USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1894 > Part 18
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In connection with the new system of classification and delivery
312
ANNUAL REPORTS.
of books, we have introduced information slips ; and propose to give larger facility in the use of reference books, to make the reading room more complete, and to allow, with suitable restrictions, persons en- gaged in special or professional investigations freer range in taking books from the library.
At all times the librarian and his assistants will be ready to make suggestions, and give help to those who may seek to know what books are accessible for the study of any particular topic. This will make a legitimate use of the library more complete, since those who have especially to do with books may be justly supposed to know, in some general way at least, what they contain.
Just at this point, it is an interesting fact that the number of books added to the library during the past year, both by purchase and dona- tion, surpasses that of any other year. Some of these books are of great value.
The use of the library by the public at large is steadily on the in- crease. The number of books taken out for home use the past year exceeded 106,000.
This enlargement of the library in the number of its books, and in the use of them, demands larger space, or a new method of shelv- ing. Very careful attention has been given to this matter, and after much painstaking consideration, it was concluded that the present shelving room be changed into a stack room. This would add very largely to the book capacity of the room, and as the books would nec- essarily be more compact, the labor of reference and delivery would be very much lessened. It has been a source of great gratification that when the matter was brought to the attention of the city govern- ment, the response was so immediate and liberal that steps were taken at once in preparation for the much-needed change.
All this necessitates enlarged appropriations for the library. But it is confidently believed that our citizens will readily endorse any action which, in giving them better accommodation, will further the interest of all concerned.
It must be expected that as the library grows the expense of main- taining it must increase. The public should take pride in the fact that the growth of the city means not only material prosperity and additions to the census list, but growth in intellectual vigor and capacity.
A
313
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
It is a fact that is everywhere noticeable, especially in our larger towns and cities, that the citizens are not content with the meagre facilities and cramped space once deemed sufficient, but with larger and more generous views, erect substantial and commodious library buildings. As the poet sings, "The thoughts of men are widened with the process of the suns."
Not only do cities and towns appear to vie with each other in erecting buildings for the better accommodation of the volumes that crowd the shelves, but the buildings to a large extent encourage sculp- ture and art, and provide quiet and sheltered alcoves where the student may consult such works, as under ordinary conditions could not be conveniently used.
Yet, let it be said, that while public libraries have come to be con- sidered as institutions of large educational value, it is nevertheless true that in many instances they are not used to the extent they should be. We venture to suggest that the teachers of our public schools would further the interests of education in this city to a well- nigh incalculable extent, if they would bring the school into closer contact with the library. If the teachers and the friends of our free public school system would make a study of our library, they would learn without difficulty that the studies in the schools would become more interesting and valuable if the scholars were induced to read books our library could furnish, which bear more or less directly upon their studies. In making this suggestion, without the slightest purpose to interfere with the judgment of those who have the interests of our public schools especially in their charge, we venture to add, in our own behalf, what we deem to be of great importance.
There can be no question but that every institution has its own peculiar influence, character and possibility. There are few organiza- tions that deserves more serious consideration than the public library, and it may be added that few are more beset with perplexities. The public library. of any age marks the civilization of that age.
It is impossible for us to guard this trust given into our hands too cautiously, neither can we fulfil the duties it brings with it without constant study of its character and needs. Let it be understood that a well-equipped public library is not a mere collection of books. It must be a reservoir of general literature, embracing history, philos- ophy, science and art. The books to be selected must be such as
314
ANNUAL REPORTS.
shall suit the old and the young, those who seek instruction, and those who wish only entertainment. The library is for the public, and must fit the conditions of the public need, not of any class or age. Its range must be as comprehensive as its resources will permit. Only thus can it be educational in the finest, truest sense of that word. Its first aim should be to encourage a taste for reading, and then guide that taste till the mere reader becomes a student, for reading is not so important as thought. Mere reading tends to mental dissipation. It
is opium by which to get unreal visions, and so forgetfulness. It soothes to languor ; it gives lassitude for energy ; it forgets the real world to create another which is only a mirage. Yet all taste for liter- ature must begin from the habit of reading, and that habit should be cultivated among the young. Just here arises serious perplexity. That is, to find books that will interest and yet not be mischievous. Perhaps in no other department of the library has more conscientious scrutiny been exercised than in the selection of works of fiction. In this class of literature this age is remarkably prolific. Yet, however critical the care in examining the books themselves, and in passing judgment on the opinion of those who write reviews and book notices, it is exceedingly difficult to determine in every instance as to the merits or demerits of every book. Then again, there must be some latitude in deferring to the opinions of those who are certainly com- petent to judge in other matters, and who might desire a class of works which would be representative of different phases of thought, or faith, or life. The stream of life never rises higher than its source. Never- theless, books may be, will be admitted which are not profitable to all.
