Samuel Swett Green
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Samuel Swett Green | |
|---|---|
 | |
| President of the American Library Association | |
| In office July 1891 – November 1891 | |
| Preceded by | Melvil Dewey |
| Succeeded by | Klas August Linderfelt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | February 20, 1837 |
| Died | December 8, 1918 (aged 81) Worcester, Massachusetts, United States |
| Education | |
| Occupation | Librarian |
| Known for | founding figure in America’s public library movement |
Samuel Swett Green (February 20, 1837 – December 8, 1918) was an American librarian.
Green was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, to the apothecary James Green and Elizabeth Swett. He was educated at Harvard, graduating in 1858. A few years later, he attended Harvard Divinity School but did not graduate until 1864 due to health issues.[1] Forsaking the ministry, he began his library career in 1867, when he was appointed director of the Worcester Free Public Library.[2] The library was heavily funded by Green's uncle, Dr. John Green.[1] As director, Green focused primarily on the technical aspects of librarianship. He also instituted an interlibrary loan system and a lending collection of artwork.[3] In 1871, he took up the position of librarian, a position he held for 38 years.[4]
Green was elected a member of the American Antiquarian Society in 1880.[5] He died in 1918 at 81.
