USA > New York > Oneida County > History of Oneida County, New York : from 1700 to the present time, Volume I > Part 47
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Mr. Comstock continued his services as president of the association until October, 1900, when his term as a member of the board of education expired, and he declined a renomination. Dr. W. J. P. Kingsley, the vice president, was appointed his successor, and still holds office. To Dr. Kingsley's generosity the library owes, from its beginning to the present day, many improvements in . the buildings and grounds. Only two treasurers have held office. The first was William R. Huntington, who faithfully and with deep interest administered the funds until October, 1900, when he also declined renomination as a member of the board of education. He was succeeded by Eugene L. Hinckley, who is still laboring for the financial interests of the library.
In July, 1901, Miss Beach, the very competent librarian, on account of ill health resigned her position, and Miss Eugenie Stevens, the assistant librarian, was appointed her successor. The position is still held by Miss Stevens, who is carrying on the work in a most efficient manner.
UTICA-The first authentic mention of the existence of a public library for Utica is in 1825. From time to time name, location, administration and char- acter changed, until finally the Utica City Library, under the management of the school board, supplied the city's demands from 1842 until 1893. At that time for various reasons a reorganization seemed necessary. To meet this need a new
JERVIS LIBRARY, ROME
ERWIN LIBRARY, BOONVILLE
DIDYMOUS THOMAS LIBRARY AT REMISEN
UTICA CITY LIBRARY
BARNEVELD LIBRARY, TRENTON
INTERIOR VIEW OF THE WATERVILLE LIBRARY
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corporation was formed and a charter from the regents of the University of the State of New York was granted to the Utica Public Library June 21, 1893. The library has been supported by annual appropriation made by the common council from the city's funds, increased from time to time as the demands upon the library's resources grew. One by one new features of the work have been de- veloped, until to-day the library holds a merited high position among those of the state. Figures are oftentimes inadequate, but a few may aid in telling the library's story. At the time of reorganization in 1893 about 10,000 volumes were on the shelves; in eighteen years the total number has become 62,894. The cir- culation has increased during the same period from about 55,122 to 180,093 for the year just closed. The number of readers within the building has also in- creased year by year, though it is impossible to give exact figures of this increase, and no count is kept of the hundreds of adults and children who come day by day to make use of the reference books and current magazines provided for their use. The yearly appropriations have been increased gradually from $7,500 in 1893 to $26,000 for the current year, the eighth in our present building. Work with the school children was introduced in 1896 and developed rapidly, until over 6,000 children now make constant use of the rooms devoted to them, taking home over 55,000 books in 1911. The reference work was encouraged and has grown from 3,627 readers in 1895 to 44,218 in 1911. Current magazines are supplied for reading, for reference work and for circulation. The library is open on Sunday afternoons from November to May from two until six o'clock for the use of those who care for a quiet reading place on that day. Since the reorganization it has been the policy of the library to grant free access to the books in all departments. It is a privilege most fully appreciated by the readers and facilitates economy and ease of administration on the part of the library. Readers like to browse among the shelves, and the possibility of making new book friends and discovering forgotten ones lends an element of pleasure for which a public library should stand.
Year by year as the work increased and demands of study clubs and students became more numerous the limitations of the old building became apparent. Lack of ventilation, inadequate light, no room for children, too little space for those who came to read, with no administrative facilities, together with a crowded condition of the shelves, detracted from the good work possible, although in spite of these obstacles the work developed rapidly. The need of a new building became very evident to those familiar with the library and its possibilities. In April, 1899, Mr. William Pierrepont White sent a check for $1,000 to the board of trustees with a letter of commendation for the work being done, asking that the sum be made the nucleus of a new building fund. In May of the same year the site upon which the present building stands was purchased and deeded to the trustees of the library by Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Proctor and Mr. and Mrs. F. T. Proctor. There have been many expressions of appreciation of this generous gift, and at the election in November, 1900, the citizens of Utica emphasized this appreciation by voting to bond the city for $165,000 to erect a suitable building for the permanent home of their public library. Later the city issued bonds for an additional $55,000 for the completion of this building. The additional ap- propriation was made necessary by the unexpected advance in wages and ma-
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terials. Meanwhile, the trustees were making plans of procedure, at their own expense visiting other libraries and studying the problem before them in all details. Professor William R. Ware of Columbia University was selected as consulting architect, and to him much credit is due.