Here it may be said that much may be left to the discretion of our librarian. Nevertheless, this must not be altogether relied upon. While it is doubtless true, that large responsibility rests upon those into whose hands the library has been entrusted, for breadth and com- prehensiveness, so that all topics may be fairly represented, and while it is also true that such responsibility embraces the literary style, power, and intellectual and moral character of those books classed as "light literature," yet it cannot be too emphatically stated that this does not relieve the parent or guardian from determining the range of read- ing children should have. All books are not for all people. The literature of one century may invite the studious attention of a scholar, and yet be by no means suitable for the school or the home.
2
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The board of trustees and the librarian must exercise diligent care that the selection of books be wise and wholesome ; but this must not be held to excuse the parent, guardian or teacher from his or her responsibility. Our children and youth must be as carefully re- strained and directed in the use of the books of the public library, as in any other direction. Look out for the springs of life that the stream may run clear. It should never be forgotten that the real germ is hidden in the bud. The child holds the possibility of what shall be the man or woman.
It will be found that the report of our librarian, John S. Hayes, has peculiar interest, in view of what we have already stated, and we in- corporate it as a part of this report, as it gives an admirable resume of the condition, growth, aims, possibilities and needs of the library, and the work that has been carried on by him since his election. It contains much valuable information and, in connection with his last report, gives a history of the library from its origin to the present time.
The trustees are pleased in being able to say that the work of our present librarian promises to be of very great value to the community. He has been assiduous in his labors, and untiring in his zeal. We are pleased also to add, that his assistants have creditably co-operated with him and have discharged their duties with great fidelity.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES S. LINCOLN, Chairman. January 28, 1895.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN.
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE SOMERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY : -
Gentlemen, - In compliance with your by-laws, it becomes my duty to place in your hands this, my second report, as the twenty- second annual report of the librarian, covering the operations of the library for the year 1894.
The library has received the generous support of the city govern- ment and the public, and has responded to all calls made upon it, as best it could under the circumstances. It is a pleasure to record the fact that the circulation of books has been greater the past year than in any other year since the library was established, notwithstanding the fact that for the first time in its history the figures representing its circulation during the last six months mean actual circulation, without the addition of renewals, whereas up to that time every book renewed, counted as being taken out twice, when as a matter of fact it had left the library but once.
STATISTICS.
The whole number of books placed in the library since it was founded in 1872, as recorded in the Accession Catalogue, is 27,729 - and the number worn out, lost, and withdrawn, as nearly as can be ascertained, during this same period has been 2,592 volumes, making the number of books in the library at the present time, 25,137. This does not include many volumes in the public document room, nor about 1,000 volumes in the duplicate room, which have never been entered in the Accession Catalogue, but are available in exchange for books needed, and for replacement.
During the year you have added 2,860 volumes, while 146 have been worn out, lost, or withdrawn. Of the number added, 216 volumes were from donations, and 2,644 volumes by purchase and
318
ANNUAL REPORTS.
binding of serials. The number added during the year exceeds by over 1,000 volumes the number added during any other year since the library was opened to the public.
It may be of interest to note the additions of books to the library each year since it was started, as found recorded in the Accession Catalogue. These figure's denote the total accessions, and include the volumes worn out, lost, or withdrawn.
The library was open to the public May 1, 1873, with 2,384 volumes on its shelves.
Added Each Year.
Accession No. Dec. 31, of Each Year.
Volumes May 1, 1873
2,384
Added during 1873
1,251
3,635
1874
1,027
4,662
1875
573
5,235
1876
602
5,837
66
1877
853
6,690
1878
749
7,439
1879
515
7,954
66
1882
770
10,052
66
1883
913
10,965
66
1884
859
11,824
66
1885
964
12,788
1886
1,150
13,938
1887
1,165
15,103
1,846
16,949
66
1890
1,817
20,112
1891
1,432
21,544
66
1892
1,648
23,192
66
1893
1,677
24,869
66
1894
2,860
27,729
Total number Dec. 31, 1894
27,729 volumes.
