Harriet Simon was born and raised in Baltimore, Md. She relocated to Carbondale in 1964 after her husband became a history professor at Southern Illinois University (SIU) and editor for The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant.
Reading has always been a crucial part of Simon's life. Since 1977, she's worked for the Center for Dewey Studies at SIU as a textual editor. Simon is heavily involved with Friends of the Carbondale Public Library and is one of the library's board members. "I've always been a big believer in public libraries. I think they're really important to our country, our city, and our culture," she says.
Simon belongs to a book club that meets once a month reading mostly fiction works. She also tutors an adult learner twice a week, helping to improve literacy skills.
Simon began reading for the Southern Illinois Radio Information Service (SIRIS) a year ago. She says she's always enjoyed reading aloud, and that helping at SIRIS has been a wonderful experience. When asked about her advice for those considering volunteering at SIRIS, she said, "If you're lucky enough to have a little extra time, it might be something good for you or someone else. It only takes about an hour of your time each week, and it's an easy way to give back to your community."
When Simon isn't reading she likes to sew, garden, and work out at Gold's Gym.
Simon jokes that she's an NPR addict, listening whenever she gets a chance. She's also a huge fan of WSIU-TV's InFocus and The Legend of Charlie Birger documentary, which airs during WSIU pledge weeks.
