3^
SIXTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TRUSTEES
OF THE
PUBLIC LIBRARY
OF THE
CITY OF BOSTON
1913-1914
BOSTON
PUBLISHED BY THE TRUSTEES
1914
4-9-^1 ^
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
ON FEBRUARY 1, 1914.
JOSIAH H. BENTON, President.
Term expires April 30, 1914.
ALEXANDER MANN. JOHN A. BRETT.
Term expires April 30, 1915. Term expires April 30, 1917.
WILLIAM F. KENNEY. SAMUEL CARR.
Term expires April 30, 1916. Term expires April 30, 1918.
LIBRARIAN.
HORACE G. WADLIN.
ORGANIZATION OF THE LIBRARY DEPARTMENT.
The Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Boston,
organized in 1 852, are now incorporated under the provisions of
Chapter 1 1 4, of the Acts of 1 878, as amended. The Board for
1852 was a preliminary organization; that for 1853 made the
first annual report. At first the Board consisted of one aldermaui
and one common councilman and five citizens at large, until 1 867,
when a revised ordinance made it to consist of one alderman, two
common councilmen and six citizens at large, two of whom
retired, unless re-elected, each year, while the members from
the City Council were elected yearly. In 1878 the organi-
zation of the Boalrd was changed to include one alderman, one
councilman, and five citizens at large, as before 1867; and in
1885, by the provisions of the amended city charter, the repre-
sentation of the City Government upon the Board by an alder-
man and a councilman was abolished, leaving the Board as at
present, consisting of five citizens at large, appointed by the
Mayor, for five-year terms, the term of one member expiring
each year. The following citizens at large have been members
of the Board since its organization in 1 852 :
Abbott, Samuel Appleton Browne, a.m.. 1879-95.
Appleton. Thomas Gold, a.m., 1852-56.
Benton, Josiah Henry, ll.d., 1894-
BiGELow, John Prescott, a.m., 1852-68.
BowDiTCH, Henry Ingersoll, m.d., 1865-67.
BowDiTCH, Henry Pickering, m.d., 1894-1902.
Boyle, Thomas Francis, 1902-1912.
Braman, Jarvis Dwight, 1869-72.
Brett, John Andrew, 1912-
Carr. Samuel, 1895-96, 1908-
Chase, George Bigelow, a.m., 1876-85.
Clarke, James Freeman, d.d„ 1878-88.
Curtis, Daniel Sargent, a.m., 1873-75.
DeNormandie, James, d.d., 1895-1908.
Dwight, Thomas, m.d.. 1899-1908.
Everett, Edward, ll.d., 1852-64.
Frothingham, Richard, ll.d., 1875-79.
Green, Samuel Abbott, m.d.. 1868-78.
Greenough, William Whitwell, 1856-88.
Haynes, Henry Williamson, a.m., 1880-94.
HiLLARD. George Stillman, ll.d., 1872-75; 76-77.
Kenney, William Francis, a.m., 1908-
Lewis, Weston, 1868-79.
Lewis, Winslow. m.d., 1867.
Lincoln, Solomon, a.m., 1897-1907.
Mann, Alexander, d.d., 1908-
MoRTON, Ellis Wesley, 1870-73.
Pierce. Phineas. 1888-94.
Prince, Frederick Octavius, a.m., 1888-99.
Putnam, George, d.d., 1868-77.
Richards, William Reuben, a.m., 1889-95.
Shurtleff, Nathaniel Bradstreet, 1852-68.
Thomas, Benjamin Franklin, ll.d., 1877-78.
Ticknor, George, i-l.d., 1852-66.
Walker, Francis Amasa, ll.d., 1896.
Whipple, Edwin Percy., a.m., 1867-70.
Whitmore, William Henry, a.m., 1885- 88.
WiNsoR, Justin, ll.d., 1867-68.
The Hon. Edward Everett was President of the Board
from 1 852 to 1 864 ; George Ticknor, in 1 865 ; William W.
