Ainsworth Rand Spofford: The Great American Librarian

In this installment of ‘Profiles in History,’ we meet a a young bookseller who moves to Washington and becomes the most consequential librarian of Congress.

In 1783, Rep. James Madison introduced a resolution to create a library that would give the Congress access to works about the laws of nations and about American history and affairs. The Library of Congress was founded in 1800 and located in one room in the Capitol; as the collection grew, more and more space was required. This mural depicts the library in the Capitol in 1890, when it had grown to occupy almost the entire west central section of the building. Librarian of Congress Ainsworth Spofford is shown seated at the left. Library of Congress. Public Domain

Ainsworth Rand Spofford (1825–1908) had an affinity for writing and reading. His early life was full of literature, as was his early career. His love of the written word would cement his legacy as the most influential librarian in American history.

Born in New Hampshire, he had a modest upbringing. According to Spofford’s friend, Henry Blackwell, Spofford picked berries during the summer to buy books, and during the winter school year, he braved snow drifts and howling storms to get to class.