Milam, Carl Hastings

Milam, Carl Hastings (1884–1963) librarian; born in Harper County, Kans. He was director of the Birmingham (Ala.) Public Library (1913–19), where he opened the first branch for service to African-Americans. During World War I, he was assistant director and then general director of the American Library Association's Library War Service (1917–20). In 1920 he became secretary of the American Library Association and his career in this post for 28 years gave rise to his nickname, "Mr. ALA." In 1948 he became director of the newly formed United Nations Library, where he served until retiring in 1950.