Hugh Hornby Langton (1862–1953)
Hugh Hornby Langton was the Registrar of the University of Toronto from 1887 to 1892 and served as its University Librarian from 1892 to 1923. He was also an accomplished editor, translator, and historian. His most important contribution to the University was his reestablishment of the collections, staffing, and services after a fire on Valentine's Day in 1890 destroyed the original library in the east wing of University College. Langton took charge of a new standalone library which opened on King's College Circle in 1892. This building featured new innovations such as electric lighting, steam heating, and a fireproof bookstack. In 1911, he oversaw the completion of a new wing to provide more space for the library. Hugh Langton became a mainstay in campus academic life for three decades in his role as librarian and the main editor of the university's scholarly publishing program from 1897 to 1923 and the launch of the Canadian Historical Review in 1920. He contributed hi...