James Edmund Bryan III

James Edmund Bryan III

Librarian

James E. Bryan III of 425 Rivermead Road in Peterborough, formerly Director of the Newark New Jersey Public Library, a Past President of the American Library Association and a consultant on public library buildings, died Thursday May 10, 2007 in Peterborough at age 97. He was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, son of William W. and Florence (Shimer) Bryan. He had been a resident of East Sullivan, NH for many years.

During his career Mr. Bryan was closely associated with public libraries, beginning in the District of Columbia Public Library. He was next appointed Chief Librarian of the public library in his hometown of Easton, Pennsylvania. From there he became Head of the Adult Lending Department of the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, then Assistant Director and later Director of the Newark Public Library from which he retired in 1972.

He was concerned and active in the development of library collections and services for students, as well and the inter-relationships of public, school and college libraries in serving them. He was also active in the development of statewide library systems in order to serve more people.

At the time of his death he was the longest continuous member of the American Library Association, having joined when Herbert Hoover was President of the United States. Mr. Bryan was elected National President of the American Library Association and served in that office from 1963-64. Prior to that he had been President of the Public Library Association, the New Jersey Library Association and had served as Chairman of the Middle Atlantic States Library Association.

He was active in community affairs, particularly in Newark, where he served for a time as Scouting Commissioner for the Robert Treat Council, Boy Scouts of America and also as Chairman of the Committee on Historic Sites and Buildings in Newark.

Mr. Bryan received degrees from Lafayette College, Drexel University and American University. He was awarded the George Washington Kidd Alumni Award at Lafayette College and the Distinguished Alumni Citation from Drexel. Rutgers University conferred on him an honorary doctorate for his professional contributions. He was Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Graduate Library School at Rutgers.

As a public library consultant he participated in about 75 projects including that of the New Rochelle (NY) Public Library’s new building which received an American Library Association-American Institute of Architects award for excellent functional design in 1960.

Mr. Bryan is survived by two sons, James E. Bryan IV of Halfmoon, NY and Arthur L. Bryan of Hancock, NH; three grandchildren, Sarah C. Bryan of Hebron, ME, Thomas L Bryan of Hancock, NH and Rebecca Tell of Albany, NY; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

His first wife, Helen L. Bryan died in 1973 and his second wife, Eunice von Ende Bryan died in 1997. A sister, Josephine Bryan Seibert, and a brother, William W. Bryan, died earlier.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, May 18, 2007 at 2:00 PM in the Sullivan Center Cemetery on Center Street in Sullivan, NH.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Bryan’s name to a Public Library of one’s choice.

The Cournoyer Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Jaffrey, NH is assisting the family with arrangements.

To view Mr. Bryan’s online memorial or to send a condolence to his family, please visit www.cournoyerfh.com.