Famous Authors Who Also Served as Librarians

It's fascinating to discover that many well-known authors also had a passion for libraries and librarianship. Some of these literary giants utilized their roles as librarians to find inspiration and creativity, while others simply enjoyed the quiet ambiance and intellectual stimulation that libraries provided. Here are a few notable examples:

Jorge Luis Borges and Jacques Casanova

Two of the most famous librarians are the renowned author Jorge Luis Borges, who served as the Director of the National Library of the Argentine Republic, and the legendary 18th-century lover Jacques Casanova. While Casanova was primarily known for his pursuit of women, he also found time to serve as a librarian during his travels.

Beverly Cleary: Author and Librarian

Beverly Cleary, the beloved children's author, not only worked as a children's librarian but also authored numerous best-selling books, including the popular Harry turtledove series. One day, after spending an afternoon reading one of her young adult books in a college library, I found myself inspired to pursue a career in libraries. This fateful moment led me to become a librarian myself, a decision that felt just right.

Philip Larkin and Benjamin Franklin

Other authors who have worked as librarians include the British poet and essayist Philip Larkin, who served as a librarian at the University of Hull, and Benjamin Franklin, who established the first subscription library in the United States.

Historical Librarians with Literary Distinctions

Andre Norton, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Madeleine L'Engle are all renowned for their children's and science fiction literature, and they previously held librarian positions. Lewis Carroll, the author of Alice in Wonderland, also served as a librarian. Additionally, Gertrude Chandler Warner authored the Boxcar Children series while working as a librarian.

Casanova, while primarily known for his romantic adventures, wrote his 12-volume autobiography while serving as a librarian to Count Joseph Karl von Waldstein at the Castle du Dux in Bohemia.

Interestingly, many of the most famous authors, such as Beverly Cleary and David Hume, who is known for his philosophical writings, have also had a connection to librarianship.

Whether for inspiration, intellectual curiosity, or simply a love of books, it's clear that these authors found value in the world of libraries. Their experiences working as librarians offer a unique perspective on their own literary creations and open up new avenues for readers to explore the lives and works of these great authors.