1880
660
8,614
1881
668
9,282
1888
1889
1,346
18,295
It will be noticed that during the first five years there were added an average of 861 volumes each year ; during the next five years an
1
319
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
average of 672 volumes each year; during the third period of five years, an average of 1,010 volumes each year, and during the fourth period, an average of 1,618 volumes each year. In the year 1893, 1,677 volumes were added, and the present year, 2,860 volumes.
As the city increases in population, and the volumes become worn out, it will be absolutely necessary to increase the annual additions if the usefulness of the library remains unimpaired.
The library has been open to the public 304 days during the past year, and 106,341 books have been given out for home use, a daily average of 350. The largest number given out in one day was April 14, 1,062. The largest number in one month was in April, 12,505 ; the smallest number was in August, 6,525.
There were distributed through the agency in West Somerville, 8,229 volumes, and by the East Somerville agency,, 5,100 volumes.
The number of library cards in use at the present time is about 5,538, of which 923 have been issued during the present year.
VALUABLE ADDITIONS.
Among the more costly books added to the reference library are : Old Colony Historical Society collections. Complete, 14 vols. Maine Historical Society collections. Complete, 8 vols. Connecticut Historical Proceedings. Complete, 3 vols.
Contributions of the old residents of Lowell. Complete, 5 vols. Duneker's History of Antiquity. 5 vols.
History of the 13th regiment Massachusetts Volunteers.
66 66
52d 66
66
66
54th
66
66
Adj. General's Report of N. H. during the Rebellion. 6 vols. Modern Machine Shop Practice. 2 vols.
Acts and Resolves of Mass., 1781-1785. 4 vols.
66 66 Bay Colony.
Scribner's Statistical Atlas U. S. Shaler's U. S. of America. 2 vols. Map of American Politics. Cushing's Anonyms. 4 vols.
Catalogue Boston Athenæum. 5 vols. Journals of Washington. 3 vols.
320
ANNUAL REPORTS
Bartlett's Concordance of Shakespeare. Bradshaw's Concordance to Milton. Allen's American Book-Plates. History of Suffolk County. 4 vols. Dictionary of National Biography, A-N. 40 vols. History of the First Maine Cavalry.
Portraits in Plaster. America's Wonderland. Larned's History for ready reference. 5 vols. Bradford's History of Mass.
For general circulation we have added : Bagehot's Complete Works. 5 vols. Hospitals, Dispensaries and Nursing. Ed. by Billings and Hurd. World's Parliament of Religion. Conversations of Lord Byron. Dillon's Laws and Jurisprudence of England and America. Thomas Jefferson's Works. Curtis's Orations and Addresses. Hittell's Mankind in Ancient Times. 4 vols. Mrs. Green's Town Life in the XV. Century. 2 vols. Letters of Harriet Countess Granville.
Porcupine's Works. Complete, 12 vols. Spark's Diplomatic Correspondence. 19 vols. Abraham Lincoln's Complete Works. 2 vols. Conway's Climbing the Himalayas. Wharton's Diplomatic Correspondence of the American Revolution. 6 vols. Memoirs of Edmund Ludlow. 2 vols. History of Trades Unionism. Wilson's Cyclopædia Photography. The Industries of Russia. 5 vols. Memoirs of Baron de Meneval. 3 vols. Didon's Life of Christ. 2 vols. Bonney's Story of One Planet. Studies in Historical and Political Science. 25 vols. Cambridge Bible for Schools, with notes. 35 vols. Glacial Geology of Great Britain.
321
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Masson's Napoleon at Home.
History of England under Henry IV.
Memoirs of the International Congress of Anthropology.
Flammarion's Popular Astronomy.
Geology, Chemical, Physical and Strategraphical.
Erman's Life in Ancient Egypt.
Simcox's Primitive Civilization. 2 vols. American Journal of Microscopy. Complete, 10 vols.
Appleton's Journal. Complete, 24 vols.
Our Young Folks. (Magazine). Complete, 9 vols.
Andover Review. Complete, 19 vols. Review of Reviews. (From the beginning.)
Cosmopolitan Magazine.
Gleason's Pictorial Magazine.
DONATIONS.
During the year the library has received as gifts 1,492 bound volumes, 713 pamphlets, 1,399 numbers of periodicals, and one pic- ture. Of the bound volumes received, we have entered in the Acces- sion Catalogue and placed on the shelves of the library only 216 volumes, as it was decided best to reserve these books for the new classification, as the time of the cataloguers could be more profitably employed on the books now in the circulating library, and, besides, the shelf room available in the main room was needed for the new books.
