Librarians have long been the custodians of knowledge and culture, playing a crucial role in preserving history, fostering literacy, and facilitating access to information. Beyond the stereotypical image of librarians as mere keepers of books, many have made significant contributions to the field of library science and beyond, influencing education, literature, and even politics. This article highlights ten famous librarians who have left an indelible mark on their profession and the world.

1. Melvil Dewey (1851--1931)

Perhaps the most famous librarian in history, Melvil Dewey is best known for creating the Dewey Decimal Classification system, a revolutionary method of organizing library materials that is still in use today. Dewey was also a founding member of the American Library Association and played a pivotal role in the development of library science as a profession.

2. Jorge Luis Borges (1899--1986)

The Argentine author Jorge Luis Borges is renowned for his complex and fantastical literary works, but he was also a dedicated librarian. Borges served as the director of the National Public Library in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His profound love for books and libraries deeply influenced his writing, with many of his stories exploring themes of infinity, reality, and the nature of the universe, often set against the backdrop of a library.

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3. Benjamin Franklin (1706--1790)

While not a librarian in the traditional sense, Benjamin Franklin's contributions to the field cannot be overlooked. He founded the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731, which was America's first lending library and can be considered a precursor to the modern public library system. Franklin's innovative idea of a subscription-based library opened up access to books for a wider segment of the population, democratizing knowledge in a way that was revolutionary for its time.

4. Eratosthenes (c. 276 BC -- c. 194 BC)

Eratosthenes of Cyrene was a Greek mathematician, geographer, and the chief librarian at the Library of Alexandria, one of the most significant libraries of the ancient world. He is most famous for calculating the circumference of the Earth with remarkable accuracy. His work at the Library of Alexandria helped to preserve and expand the knowledge of the ancient world.

5. Carla Hayden (1952--)

Carla Hayden made history in 2016 when she was sworn in as the 14th Librarian of Congress, becoming the first woman and the first African American to hold the position. Prior to her appointment, Hayden served as CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, Maryland, where she was praised for her commitment to ensuring access to information and services, particularly during challenging times for the community.

6. Lewis Carroll (1832--1898)

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known by his pen name Lewis Carroll, was a mathematician, writer, and a librarian at Christ Church, Oxford. Carroll is famed for his children's books, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass." His work at the Christ Church library allowed him to indulge in his love for literature, which undoubtedly influenced his whimsical and imaginative writing.

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7. Giacomo Casanova (1725--1798)

Giacomo Casanova, the Venetian adventurer best known for his legendary romantic exploits, spent the later years of his life as a librarian for Count Joseph Karl von Waldstein in Bohemia. This period of his life was marked by literary productivity, as he worked on his autobiography, "Histoire de ma vie" (Story of My Life), which provides a fascinating insight into 18th-century European society.

8. Hypatia (c. 360--415 AD)

Hypatia of Alexandria was a mathematician, astronomer, and the head of the Neoplatonic school in Alexandria, where she taught philosophy and astronomy. She is believed to have contributed to the Library of Alexandria's vast collection, although her life was tragically cut short by a mob who viewed her influence and scholarly pursuits as a threat.

9. Laura Bush (1946--)

Before becoming the First Lady of the United States, Laura Bush was a librarian and teacher. She holds a master's degree in library science from the University of Texas at Austin and worked in several public schools and libraries in Texas. Throughout her tenure as First Lady, Bush was a staunch advocate for literacy and education, founding the annual National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

10. S.R. Ranganathan (1892--1972)

S.R. Ranganathan was an Indian librarian and mathematician who is considered the father of library science in India. He is most famous for his Five Laws of Library Science, which remain foundational principles in the field. Ranganathan's work in developing the Colon Classification system and promoting library education in India significantly advanced the profession.

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These ten librarians, among many others, have demonstrated that the field of librarianship is about much more than shelving books. Through their contributions to organization, literature, education, and advocacy, they have shown that libraries are essential institutions that foster learning, creativity, and community. The legacy of these famous librarians continues to inspire new generations of library professionals around the world.

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