Mary Eileen Ahern

Mary Eileen Ahern (October 1, 1860 – May 22, 1938) was an American librarian, a leader of the modern library movement, and an early organizer of libraries in the United States. Throughout her career as a state librarian, journal editor, public speaker, and organizer, Ahern crusaded for the value of public libraries in educating the public. Ahern was inducted in the Library Hall of Fame in 1951, and named in American Libraries in 1999 as one of the "100 of the Most Important Leaders We Had in the 20th Century."

Early life Mary Eileen Ahern was born October 1, 1860, in rural Marion County, Indiana, to Mary (O'Neal) and William Ahern. Both of her parents were Irish immigrants. Mary Eileen, the second of three children, moved with her family to Spencer, Indiana, at the age of ten. She graduated from Spencer High School in 1878 and enrolled at Central Normal College in Danville, Indiana, where she graduated in 1881.

Career State librarian After graduating from college, Ahern worked as an Indiana public school teacher until 1889, when she was appointed as the Indiana assistant state librarian. Ahern's early work at the state library included cataloging its collections. In 1893 the state legislature appointed Ahern as the Indiana state librarian, a political position that she retained until 1895.

Journal editor After completing her library studies in Chicago, Ahern accepted a position as the founding editor of a new journal, Public Libraries (later shortened to Libraries). She edited the journal from her base in Chicago for the next thirty-six years. Deteriorating eyesight forced her to give up her editorship in 1931. She further argued that a public library could provide the best source of this education because it "is the broadest of teachers, one may almost say the only free teacher. It is the most liberal of schools; it is the only real people's college."

Ahern became an influential authority on public policy issues related to libraries through her writing and public appearances across the county. She described her vision for public libraries, as well as providing practical professional development resources for libraries, and influenced librarians and library practice throughout the United States.

Ahern also served in the federal government and as secretary of the Library Department of the National Education Association. During World War I she served as publicity agent and distributed books for the U.S. military in France from January to July 1919. Ahern continued to learn and advocate for changes in library policy. In 1927 she returned to Europe to study the library systems in France and England.

Ahern is best known for her widespread influence in establishing and strengthening connections between libraries and schools in the United States. She was also an advocate for women in the profession and saw the potential of libraries to provide lifelong educational opportunities to the public.

Honors and tributes Inducted into the Library Hall of Fame in 1951. Named in American Libraries in 1999 as one of the "100 of the Most Important Leaders We Had in the 20th Century."