The Library of Congress, with sponsorship by the Center for the Book, has just published Capital Libraries and Librarians: A Brief History of the District of Columbia Library Association, 1894-1994. The book, written to celebrate the centennial of the District of Columbia Library Association (DCLA), includes 30 illustrations. The author is John Y. Cole, director of the Center for the Book.
In the preface, Dr. Cole notes that "among the nation's library associations, DCLA has played a unique role in increasing awareness about federal libraries and librarianship, in providing information and improved access to the rich library resources of the nation's capital and in educating librarians and citizens about the importance of legislative action on behalf of all types of libraries."
Moreover, the Library of Congress has played an important role in the association since its founding. "Of the 82 people who have served as DCLA president, 21 have been Library of Congress employees; the first was Librarian of Congress Ainsworth Rand Spofford, one of DCLA's founders, and Trellis Wright of the Copyright Office is the current president," said Dr. Cole.
Individual chapters in the book are devoted to Washington in the Gilded Age, the creation of DCLA, the establishment of the D.C. Public Library, professional interests and activities of DCLA members, publications, the growth of the federal library establishment and the development of legislative support for libraries -- particularly after the establishment of the Washington office of the American Library Association in 1945.
An attractive 76-page book designed by Patricia Inglis, Capital Libraries and Librarians is available for $15 from the Library of Congress Sales Shop. If ordering by mail, add $5 for postage and handling. Orders should be sent to the Sales Office, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20540. Credit card orders may be placed by phone. Call (202) 707-0204 to place orders or for more information.