The Boston Public Library presented 1,150 volumes from its duplicates, among which were many rare and valuable books. Charles S. Lincoln, Charles A. West, and Charles H. Brown, of the Board of Trustees, have each given many books and periodicals, which will aid us in completing our sets of books and magazines. Dr. Eben Jackson presented a fine copy of " Schools and School Boys of old Boston," and the Somerville Journal Company, 58 bound volumes, 38 pamphlets, and 104 periodicals ; Geo. O. Proctor, 26 volumes, and P. M. Harwood, a fine large photograph of a part of the "Ancient Earth- works of Somerville," richly framed, which can be seen in the Ameri- cana room. The heirs of the noted historian, the late Francis Park- man, presented to this library his copy of the Boston Athenæum
322
ANNUAL REPORTS.
library catalogue, in two large volumes, a work of intrinsic value, which will be highly prized, coming as it does from Mr. Parkman's private library, and containing his autograph.
LIST OF DONATIONS.
Vols.
Pamph.
Periodi- cals.
Adams, Mrs. Lucy M.
American Citizen .
Ames, Geo. A., Lowell
1
7
Bohemian Voice
12
Boston Public Library
1,150
2
14
Bingham, N. W.
1
180
Broadway Central Hotel, N. Y.
2
330
Brown, C. H.
75
248
Brockton Enterprise
1
Cambridge Public Library
1
Chicago Public Library
1
Christian Register
2
Cincinnati Public Library
1
Citizen Publishing Co.
52
City of Somerville
11
Clinton Public Library
1
Crane, D. F.
1
1
Dike, Rev. S. W. .
2
Dover Public Library
1
Duddy, Robert
1
Eaton, Clifford
20
Ellinger, William, Va.
1
Elliot, C. D. .
2
2
Elliot, Miss Mary E.
1
Ewing, Thos., N. Y.
1
Fall River Public Library
1
Field, Mrs. L. A.
Young People's Society Christian Endeavor, First Uni- versalist Church
64
Fitchburg Public Library
1
Flint, Warren F.
10
Folsom, Channing
1
Free Library of Philadelphia
1
Galpin, Mrs. Barbara
4
Giles, Jos. J.
4
Glines, A. W.
12
1
Brooklyn Public Library
Brooks, E. S.
1
Carpenter, A. F. .
52
Cilley, J. P.
Clerc, P. M. .
Danvers Peabody Institute
DeCosta, Rev. B. F.
2
7
12
Brigham, C. H.
1
12
32
Amherst College
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
323
LIST OF DONATIONS .- Continued.
Vols.
Pamph.
Periodı- cals.
Gordon, Geo. A.
1
1
Green, Dr. S. A.
2
Hallet & Davis
1
Harvard College
1
Harwood, P. M., "Ancient Earthworks of Somerville," picture and frame.
Hawes, F. M.
1
Hayes, J. S.
7
2
Hayes, Miss L. Y.
1
Hills, Thos.
1
Home Market Club
10
12
Hunnewell, J. F.
1
Indian Rights Association
1
Jackson, Dr. Eben
1
Jones, Wm. P.
6
Kelsey, E. E.
2
Kimball, F. M.
3
Lancaster Public Library
1
Lincoln, C. S.
10
245
Lodge, Hon. H. C.
14
Los Angeles Public Library
4 1
McCall, Hon. S. W.
1
Mairnonides Library, N. Y. City
1
Malden Public Library
1
Mass. Convention of Universalists
1
Mass. Society Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
1
Medford High School Association Melrose Public Library
1 1
12
Milwaukee Public Library
1
Mt. Holyoke College
1
National Civil Reform League
1
Newark Public Library
2
N. H. State Library
1 1
Newton Public Library
1
New York Teachers' College
2 1
Osgood, Warren .
1
Otis Library, Norwich, Conn.
1
Parkman, Francis, heirs of .
5
Pattee & Co., Los Angeles, Cal.
8
Peabody Institute Library
1
Portland, Or., Public Library Pratt, R. D.
2
Prince Society, Boston
2
Proctor, Geo. O.
26
Redwood Library, Newport
1
St. Louis Mercantile Library
1
(20)
Grand Rapids, Mich., Board of Trade .
1
3
2
Lynn Public Library
Merriam, Miss M. B. .
