Jan Wagner
in Her Own Words
Interviewed by Hope Wagner
Guided by her father’s insistence that she attend college to build a secure future for herself and her family, Jan Wagner found her true calling in what she considers the best room in any school: the library.
In this intimate interview for In Their Own Words, Jan sits down with her granddaughter to share the personal memories, values, and passion that shaped her life’s work. As a librarian, Jan brings a joyful energy proving that far from being outdated, libraries remain vibrant hubs of connection and discovery.
Listen to the stories as Jan reflects on her career, family legacy, and why her rallying cry, “Eureka, libraries are cool!”, continues to inspire generations.
Jan Wagner recalls her father's words of you will go to college so you can support yourself and your family.
This story was created as part of the Story Corps Archive projecr, their mission:
"To help us believe in each other by illuminating the humanity and possibility in us all — one story at a time."
All interviews are preserved at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.
