Joan Kramer, a hero of public libraries, public education, and the common good, died a few days ago.
Joan was a hero to all who knew and loved her.
This is a tribute from some of her friends who knew her well.
Here she is testifying before the Los Angeles Unified School District board on behalf of libraries.
She had a fantastic blog, beautifully illustrated. I recommend that you read it.
You can see her beautiful spirit in her words. I especially loved her story about Allen Funt, the Candid Camera guy.
Farewell, Joan. We will miss you. Your followers will carry on and multiply, to spread your message about the values of literacy, knowledge, civilization, and the power of the public space.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
What a loss. So sad. So sorry.
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Joan was an administrator for Dr. Miller’s The War Report weekly internet radio show. There will be a special program on Sunday from 5 to 6 eastern time celebrating her activism. We are asking for friends to call in and share their best Joan Kramer stories. There are so many.
https://www.facebook.com/events/436403673408684/
Thank you Diane for honoring her. She was my hero.
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YES. Joan was a true fighter and a personal inspiration.
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Thank you so much for recognizing Joan here. She leaves behind a beautiful daughter, Elena, that was her pride and joy; as well as legions of fans, admirers and friends. She touched so many lives while she walked the earth…
“The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright seashells in the sand.
The sun goes down, yet gentle warmth still lingers on the land.
The music stops, but echoes on in sweet refrain.
For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains…”
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Elena was her granddaughter.
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Ah…thank you for clarifying.
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Heartbroken 💔😭
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the tears don’t stop….
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I am one of the many Library Aides that Joan fought for. She was the only non-LA allowed on our google group. Her advice was always helpful, her care and compassion was always appreciated. I was lucky enough to speak with Joan almost everyday through e-mails and at rallies. She was our Champion and our light through our constant neglect by the LAUSD school board. She was giving of her time and her strong Opinions LOL. She will be missed. I will miss her Grace and loving kind words most of all.
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Sad loss today. Joan was an inspiration. Thanks for posting her blog.
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So sad to hear this. Joan was a true champion of public education and a great friend of Russ on Reading. A kind, gentle and much needed voice for libraries, children and teachers.
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Sad. May her “light” live on!
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Thank you, Diane. Joan will never leave us. Undaunted, love-inspired, certain that we will prevail. Those of us fortunate enough to have met her along the way, and to have become her friend-in-the-struggle, have a special duty now to carry on, with the joy she shared along this journey. Joan Kramer, Presente!
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I am very sorry 🙏!
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Joan was a force to be reckoned with – an inspiration to us all as she stood up for that which she knew to be right. She stood up for what she knew to be right; she was kind, intelligent, knowledgeable, well-traveled and a terrific Librarian who treated us all as equals. Never once did I feel other than equal, even though I knew there was no comparison. I will treasure the hours we spent over breakfast in February supporting each other (I am a cancer survivor). Joan’s wisdom, experience and willingness to guide and help me – and so many others – is what will remain in my heart. RIP Joan.
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thank you so much for your thoughts about my wife joan. I wish you the very best health and a long life as a survivor of this terrible disease. much love.
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Joan Kramer esta presente! Que descanse en paz y en poder.
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Rest In Peace and Power dear one.
I knew so little about you, only your deeply dedicated Warrior Spirit which gives us all a homemade hero to admire, love and hope to honor with our own contributions to children and humanity as a whole. You suceeded in making an impact with your time here! Love & Light dear Joan. The highest respect and love to you and yours. We salute and bow in gratitude of your service to this world! A beautiful, magnificent and brilliant light through this long, long night.
Namaste ❤
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So sad to learn of her passing. What a hero she was. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but I loved her.
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thank you to all who have paid tribute to my dear wife. we mourn together.
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