Greenough, from 1866 to April, 1888; Prof. Henry W.
HaYNES, from May 7, 1888, to May 12, 1888; SaMUEL A.
B. Abbott, May 12, 1888, to April 30, 1895; Hon. F. O.
Prince, October 8, 1895, to May 8, 1899; Solomon Lin-
coln. May 12, 1899, to October 15, 1907; Rev. JaMES De
NorMANDIE, January 31, 1908. to May 8, 1908; JosiAH H.
Benton, since May 8. 1908.
LIBRARIANS.
(From 1858 lo 1877, ih chief executive officer was entitled Superintendent.)
Capen, Edward, Librarian, May 13, 1852 -December 16, 1874.
JeWETT, Charles C, Superintendent, 1858 -January 9, 1868.
Winsor, Justin, ll.d.. Superintendent, February 25, 1 868 - Septem-
ber 30, 1877.
Green, Samuel A., m.d.. Trustee, Acting Librarian, October 1,
1877 -September 30, 1878.
Chamberlain, Mellen, ll.d., Librarian, October 1, 1878-Septem-
ber 30, 1 890.
DwiGHT, Theodore F., Librarian, April 13, 1892 -April 30, 1894.
Putnam, Herbert, ll.d.. Librarian, February 1 1, 1895 -April 30,
1899.
Whitney, James L., Acting Librarian, March 31, 1 899 - December
21. 1899; Librarian, December 22, 1899 -January 31, 1903.
WaDLIN, Horace G., LITT.D., Librarian, since February 1, 1903.
LIBRARY SYSTEM, FEBRUARY 1, 1914.
Departments.
Central Library, Copley Sq. Established May 2, 1854.
East Boston Branch, Austin School Bldg., Paris St.
§South Boston Branch, 372 Broadway
jlRoxbury Branch, 46 Miilmont St.
fCharlestown Breinch, Monument Sq. .
■fBrighton Branch, Academy Hill Rd. .
JDorchester Branch, Arcadia, cor. Adeuns St
§South End Branch, 397 Shawmut Ave.
tJamaica Plain Branch, Sedgwick, cor. South St
$West Roxbury Branch, Centre, near Mt. Vernon St.
f West End Branch, Ccunbridge, cor. Lynde St.
JUpham's Corner Branch, Columbia Rd., cor. Bird St.
■fHyde Park Branch, Harvard Ave., cor. Winthrop St
tNorlh End Branch, 3a North Bennet St.
Station A. Lower Mills Reading Room, Washington St.
B. Roslindale Reading Room, Washington St., cor. Ash
land St
D. Mattapan Reading Room, 727 Walk Hill St. .
E. Neponset Reading Room, 362 Neponset Ave. .
F. Mt. Bowdoin Reading Room, Washington, cor. Eldon
St
AUston Reading Room, 6 Harvard Ave
G.
J.
N.
P.
Codman Square Reading Room, Washington, cor. Nor
folk St
Mt. Pleasant Reading Room, Dudley, cor. Magazine St
Broadway Extension Reading Room, 13 Broadway
Extension .......
R. Warren Street Reading Room, 390 Warren St. .
S. Roxbury Crossing Reading Room, I 1 54 Tremont St
T. Boylston Station Reading Room, The Lamartine, De-
pot Sq. ........
Z. Orient Heights Reading Room, 1030 Bennington St
23. City Point Reading Room, Municipal Building, Broad
way ........
24. Parker Hill Reading Room, 1518 Tremont St. .
Opened.
Mar. II. 1895
Jan. 28. 1871
May I. 1872
July, 1873
*Jaii., 1874
"^Jan.. 1874
Jan. 25. 1874
Aug., 1877
1877
6, 1880
I, 1896
16. 1896
I. 1912
Feb. 27. 1913
June 7. 1875
Sept..
*Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
*Jan.
