Quick Facts
Biography
Paul Allen Towne (December 8, 1823 - August 27, 1903) was an educator, bibliophile, editor and librarian for The Public Library of Kentucky. He was the founder of the Polytechnic Society of Kentucky.
Life in Louisville Kentucky
In 1873, Towne was hired by Reuben T. Durrett, as librarian of the Public Library of Kentucky, located in downtown Louisville. In 1876 Towne founded the Polytechnic Society of Kentucky, with the help of prominent members of Louisville. The purpose of the society was to help save the library from its financial debt. In 1877, Towne wrote for the Louisville Monthly, a magazine, where he published articles about the Public Library of Kentucky and the Polytechnic Society. He also worked as editor for the magazine.
Discharged from the Polytechnic Society
On December 13, 1878, Towne was discharged for insubordination. The Society was dissatisfied with his management of the Library and Festival Halls and ordered Towne to hand over his duties to the societies treasurer, Andrew MacDonald. His discharge came after he fused to surrender the safe in his office and card-index to his catalogue of books.
Years later, Towne moved to New York and was hired at the Astor Library, now the New York Public Library.