Agnes S. Adams, 74, of Lincoln, died Feb. 26. She retired in 2004 as a tenured professor after a 25-year career with the University Libraries.
Adams was born Jan. 18, 1941 in Pekin, Illinois, to Vern and Agnes (Johns) Slagel. She was the first in her family to attend college, receiving a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Information Science from the University of Missouri.
During her time at UNL, Adams served on countless committees, including vice president of the Faculty Senate; the Chancellor’s Commission on the Status of Women; and as an advocate for faculty/staff on the benefits committee.
She retired as director of collection management and development for the University Libraries. In retirement, she continued to be involved on campus, serving as treasurer of the UNL Emeriti Association.
A childhood illness drove Adams to what would become a lifelong love for books. Too sick to leave the house for a year, Adams discovered the world through reading. Her work in libraries started with a high school job.
In her free time, Adams loved fly-fishing and spent many years on the executive board of the Cornhusker Fly Fishers, assisting with their work on youth education and habitat preservation.
Adams also enjoyed traveling and experiencing new cultures; hosted local visitors through the Friendship Force of Lincoln; and tutored non-English speakers as a Lincoln Literacy volunteer.
She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Patrick and Laura Adams of Lincoln; sisters Laura McClister of Pekin and Cheryl Slagel of Peoria, Illinois; three nieces and two nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Charles “Chuck” Slagel of Pekin.
A celebration of Adams’ life is 2 p.m. March 21 at Chez Hay, 210 N. 14th St. The service is open to all who knew Adams.
