John Cotton Dana was born on August 19, 1856, in Woodstock, Vermont. Growing up, he developed a deep love for books and learning, which would shape his future career path. He attended local schools in Vermont before pursuing a degree in law.
After completing his legal studies, Dana decided to shift his focus to the field of librarianship. He began his career as the director of the Denver Public Library, where he made significant changes to how libraries were run. Dana was a firm believer in making libraries more accessible and user-friendly, and he implemented policies that allowed visitors to browse freely without constant oversight from librarians. This innovative approach was ahead of its time and paved the way for a more relaxed and welcoming library environment.
During his tenure at the Newark Public Library in New Jersey, Dana continued to break new ground. He established one of the first foreign-language literature sections in an American library, showcasing his dedication to serving diverse communities. Not content with just offering books, Dana also adorned the section with paintings from local artists, creating a unique and enriching space for patrons to explore.
Throughout his career, John Cotton Dana was a fierce advocate for literacy and reading. He firmly believed in the power of books to educate and inspire, and he dedicated his life to making libraries more than just repositories of knowledge. Dana's efforts to promote reading and increase access to books have had a lasting impact on the field of librarianship.
His legacy lives on in the countless libraries that have adopted his progressive ideas and philosophies. Like the author Daniel Boorstin, who also championed reading as the Librarian of Congress, Dana's influence continues to shape how we view libraries and their role in society.