In April, 1901, regulations for competing architects were issued. The fol- lowing July the plans of Mr. Arthur C. Jackson, associated with Carrère & Hast- ings of New York City, were accepted. From that date much time and thought were expended in perfecting plans for the building, letting contracts and other preliminary work, until ground was broken August 14, 1902. On May 4, 1903, with simple ceremonies the cornerstone of the new building was laid. The work progressed slowly but steadily and early in December, 1904, the transfer of the books from the old building was begun. For several days this work went on with little inconvenience to the users of the library, the files of magazines, news- papers, public documents and reference books being removed gradually. On Saturday, December 8, 1904, the last book was charged at the old building, which had served so well as the home for the library for almost thirty years. For four days only was the library closed to the public,-in that time the 25,000 volumes were packed, transferred and put in place on the shelves; the card catalogs, charging systems and all administrative facilities installed, furniture placed and all pictures hung, ready for the opening. At 3 o'clock on December twelfth the doors were unlocked, and soon the rooms were filled with friends of the library. The building committee handed over the key to the board of trustees, while Mayor Talcott reviewed briefly the work of the library, making appreciative mention of those whose careful thought had placed it in the creditable position it occupied. Thousands of Uticans came to see the library they had builded for themselves, and many were the words of ad- miration and satisfaction. The use made of the building and all it affords as the years go on will determine its real need and appreciation by the people. Much of the success of the library is due to the untiring devotion of Mr. John E. Brandegee, for twelve years its most active trustee and chairman of its library committee. To him, Miss Cutler, and the present most efficient Librarian, Miss Caroline M. Underhill, Utica owes her library as it is. In the death of Mr. Brandegee the library sustained its greatest loss, how great only those closely associated with him can know. Miss Louisa S. Cutler was ap- pointed librarian at the reorganization of the library and assumed her duties in November, 1893. Under her direction the reorganization of the library was begun, and until her death in August, 1895, she gave to the library her entire time and devotion. Miss Caroline M. Underhill, the present librarian, joined the staff in September, 1894, and after the death of Miss Cutler was appointed to the position of librarian. In planning for the work in the new building allowance was made for a normal growth, and the rooms were arranged so that depart- mental lines naturally have been developed.
REFERENCE DEPARTMENT-This department, perhaps more than any other, per- forms the work most truly belonging to a library. Its purpose is to furnish to every one information desired on any topic. Its activities may be separated into two divisions, those with the general public and those with clubs, teachers and
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classes. Many questions of a wide range come from the general reader, from the query as to who is the author of a certain poem, to the best way to care for a circular saw, and much time and careful research is often required in finding this desired information. Several hundred volumes have been arranged by sub- ject on shelves in the reference room, where they may be consulted by all. Many valuable books have been added to the collection, among which we may mention the Encyclopedia Biblica and the Catholic Encyclopedia, the Grand Diction- naire Universel by Larousse, the Konversations Lexikon by Brockhaus, and the new edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica. Many sets of bound magazines have been completed and shelved in the room, making with their indexes a most helpful addition for the work of this department. Among the best magazines covering music, art, drama, literature, stories, etc., one hundred and eighty- seven are available. A special table is given to the collection of trade magazines, where technical, industrial and practical subjects are represented by their jour- nals. The use of these increases from month to month, and this feature of the work should grow into something of real service to the men of Utica-something of service in the way of dollars and cents. When a man finds the article he wants and adds to his thanks the information "that article has saved me forty dollars," then do we indeed know that the work of the department is worth while. A small but growing collection of genealogical books is also shelved in the reference room. Many of these volumes are the gift of Mr. Seymour Morris, and have added to the value of the collection very greatly. An important aid to this phase of the reference work is the collection of town and county histories found in the general library. Another very valuable adjunct in the work of the reference room is the collection of public documents, both national and state. The Utica Public Library has for many years been a "depository library," re- ceiving from the United States government practically a complete file of its publications. All these, with the books for general circulation, make a well- rounded selection of books for consultation on many topics. The diversity of requests for information has gained steadily in the last four years, coming fre- quently by telephone and mail as well as by direct question, indicating that the library is taking its rightful place in the community. A bulletin board marks the events of birth and death of famous persons by pictures and portraits; lists of the works of authors are posted and also the books on special holidays are placed on the reference desk for the more convenient use of readers. Many of the clubs of the city send their programs to have material looked up for each topic. Not only in the number of topics looked up but in other ways the evi- dence is strong that the library is becoming more and more a center of useful- ness to which club workers turn. Teachers are using the reference room gen- erally, and there is now scarcely a week during the school year when books are not reserved on special shelves for the use of teachers and their classes. Students also come more and more for material on debates, essays, etc. The increased at- tendance shows somewhat the value of the reference department, but most of all, the words of appreciation frequently expressed by patrons using the room in- dicate that the money and thought expended in adding to its resources are well merited and bring results often incalculable.
