By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – A Black man whose most famous books were published in the 1940’s has been named Illinois’ favorite author.

A survey for stoicquotes.com names the favorite authors of each state. Richard Wright wrote Native Son and Black Boy, and Springfield librarian Kathryn Harris can’t argue.

“The time and the stories he wrote about kind of resonated with me.” Harris said. “Coming from Carbondale and having read his stories, and I went to an integrated high school, I was just pleased that we read a book by an African-American author when I was in high school in my American literature class.”

Harris, whose reading of Wright was required in high school, was disappointed to learn that her daughter’s classwork did not include him.

The frieze atop the Illinois State Library in Springfield displays the names of Illinois authors, circling the building.

Following Wright as favorites in the survey are Nelson Algren, Carl Sandburg, and Gwendolyn Brooks.

Harris retired from a long career at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum before becoming interim director of the public library in Springfield this year. She is a local Black leader who portrays Harriet Tubman around town.

“There’s nothing like the feel or the smell of a book,” said Harris. “Between those hard covers, or even a paperback, books can take you anywhere without you ever leaving your chair. Or your bed. Or your couch.”

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].