at East Providence and Greenville. She was an avid reader, often completing several books each week and participating in a variety of book discussion clubs. She was a gifted storyteller, sharing anecdotes and narratives both orally and in correspondence, short stories and other writing. Her love of painting was a prolific source of small pieces, often sold to support charities and community organizations.

Ms. Drickamer spent many happy hours reading to the elderly at the Tockwotton Home Congregate Health Care Facility in Providence. She was an active, long-time member of the League of Women Voters, participating in several committees of that organization. She was a member of the American Library Association, the Special Libraries Association, the Library Board of Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Historical Society, and the Rhode Island Library Association. Her many generous community contributions included work for non-profit organizations in Rhode Island, among them the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the Providence Public Library, the Rhode Island Historical Society, and the Dorcas Place Adult and Family Living Centers.

There will be no services at Ms. Drickamer's request. Memorial contributions may be made to: Childreach, 155 Plan Way, Warwick, RI 02886 or RI Historical Association, 110 Benevolent Street, Providence, RI 02906.

Ms. Drickamer's obituary appeared in the Providence Journal on February 20, 2005.