Towner, Lawrence W. (Lawrence William), 1921-1992

Sixth Librarian of the Newberry Library, 1962-1986, and historian.

Born Sept. 10, 1921, in St. Paul, Minn., educated at Cornell College (B.A.) and Northwestern (M.A., Ph. D.), Towner served in the U.S. Army Air Corps (WWII), taught at the Latin School of Chicago, Northwestern and MIT and edited the William and Mary Quarterly (1956-1962), before coming to the Newberry in 1962. The Newberry expanded significantly under Towner. He acquired important collections (Silver, Sack, Ruggles); expanded the Library's fellowship, publications and research programs, creating the Research and Education Division and four research centers; enlarged the Library's physical space, adding a ten story bookstack building and renovating existing space; and began development activities, starting the Newberry Library Associates and other fund raising programs. Also active in the AHA, OAH, IRLA and Caxton Club, Towner retired in 1986 and died in 1992.

From the description of Papers, 1948-1989 (bulk 1962-1986). (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 26442877