Updated Feb 20, 2026
Details
Birthday
(Wednesday)
Died
Birthplace
Adams Center, United States
Nationality
Languages
English
Spouse
Annie Dewey (1878-1922)
Children
1 child: Godfrey Dewey
Parents
Joel Dewey, Eliza Dewey
Residences
Boston
Education
Alfred University, Amherst College
Zodiac Sign
♐ Sagittarius
Chinese Zodiac
猪 Pig
Popularity
Tier C -- 6,800 Wikipedia views/month
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Melvil Dewey: American librarian (1851–1931).
Born in Adams Center (died at age 80).
Recipient of the Library Hall of Fame.
Studied at Alfred University.
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AWARDS (1)
B
Library Hall of Fame
WON
Biography
Melville Louis Kossuth "Melvil" Dewey was an American librarian and educator who invented the Dewey Decimal system of library classification. He was a founder of the Lake Placid Club, a chief librarian at Columbia College, founder of what would later become the Columbia University School of Library Service, and a founding member of the American Library Association. Although Dewey's contributions to the modern library are widely recognized, his legacy is marred by his sexual harassment of female colleagues, as well as his racism and antisemitism.
Connections (6)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How old was Melvil Dewey?
Melvil Dewey was born on and passed away on at the age of 80.
Where was Melvil Dewey born?
Melvil Dewey was born in Adams Center.
Where can I find more information about Melvil Dewey?
You can find more about Melvil Dewey on Wikidata. Their full profile and filmography is available on this page.