The Most Famous Librarian, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the librarian you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 27, 2024 07:09

In the quiet corridors of libraries, where the scent of aged books fills the air, librarians work tirelessly to organize, preserve, and pass on human knowledge. These custodians of wisdom often go unnoticed, yet their impact on education and literature is profound. Recognizing the most famous librarians not only highlights their individual contributions but also celebrates the broader significance of all librarians in nurturing intellectual growth and curiosity. By ranking the most notable librarians, this list brings visibility to those who have shaped our reading and learning experiences significantly. It is an invitation to acknowledge and appreciate the guiding hands behind our literary journeys. Through your votes, we collectively honor the legacy and dedication of these pivotal figures, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the role of librarians in our communities.

Who Is the Most Famous Librarian?

1

42
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Melvil Dewey

Melvil Dewey - inventor of the Dewey Decimal System and founder of the American Library Association. He is regarded as one of the most influential librarians in history.
2

30
votes

Seattle City Council from Seattle · CC0

Nancy Pearl

Nancy Pearl is known as "America's Librarian," Nancy Pearl is a best-selling author, librarian, and NPR commentator. She has been a vocal advocate for reading and libraries for over 30 years.
3

6
votes
Grete Stern · Public domain

Jorge Luis Borges

Jorge Luis Borges - an Argentine writer and librarian, Borges is famous for his short stories and essays that explore themes of time, memory, and identity. He served as director of Argentina's National Library from 1955-1973.
Jorge Luis Borges in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Latin American poet
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous Argentinian
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous short story writer
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous blind person
4

19
votes
Theodore C. Marceau · Public domain

Andrew Carnegie

Andrew Carnegie is while primarily known as a steel magnate and philanthropist, Carnegie's funding of public libraries across America has had a lasting impact on the field of librarianship.
Andrew Carnegie in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Andrew
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous merchant
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous immigrant in the US
5

15
votes

Margaret Edwards

Margaret Edwards is the namesake of the Margaret A. Edwards Award, given annually by the American Library Association to honor an author's significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature. Edwards was a librarian and advocate for young adult literature.
6

10
votes

Library of Congress Life · CC0

Carla Hayden

Carla Hayden is the current Librarian of Congress, Hayden is the first woman and first African American to hold the position. She has been a champion of libraries and intellectual freedom throughout her career.
7

7
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Beverly Cleary

Beverly Cleary is a beloved children's author, Cleary was also a librarian early in her career. Her books have been enjoyed by generations of young readers and continue to be popular to this day.
Beverly Cleary in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous celebrity in Oregon
8

15
votes

Krzna · Public domain

S.R. Ranganathan

S.R. Ranganathan - an Indian librarian and mathematician, Ranganathan is known for his contributions to library science, including the development of the Five Laws of Library Science.
9

3
votes

Paul César Helleu · Public domain

Belle da Costa Greene

Belle da Costa Greene is a pioneering librarian who served as the first director of the Pierpont Morgan Library in New York City. Greene was also one of the first African American women to hold a prominent position in the field of librarianship.
10

3
votes

Czar · CC BY 3.0

Diane Ravitch

Diane Ravitch is a historian of education and former Assistant Secretary of Education, Ravitch has been a vocal critic of education reform policies that have negatively impacted public schools and libraries. She has also written extensively about the importance of public education and the role of libraries in communities.

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous librarian. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Librarian is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2466 views
150 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Librarian once every 24 hours. The rank of each Librarian is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous librarian

In today's digital age, libraries have become more than just a place to borrow books. They have become community hubs, offering programs, events, and access to technology. But throughout history, librarians have played a crucial role in preserving knowledge and educating the public. From the ancient Library of Alexandria to modern-day public libraries, these institutions and their librarians have shaped society in countless ways. In this article, we will explore the lives and achievements of some of the most famous librarians in history and determine who holds the title of the most famous librarian of all time.