DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — What was formerly the Kline Library on South 29th Street in Harrisburg is now the George and Hetti Love Memorial Library.
On Monday, the children of George and Hetti Love watched as their parents were honored by the City of Harrisburg.
Karen Love says the memorialization is a testament to the impact her parents made on others.
“My parents were people that needed to be shared, they could not be just for us, that their reach was so much larger into the greater community,” Love said.
George Love Jr. describes the tribute as a long time coming.
“They were dedicated to the community with reading programs and science education and my father was responsible for rolling kids in health fairs and chaperoning them to competitions in other cities,” Love said.
In 1947, Hetti Love became the first Black woman to earn a Master of Business Administration degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
The following year, George Love became the first African American employed as a high school teacher in the Philadelphia school system.
They moved to Harrisburg in the 1970s and were married for 66 years. Today, their name continues to make history.
Ryan McCrory, executive director of the Dauphin County Library System, says the decision to rename the Kline Library was partially because the Loves spent a lot of time there.
“We often hear from parents of how proud they are of their children; this is a great opportunity for George and his sister Karen Love to honor their parents,” McCrory said.
Ruby Doub, the communications liaison for Dauphin County, is credited for being the first person to pitch the idea.
Although gone, their children and Dauphin County officials say this ensures their legacy won’t be forgotten.
The library has plaques, pictures, and displays with more information about the Loves for anyone interested in learning more about their history.