Lawrence Clark Powell

Date of Birth: September 3, 1906

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: March 14, 2001

Biography

Lawrence Clark Powell was a renowned American librarian, literary critic, and author, whose influential career spanned several decades in the mid-20th century. Born in Washington, D.C., Powell was deeply connected to the literary community and made significant contributions to the field of library science and literature. He served as the head librarian at the University of California, Los Angeles, and later, the founding dean of the UCLA School of Library Service. His passion for books and libraries was evident in his numerous writings, lectures, and critiques, which have left a lasting legacy in the literary world. Powell’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree from Occidental College, followed by a Master’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley. He further enriched his expertise with a Ph.D. in English from the University of Dijon in France. Powell’s career was marked by his advocacy for the importance of libraries in society and his efforts to enhance the quality of library services. He authored several books and articles on librarianship, literature, and the American Southwest, reflecting his diverse interests and profound knowledge. Powell’s work earned him various accolades and recognition from academic and literary institutions. He retired to Tucson, Arizona, where he continued to write and remain active in the literary community until his death.

5 Interesting Facts about Lawrence Clark Powell

1. Lawrence Clark Powell was instrumental in the development of the William Andrews Clark Memorial Library at UCLA.

2. He was a prolific author, with over 100 books and articles to his name.

3. Powell was known for his love of the American Southwest, which featured prominently in his writings.

4. He received the American Library Association’s highest honor, the Joseph W. Lippincott Award, in 1960.

5. Powell was a strong advocate for the importance of special collections in libraries.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lawrence Clark Powell

1. “A great library is one nobody notices because it is always there, and always has what people need.”

2. “Books are not made for furniture, but there is nothing else that so beautifully furnishes a house.”

3. “The good life is lived in good libraries.”

4. “Libraries are the best evidence we have that people are still thinking.”

5. “To read a book for the first time is to make an acquaintance with a new friend; to read it a second time is to meet an old one.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Lawrence Clark Powell’s exact net worth is not well-documented, but his contributions to library science and literature have left an invaluable legacy.