Elihu Burritt Library at Central Connecticut State University dedicated a Literary Landmark

PHILADELPHIA — The Elihu Burritt Library at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain was designated a Literary Landmark by United for Libraries in honor of Elihu Burritt (1810-1879).

Burritt was an international peace advocate, abolitionist, writer, lecturer and consular agent to Birmingham, England, appointed by President Abraham Lincoln. He was a linguist who started learning foreign languages while apprenticing at a local forge, and this practice, as well as his public speeches, earned him the nickname of the “Learned Blacksmith.” His writings are housed at the Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) Library and in the New Britain Public Library. The CCSU collection contains extensive correspondence, personal notes, lectures, photos and his published works as well as publication about him.

University administrators, faculty and students were in attendance at the dedication on Thursday, Oct. 11. The Skinner, Cargill and Bradley families sponsored the Literary Landmark and established an endowed scholarship, announced at the dedication. The Elihu Burritt Family Scholarship Fund will benefit a CCSU undergraduate matriculated student in good standing, with GPA 3.0 or better, who is engaged in an academic assignment, which will require use of the Burritt library resources, and in particular the Elihu Burritt Collection.

The Literary Landmark program is administered by United for Libraries. More than 120 Literary Landmarks across the United States have been dedicated since the program began in 1986. Any library or group may apply for a Literary Landmark through United for Libraries. More information is available on the United for Libraries website.

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association that supports citizens who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library Trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the United for Libraries website or contact Jillian Kalonick at (312) 280-2161 or jkalonick@ala.org.

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