Eleanor Pinkham ’48, director emerita of Library and Media Services, died on March 24, 2026. She was 99.
As a student at Kalamazoo College, Eleanor majored in sociology with minors in music and French and was recognized with the Todd Sociological Prize. She was active on campus as a member of the Eurodelphian Literary Society, the College Singers, and the Gaynor Club women’s singing group, and she served on the student newspaper staff. After graduating in 1948, Eleanor married her classmate, the late James Pinkham ’48.
Eleanor received a Master of Library Science degree in 1967 from Western Michigan University and attended the Oxford Library Seminar at the University of Oxford, England, in 1985. She began her career at K as circulation supervisor in the Upjohn Library in 1964. Over nearly three decades, she held a series of roles: assistant librarian for public service (1967-70), acting director (1970-71), and library director (1971-82). She was named director of library and media services in 1982, a role she held until her retirement in 1993.
Her tenure was marked by significant growth and innovation. Under her leadership, the library’s endowment grew by more than $2 million.
She helped to bring new technology to campus, spearheading the installation of Kalamazoo’s first online union cataloging system through the Ohio College Library Center and directing the implementation of the College’s first integrated computerized library system. Eleanor also helped curate and grow the rare book collection in the Library’s A.M. Todd Rare Book Room, establishing a series of student-developed exhibits and programs.
She was an active member of numerous state and national professional organizations, serving on and chairing committees for the American Library Association, the Association of College and Research Libraries, the Library Administration and Management Association, the Michigan Library Association, and the Michigan Library Consortium. Among her many honors, Eleanor was named Michigan Librarian of the Year in 1986 and received the Michigan Library Consortium Distinguished Service Award in 1982. In 1993, she was honored with the Weimer K. Hicks Award in appreciation for her leadership and service to Kalamazoo College. She was highly regarded as a role model and caring mentor to students and employees alike.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Ave, East Lansing. A one-hour visitation begins at 11 a.m., followed by a noon service and a reception immediately following. An obituary will appear in the fall issue of LuxEsto.