Marvin Thomas

Marvin was born in the Bronx, NY but moved to Norfolk, VA as a teenager. He got his undergraduate degree from the college of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. He served in the army as an administrator during the Korean War involved in the transfer of the 1st and 10thDivisions of the US Army. During his army service he became interested in information technology and upon leaving the army took a graduate degree in library science at the University of Michigan.

Marvin came to the Baltimore area in 1961 working as a librarian at the Enoch Pratt library in Baltimore City. From there he moved to Baltimore County as a library branch head. In 1963 he came to Howard County to develop the library here. He was the first professional librarian in the County. During his tenure he developed 6 libraries and oversaw a staff that went from 6 to 200. The Howard County Public Library has the highest per capita circulation in the country. He retired in 1996.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Marcia, his sister Iris Goldmintz (Dan), sister-in-law Elsie Fergusson, nephews David Goldmintz (Claire) and Ian Fergusson and great niece and nephew Jenna and Jacob Goldmintz. Donations in his name may be made to the Howard County Library or the charity of your choice.

Services will be held at a later date.