Dec. 3. 1878
Dec. 27, 1881
Jan. I, 1883
Nov. 1, 1886
Mar. II, 1889
Nov. 12. 1890
Apr. 29, 1892
Jan. 16, 1896
May I. 1896
Jan. 18, 1897
Nov. I, 1897
June 25, 1901
July 18, 1906
July 15, 1907
*Aj a branch. +ln building owned by City, and exdusively devoted to library uses. Jin City building,
in part devoted to other municipal uses. §Occupies rented rooms. SThe lessee of the Fellowes Athe-
naeum, a private library association.
CONTENTS.
Report of the Trustees .
Balance Sheet ....
Report of the Examining Committee
Report of the Librarian .
Index to the Annual Report 1 9 1 3- 1 9 14 .
1
18
22
35
79
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Central Library Building ....
Map of the Library System
New Charlestown Branch Library
New City Point Reading Room
North End Branch: Open Air Reading Room
Showing the group at a Story-Hour.
. Frontispiece
. At the end
Facing page 22
38
54
To His Honor James M. Curley,
MayoT of the City of Boston:
Sir, — The Board of Trustees of the Public Library of the
City of Boston present the following report of its condition and
affairs for the year ending January 31, 1914, being their sixty-
second annual report.
ORGANIZAIION OF THE BOARD.
The Board organized on May 5, 1913, by the election of
Josiah H. Benton as President, William F. Kenney, Vice Presi-
dent, and Delia Jean Deery, Clerk.
Samuel Carr, a member of the Board, was reappointed, and
qualified for the term ending April 30, 1918.
RECEIPTS OF THE LIBRARY.
The receipts of the Library are of two classes: First, those
which are to be expended by the Trustees in the maintenance of
the Library. These consist of the annual appropriation by the
City Council, and the income from Trust funds, given to the
Trustees but invested by the City Treasurer under the direction
of the Finance Committee of the City. During the past year
these receipts were as follows:
Annual appropriation $380,000.00
Income from Trust funds ........ 18,277.13
Unexpended balance of Trust fund income of previous years . 18,632.19
Total $416,909.32
Second, receipts which are accounted for and paid into the
City treasury for general municipal purposes. These consist of
receipts from fines for the detention of books, from sales of find-
ing lists, bulletins, and catalogues; from commissions paid for
[2]
the use of telephone facihties; from sales of waste; from pay-
ments for lost books; and from money found in the Library.
These receipts, during the year, have been as follows:
From fines ........
$6,099.81
From sales of catalogues, etc.
67.52
From telephone commissions .....
227.10
From sales of waste ......
94.88
From payments for lost books ....
399.27
From money found in the Library
14.64
Total
$6,903.22
The $399.27 received for lost books, being received only to
replace lost library property is, when paid into the City treasury,
added to the appropriation for library maintenance. A balance
sheet showing all the receipts and expenditures of the Library
Department in detail is hereinafter contained.
CITY APPROPRIATION.
Nearly all the money which the Trustees can use for the
maintenance and working of the Library system comes from the
annual appropriation by the City Council.
During the past ten years the estimates of the Trustees, the
recommendations by the Mayor, and the amounts appropriated
by the City Council have been as follows :
ESTIMATES
OF TRUSTEES.
1904 . . . . . 320,414.00
1905 . .... 325,465.00
1906 . .... 324,550.00
1907 326,100.00
1908 332,800.00
1909 335,200.00
1910 351.978.00
191 1 359,497.00
1912 374.665.00
1913 391.996.00
AMOUNTS AMOUNTS
RECOMMENDED APPROPRIATED
BY MAYOR. BY CITY COUNCIL.
300.000.00 305.000.00
310.000.00
320.000.00
325.000.00
325.000.00
335.200.00
351,978.00
355.200.00
367.165.00
380.000.00
310.000.00
324.550.00
325.000.00
310.000.00
349.455.00
351.978.00
355.200.00
367.165.00
380.000.00
The appropriations for these ten years have averaged $6,43 1
less than the estimates of the Board. In 1906 and 1910 the
appropriations equalled the estimates, but in 1913 the appro-
priation was $1 1,996 less than the estimate. This is not said
[3]
by way of complaint, because we are aware of the limitations
which necessarily govern the Council in making appropriations
for maintenance. It is only stated to dispell the illusion which
the Examining Committee and many others seem to have that
the Trustees have only to ask for money to get it.
