Who Was Lillian Tater Display

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Display case with books, papers, and a sign reading "WHO WAS LILLIAN TATER?"

In celebration of the Library's upcoming ceremony to rededicate the Children's Collection to Professor Emerita Lillian A. Tater, a display about Prof. Tater is currently on exhibit in the Library's entrance display case. 

We encourage the Fitchburg State community to stop by and learn more about Prof. Tater, who was an alumnus of Fitchburg Normal School (Class of 1933), and returned in 1943 to Fitchburg, first as a supervisor for the Edgerly Model School, and then as a professor of Children's Literature in the English Department in 1950.

After over 30 years of service, Prof. Tater retired from Fitchburg State in 1970. Prof. Tater was honored as a Professor Emerita in 1976 and former students sought permission to dedicate the Library’s Children’s Collection to her. The dedication ceremony was held on April 30, 1976 and commemorated with a plaque that hung in the library until renovations in 2014 whereupon the plaque mysteriously went missing. Archival records indicate that the plaque included an etching of Ms. Tater and was inscribed, 

Oval-shaped, black-and-white photograph depicting seated woman with short dark hair facing the camera dressed in mid-20th century styled patterned vest with a checkered design over a light-colored blouse.


“To Professor Emerita Lillian A. Tater, remembered for her love of Children’s Literature, dedication to her students, and countless contributions to the College community.” 

Join us for the rededication ceremony on Thursday, April 30, at 2PM in the Library. Learn more at tiny.cc/TaterRededication