Some of the People Who Shaped the Dayton Public Library

Electra C. Doren, 1861-1927. A noted innovator in local and national library history, Miss Doren began working for the Dayton Library at age 18. She left Dayton for several years to serve as the director of Western Reserve University Library School, but returned here to help rebuild library services following the devastating 1913 flood. She remained employed by the Dayton Library until her death in 1927.

Linda May Clatworthy was born in Dayton and attended Dennison University, Vassar College, Northwestern University, University of Illinois Library School and University of Denver. She served as librarian at the Dayton Public Library and Museum from 1900-1913 and was president of the Ohio Library Association in 1911.

William James Hamilton, born in Minneapolis, was director of the Dayton Public Library fron 1936-1956. He also served as director of the Gary, Indiana library and his career spanned 50 years.

Robert W. Steele, born in Dayton in 1819, attended Miami University and later served as one of its trustees for nine years. He served on the Dayton school board for 30 years, and in 1847 was one of the founders of the Dayton Library association. He was also one of the incorporators of Cooper Female Seminary, secretary of Woodland Cemetery and one of the earliest members of the Montgomery County Agricultural Association.

Mary E. Minnie Althoff was head of the Circulation Department from 1904 to 1936. Miss Althoff was in the first class to graduate from new library training school at the Dayton Library. The school was established in 1896 and was the second of its kind in the nation.