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Edwin H. Anderson

1861 – 1947

American library leader

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About Edwin H. Anderson

Lived 1861 – 1947 (aged 85). Edwin H. Anderson was an American librarian.

Edwin Hatfield Anderson (September 27, 1861 – April 29, 1947 ) was a prominent American library leader during the first third of the 20th century, serving as director of both the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the New York Public Library. He also served as the president of the American Library Association in 1913-14.

Biography Anderson was born in Zionsville, Indiana. He graduated from Wabash College in 1883, receiving his master's degree (A.M.) in 1887. Anderson worked with Andrew Carnegie to create the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1895, and served as the director of that library until 1904, when he stepped down because he could not afford to support his family on the salary. After a two-year stint (1906–08) as the head of the New York State Library and Library School, Anderson became the director of the New York Public Library in 1909, a position he held until 1934.

As a library leader, Anderson was best remembered for the librarian education programs he established in both Pittsburgh and New York City.

Anderson was married, with at least two children, daughters Charlotte and Cecile. He died in Evanston, Illinois.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
Wabash College
Positions held
President of the American Library Association
Employers
Newberry Library, Carnegie Free Library, New York Public Library
Awards
Library Hall of Fame
Also known as
Edwin Hatfield Anderson, E. H. Anderson, Edwin Anderson

People in Edwin H. Anderson's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Edwin H. Anderson's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Edwin H. Anderson?

American library leader (1861-1947)

When was Edwin H. Anderson born?

Edwin H. Anderson was born on 27 September 1861 in Zionsville.

When did Edwin H. Anderson die?

Edwin H. Anderson died on 29 April 1947 in Evanston.

What was Edwin H. Anderson's occupation?

Edwin H. Anderson was a librarian.

What nationality was Edwin H. Anderson?

Edwin H. Anderson was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Edwin H. Anderson

· Wikidata: Q5346471

· DBpedia: Edwin H. Anderson

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Edwin H. Anderson. https://biography.guide/edwin-h-anderson/

MLA: "Edwin H. Anderson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/edwin-h-anderson/.

Chicago: "Edwin H. Anderson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/edwin-h-anderson/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

Portrait: Wikimedia Commons · author & licence

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