Arthur E. (Arthur Elmore) Bostwick

Born in Litchfield, Connecticut, in 1860, Arthur Elmore Bostwick studied at Yale and began his working life in teaching and editorial projects before moving into librarianship. He became known as both a library administrator and a thoughtful writer on library practice.

Bostwick worked with the New York Public Library and later led the St. Louis Public Library for many years. In those roles, he was closely associated with the growth of branch and circulation services, helping promote the idea that public libraries should be useful, welcoming institutions for the wider community.

He also wrote books and essays on library management, reading, and public education, which made him an influential voice in American librarianship. He died in 1942, remembered not only for running major libraries but for arguing clearly and consistently that libraries should connect books with ordinary readers.