article by William J. Brennan, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, 1963

The collection documents Bryan's work as Assistant Director and then Director of the Newark Public Library from 1943 until 1972, along with his various activities in professional library associations and community organizations. These administrative files are arranged according to the following series: I. Professional and Biographical Information; II. Writings, including articles and essays, reports and studies, and notes and drafts; III. Administrative Matters, including annual reports, budget information, building maintenance and modernization; IV. Library Subjects and related working papers, arranged alphabetically; V. papers dealing with the 75th Anniversary of NPL in 1963; VI. papers dealing with the 1969 Crisis when the Municipal Council threatened to close the library; VII. Bryan’s work with the American Library Association; and VIII. his work with other organizations, including New Jersey Library Association, Newark’s Historic Sites and Building Committee, and Project 300 – Newark Tercentennial, IX. his work as a consultant on library buildings throughout New Jersey and elsewhere; and X. speeches and talks.