In 2026 the American Library Association will celebrate 150 years since its start in 1876. Approaching this sesquicentennial gives the ALA a chance to reflect on its long and rich history and all the librarians worked together to make the ALA what it is today. Therefore, The American Library Association has decided to implement the Sesquicentennial Memorial Project which aims to honor the contributions of librarians commemorated in the Librarians We Have Lost Initiative. This initiative is a collective memorial that honors the memory, and professional contributions from librarians, educators, and library workers over the last fifty years.
Hugh C. Atkinson is one of the library professionals mentioned in the memorial. In 1999, American Libraries named Hugh C. Atkinson as one of the 20th century's 100 most important leaders in librarianship.
The Librarians We Have Lost was started by University of South Florida professor, Dr. Kathleen de la Peña McCook
and published by Brett Spencer, editor of Library History Round Table News and Notes. This digital memorial archive shows the diversity and lasting influence of library
professionals from archives and special collections, to academic and public libraries.
This memorial celebrates the work of these library professionals for their work as
library professionals but also their work as advocates and policy leaders.
The Librarians We Have Lost initiative is a vital part of the American Library Association’s sesquicentennial
commemoration and continues to uphold the association’s commitment to diversity, equity,
accessibility, scholarship and remembrance of those who upheld and advocated for these
rights in the past. During the upcoming sesquicentennial, ALA members are encouraged
to engage with the memorial to honor these library professionals and the legacy of
librarianship.