Loyola celebrates the life of Larry Reed, library attendant

Larry Reed, an attendant who greeted visitors to the Loyola/Notre Dame Library for almost 14 years, passed away on Oct. 5, 2020. He will be remembered for his friendly greetings and his genial nature with his colleagues.

“Larry had a smile like sunshine and a kind and gentle manner with students,” said Polly Connor, senior cataloging assistant for the library.

Reed, who became a member of the library staff in February 2007, worked at the attendants’ desk both during the day and in the evening. He would check IDs and welcome students, faculty, and staff.

“Larry was a gracious and consummate gentleman. We frequently had lengthy conversations—and friendly bets—about weather predictions, and it was always so fun to debrief the next time we saw each other,” said Jenny Ray, information literacy coordinator. “He was an avid gardener and always provided enthusiastic updates about his various crops of vegetables. I will really miss him.”

Kate Strain, outreach and engagement librarian, fondly recalled her conversations with Reed.

“Larry was such a wonderful presence in the front of the library,” she said. “I really enjoyed chatting with him at the end of a long night of studying when I was in grad school. He is definitely missed.”

Over the years, Reed welcomed thousands of Loyola and Notre Dame of Maryland University students, faculty, staff, administrators, and members of the Baltimore community.

“Larry was a welcoming face whenever you would walk into the library,” said Barbara Preece, director of the Loyola/Notre Dame Library. “I know that he will be missed by all of you.”

Services for Larry Reed were held Oct. 15 at Joseph H. Brown, Jr. Funeral Home in Baltimore. He will be remembered in the intentions at the Nov. 1 Mass in Loyola’s Alumni Memorial Chapel.