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LOAN DEPARTMENT-The work in this department represents the library's greatest activity and has shown a normal and steady growth. Where pre- viously one assistant could give sufficient service, now six are needed, and often during the busy hours extra assistants have to be summoned. In 1904 there were circulated for home use 135,802 volumes, while in 1911 the number has in- creased to 180,093 volumes. The department endeavors not merely to bring a good book to every reader, but the best book in the best way. As the number of readers has been increasing, even greater vigilance has to be exercised in the selection of books. An effort has been made to meet the demand for fiction by large duplication of the best more recent novels. On shelves in the delivery. hall are works of varied interest, which are changed frequently, so that an attractive book may always be found, even though they may not be the volumes just from the press. The restrictions in the number of volumes which may be taken on a card have been withdrawn by degrees, until now any reasonable number may be taken out at one time. This privilege is granted freely to all, just so far as the number of books on the desired subject will warrant. During the summer months "vacation privileges" are extended, whereby several books may be drawn on one card and retained through the summer without renewal. Privi- leges have also been extended to teachers, so that they now have the use of a special card in addition to their own personal card. On this teacher's card several books may be drawn at one time for professional use only. The use of tables in the rear of the stacks has increased so greatly that during the busy hours one assistant is always there ready to answer questions and to help find books for any one who may be in doubt as to what he wishes. In addition to the regular book stack, book cases have been placed near the tables on which are found books of particular interest at the moment. Annotated lists of books on various subjects, historical fiction, and books for home reading have been printed. Sometime before the holidays has been held an exhibit of books suitable for Christmas gifts for adults as well as for younger readers. This collection con- tains many of the best standard books in inexpensive as well as in the best edi- tions, and also many of the season's new books. Lists which might be helpful are placed on the shelves. The exhibits have been suggestive to many, and in- terest in them has grown each year.
POTTER BRANCH-With the growth of the city came the need of branch libraries, particularly in the eastern and western sections. By the courtesy of the school board the lower floor of the Whitesboro school was secured and in November, 1910, the first branch library was opened-by name the Potter branch, because it occupies a place on the land once belonging to the Potter family. The library is situated in a thickly settled Jewish district, and immediately at- tracted a large number of readers, especially among the children. The circula- tion during the first ten months reached a total of over 18,700.
INDUSTRIAL LIBRARY-Soon after the occupancy of the present building it became evident to those interested that the need of practical and technical books was far greater than the funds available could supply. The realization of this fact resulted in the formation by a number of citizens of the Industrial Library
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League for the express purpose of collecting a fund for the extension of this work. In 1906 a check for $880.17 was sent by the league to the trustees with the request that the money be expended for books on industrial subjects, pref- erably those represented by local industries. Among the members of the league were representatives of many of the manufacturing interests of the city. Later, additional checks amounting to $250 were donated for the same purpose, making possible a library of 307 volumes, in addition to those provided from the regu- lar funds. This library is on the second stack, conveniently arranged, with well- lighted tables for study. Almost every evening finds workers engaged in solv- ing some practical question. Perhaps the most important books are those pub- lished by the International Correspondence School at Scranton, and the Amer- ican School of Correspondence at Chicago. Of these there are full sets, pri- marily for use at the library, but sometimes allowed to circulate for special work. Besides the books there are many trade journals received regularly as issued. These are to be found in the reference room.
UTICA MECHANICS ASSOCIATION FUND-In April, 1908, the trustees of the Utica Public Library received from the Mechanics Association, being dissolved, the sum of $3,960. The income of this amount is spent for books of a practical and technical nature.
MUSIC COLLECTION-In the spring of 1911 the B Sharp Musical Club pre- sented to the library for circulation a valuable collection of music scores, con- sisting of over two hundred pieces representing the best arrangement for piano, organ, violin, harp, etc.
CATALOGUE DEPARTMENT-As the value of a book is increased by a good index, so the use of a library is far greater if its index, the card catalogue, is a good one. This library has from the first realized the need of such a cata- logue. Shortly after the reorganization of the library a friend gave anonymously $5,000 to be expended on the making of a catalogue. With this foundation the catalogue has been developed, and has become one in which the library takes pride and which proves its usefulness each day. The increase in gifts of books and in purchases has increased the work of keeping the catalogue up to date, until there are now three assistants who give most of their time to it.
CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT-Children became constant patrons of the library as soon as the rules allowed them, the use of juvenile books since 1894 being from 31-47 per cent of the entire circulation. Beyond placing their books on separate shelves, however, comparatively little could be done for them until the new building gave ample quarters to a children's department. Here, first, the work was organized, three sunny rooms on the south side of the main floor given to the children, and a trained librarian for children placed in charge. The low shelves to which they have free access are filled with books suited to their use; a selection of reference books helps to answer their frequent demands for information, and a convenient door into the main book stack makes available the entire resources of the library, whenever necessary, to supplement the work Vol. 1-25
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of the department. The range of this department extends from the littlest child who can walk to the library and be happy with a picture-book while his sister is choosing a "thin book with big letters," to the boy who wants the history of the Constitution of the United States. It requires a ready knowledge of both children and books, together with a quick judgment and unlimited sympathy, to give each child who comes the right book. And the right book to the right child at the right time opens to him not only the road to unlimited knowledge, but what may be of far more worth to him, the road to unlimited delight in good reading. With children the question of good and bad reading may be largely controlled by the selection of books placed on the shelves. While it is true that in a public library provision must be made for all grades of mental capacities and interests, the best can be chosen for each class without including any harmful or merely useless books. A taste for good and vigorous reading may thus be developed naturally and unconsciously and the child strengthened for an appreciation of the best books. For this reason the first thought of the department is given to a careful selection of its books. The aim has been to sup- ply so many of the best books that children may read them when they want to without waiting too long for "a turn;" but more and more to restrict the num- ber of titles to the books that are really worth their reading. Children have so few years in which to read purely juvenile books, and the range of books, if not too inclusive, is so good that there is not the occasion with them, as with grown people, to demand the "latest books." Naturally the problem of suggesting books to one who has been reading but three years is different from that of supplying books to one who has been reading many years. Attractive illustrated book-lists and bulletins on authors or subjects of interest are posted from time to time to suggest various lines of reading. Fairy tales and easy books for little children are on special shelves, and all the shelves are labeled plainly with name of author or subject. Assistants are ready at all times to help individual chil- dren select books. In addition to the linen picture-books on the tables in the little children's corner is a shelf of fine picture-books, to use which the children must show clean hands.
Since 1905 a story-hour for little children has been held on Saturday morn- ings from October to May. The stories are told in a room adjoining the chil- dren's room, and the attendance averages from thirty to fifty. Stories for older children have been occasional and of another character. A series of King Arthur stories was told; twice some one who knew Lincoln gave some personal reminiscences of him to the boys; twice a friend who had been to Japan told the girls about her trip; once it was a study of Webster for a class of boys in American history ; once a reading of heroic poetry for boys; once a reading from Wordsworth for girls. On the night of Lincoln's Centennary, the story of the sinking of the Albemarle in the Civil War was told by one who had heard it personally from Lieut. Cushing, prefacing the story with an account of the one occasion on which he himself saw Lincoln. The audience of ninety boys was limited only by the capacity of the room. The attendance at these stories, some- times in the afternoon and sometimes in the evening, has ranged from forty to ninety.
The use of the room on the part of older boys and girls in the evening is
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worthy of notice. School children are not allowed to draw books after six o'clock, nor are children expected to come in the evening unless with adults. Boys and girls who are working after school and Saturdays have their cards marked to show permission for evening use of the room. This includes all who have left school and gone to work too early for transfer to the main department. A check-list of these special permits shows an interesting variety of "occupa- tions." From fifty to seventy-five, sometimes over a hundred, come every even- ing. Many who come in this way rarely take books home, but prefer to read in the library, depending for their choice on the books which happen to be on the shelves when they come in.
The teacher's class room, opening into the children's room and having a separate entrance from the main corridor, has had various uses. A reference collection of the books recommended in the State Syllabus for elementary schools was placed there and is used constantly. Teachers have come with classes for the use of books or illustrative material for exhibits, or simply to make the library known to their pupils. On such occasions as the last the children's librarian has given a brief talk on the use of the library. The de- partment has a file of over 5,000 mounted pictures which are circulated for school and club use. The foundation of the file was a set of Perry pictures, but their number has been multiplied several times by the addition of pictures clipped from magazines, circulars, and other material. The largest use of the pictures has been by the schools, and the file is specially strong in travel and history. In October, 1906, the library published, jointly with the public schools, a third edition of a graded and annotated list of Books for Home Reading. Sin- gle grade leaves from this list are supplied the children by the schools. Copies are also available for use in the room, for parents or for any interested in chil- dren's reading. For some time the library has been collecting and preserving maps, pictures, surveys, manuscripts, books and pamphlets published in Utica, or about Utica, or written by Uticans, in fact all printed or written material of local interest. The collection has already grown so that a room on the second floor has been set apart for it. Some of the early maps have been hung in this room. A collection of Utica imprints has been begun, and over one hundred volumes and as many pamphlets have been gathered. Perhaps the most valu- able is a complete set of Utica directories, the first published in 1817. Among the earliest publications is Webster's American Selections in Reading and Speak- ing, printed in 1808 by Seward & Williams.
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