New London Public Library
North Adams Public Library
324
ANNUAL REPORTS.
LIST OF DONATIONS .- Continued.
Vols.
Pamph.
Periodi- cals.
Salem Public Library Sanborn, Miss H. J. Sanford, P B.
1
12
Scranton Public Library Seaver, E. P.
1
1
12
State of Massachusetts
34
State Supt. of Schools, Wis. Stone, E. A.
4
Socialist Annual
1
Somerville Journal Co.
58
38
104
Somerville Y. M. C. A.
6
The People, New York
1
1
Travellers' Insurance Co.
1
1
Tufts College
5
Tuftonian, Tufts College
15
Union Pacific Railroad
1
United Societies. Manifesto
12
United States Government
32
120
Vincent, Geo. I. .
3
1
Watertown Public Library
1
Wellington, J. F.
2
.
Wentworth, T. S.
1
1
West, C. A.
12
250
Winship, Geo.
1
Woods, H. F.
1
Worcester Public Library
3
80
I would again repeat what was said in my last report, " It is hoped that the example set by these generous donors will be followed by others, and that many books, pamphlets and periodicals that are now lying unused in many a household will be sent here, and either be put into circulation, or, if they should be duplicates of those we now have be exchanged by us for books we need."
NEW STACK ROOM.
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of this library, held April 30, it was voted :- "That the Committee on Buildings and Grounds and the Librarian be authorized to obtain plans, specifications, and
16
Thompson, B. F.
Thomson, John, Phila.
12
Trustees for children of Shalem, Dcna Anna, New Mex.
Trustees Public Reservation
1
1
3
Springfield Public Library
1
325
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
estimates for changing the book room into a stack room, and report to this board." This committee, after visiting other libraries, thor- oughly studying all the questions involved as to the present and future needs of the library, and the prospective enlargement of the building at no distant day, invited three leading firms engaged in the manu- facture of library stacks, to submit plans embodying the ideas which the committee had in view, namely : To make the present book room into a stack room capable of holding at least 60,000 volumes, and so constructed that it would be equally available in the building as now constructed and used, or in that reconstructed building that must come in the future, when adequate provision is made for the work this library should do, as outlined in last year's report.
This committee made their report at a meeting held June 2, and recommended that the plans and specifications submitted by A. B. & W. T. Westervelt, of New York, be adopted, and that it would cost about $6,000 to make the proposed change. It was unani- mously voted : " That the secretary of this Board communicate the action of this board to the City Council, and ask for a special appropriation of $6,000, to change the present book room into a steel stack room."
I appeared before the Finance Committee of the City Council, by invitation, with the plans for the proposed change, and explained the urgent need of more shelf room, so that we could classify the books and reorganize the library. It was understood by the members of the city government that we did not intend to use this money until next year, as it would take a year for us to classify and catalogue the books and prepare for the change, but that the trustees did not feel justified in continuing the work of reorganizing the library, unless they were assured by the City Council that the money for the alterations would be available when needed.
At meetings of the Board of Aldermen and the Common Council held June 13, an order was passed appropriating, for public library improvement, for increased accommodation for books, $3,000,and the order was approved by the Mayor, June 15.
It appears that the full sum asked for by this board was not appro- priated at that time, because the City Council only had about $3,000 at their disposal, which they placed to the credit of Public Library Im- provement, feeling confident that next year's city government would
-
326
ANNUAL REPORTS.
complete the appropriation. We have, therefore, at the city hall, the sum of $3,000, and there is no reason to doubt that at an early day next year's City Council will vote the remaining $3,000.
This prompt and liberal action of the city government assured this board that they would be justified in proceeding with the work of classifying and recataloguing the books, and it is hoped and expected that by the first of next September, our library will not only be amply supplied with shelf room, but that we shall have a new Find- ing List printed of all the books, arranged by classes, under authors and titles, and a new card catalogue containing subjects, authors, titles and cross references, well under way.
DESCRIPTION OF STACK.
The exterior of the building will be changed in book-stack wing only, by increasing window area. The present windows are to be elongated by adding two sashes at bottom, having a panel between the present sill and top of new windows, which will improve the appearance of the structure. The interior structure is not to be changed, there being sufficient height to accommodate the second tier of book stacks.
The new stacks are of light construction of steel, and will be two stories high, with heavy glass plates for second floor, and access to the same will be by two sets of iron stairs, one at each end.
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