The name Gratia means “by favor, as a favor” or inspired by grace (eloquence or beauty of form, kindness, mercy, favor).

 

The name was inspired by Gratia Countryman (1866-1953). She was born in Hastings and was an 1882 graduate of Hastings High School. Gratia moved to Minneapolis in 1884 with her family, to attend the University of Minnesota. She joined the Minneapolis Public Library staff in 1889, following her graduation from the university, and from 1904 to 1936, she led the Minneapolis Public Library as the nation's first female Head Librarian of a major city.

 

During her tenure, she worked tirelessly to expand the library's services to meet the needs of the public, implemented programs to encourage children to read, adolescents and young adults to continue their education, and helped adults find and hold jobs, opening the library's rooms to study groups and club meetings, making the public library a vital part of the community, by expanding services to touch all aspects of life.

 

Thank you to our members and the Friends of LeDuc and Historic Hastings for providing us with awesome information on women, like Gratia, who made a difference and are tied to Hastings!

 

Also thank you to the Hastings Area Rotary Club for spearheading this program in the Hastings community! We are delighted that we were able to be a part of it all!