Oak Knoll

David Watkinson's Library narrates the founding and history of the David Watkinson Library from 1866 to 1966. When David Watkinson died in 1857, the major provisions for the establishment of the library were contained in his will. Watkinson had determined one hundred thousand dollars would be invested and managed by the board of trustees to establish connections with the Connecticut Historical Society as a reference to be accessible to all citizens or visitors of the state of Connecticut. He also specified that money be used to build the new library as an addition to the Connecticut Historical Society, to hire a librarian appointed by the society, to purchase the Wadsworth Atheneum, and to create a Library Fund.

First edition. A near fine copy.

Beginning with a biography of the life of David Watkinson and ending with an account of Ruth A. Kerr's (the third librarian) tenure, the book describes every major element of the library. The book discusses Watkinson's idea, conception of the library, other libraries in Hartford, the growth of the library, the various librarians, developing collections, management, the transition to Trinity College, and many other records of the Watkinson library. A foreword, illustration credits, biographical sketches of trustees, a bibliography, and an index are also included. Finally, three appendixes list Watkinson Library Documents, Trustees, and a Chronology of Events. From the reference library of Philadelphia Rare Books & Manuscripts with their bookplate included.