HOURS OF SERVICE.
The Central Library and the branches open and their work
begins at nine o'clock in the morning. The reading-room sta-
tions open in the afternoon at varying hours, most of them at two
o'clock. The service continues until ten o'clock at night at the
Central Library Building and at the West End Branch, and un-
til nine at the other branches and reading-room stations except
during the summer months. From June 1 5 until September 1 5
the Central Library and West End Branch are closed at nine
o'clock. The other branches and reading rooms during a shorter
period close earlier than in winter, most of them at six o'clock.
The Central Library is in operation 102 week days of twelve
hours each, 203 week days of thirteen hours each, 1 7 Sundays
of nine hours each, and 35 Sundays and two holidays of ten
hours each, making an aggregate of 359 days, 4,680 hours,
during each twelve months.
The Sunday service as now arranged includes the Central Li-
brary and the West End Branch throughout the year. All the
other branches (except the West Roxbury Branch, which has no
Sunday service) and the eight largest reading rooms provide Sun-
day service from November 1 to May 1 only. The hours are as
follows :
At the Central Library and West End Branch, from twelve
o'clock to ten o'clock, except that the closing hour is nine o'clock
from June 15 until September 15. At the South End Branch
from twelve o'clock to nine o'clock. At the other branches,
and at the eight largest reading rooms (namely, Allston, Cod-
man Square, Broadway Extension, Warren Street, Roxbury
Crossing, Boylston Station, City Point, Parker Hill), from two
o'clock to nine o'clock. At all of these reading rooms, except
Codman Square the room is closed from six to seven o'clock.
[4]
The total number of hours of Sunday service provided cin-
nually at the Central Library and at the West End Branch is
507 each; at the South End Branch, 234 hours; at the other
branches, and at the Codman Square Reading Room, 1 82 hours
each; and at the follow^ing reading rooms: Allston, Broadway
Extension, Warren Street, Roxbury Crossing, Boylston Station,
City Point, Parker Hill, 1 56 hours each,
ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY.
During the year, 37,606 volumes have been added to the
Library collection, as compared with 35,538 added in 1912.
Of these, 27,316 were purchased, 6,855 were given to the
Library, and the remainder were received by exchange, binding
of periodicals into volumes, etc. There were purchased for
the Central Library 1 1 ,860 volumes and 1 5,466 for the branch
libraries and reading-room stations.
The total amount expended for books, including $7,452.72
for periodicals, $2,000 for newspapers, and $823.36 for photo-
graphs, was $49,094.70, or about 12.3 per cent of the entire
expense of the Library for all purposes.
TTie corresponding expenditure for the year 1912 was
$50,264.51, including $7,133.18 for periodicals, $2,000.00 for
newspapers, and $1,022.19 for photographs, or, about 13.6 per
cent of the entire expense of the Library.
The average cost of all books purchased was $1.42 per vol-
ume, as against $1 .50 in 1912. Of the books purchased, 22,445
were bought from money appropriated by the City, at an average
cost of $1 .02 a volume, and 4.871 were bought with the income
of Trust funds, at an average cost of $3.23 a volume. The
corresponding figures for 1912 were: bought from City appro-
priation, 20,087 ; average cost $1.18. From Trust funds income,
4,687; average cost, $3.27.
BOOK CIRCULATION AND U.SE OF THE LIBRARY.
There were issued during the year for direct home use
260,965 volumes at the Central Library, compared with 264,507
[5]
issued in 1912, and from the Central Library through the
branches and reading-room stations 82,782 others, while the
branches and reading-room stations also issued 1 ,300,348 vol-
umes for direct home use. The corresponding figures in 1912
were 77,325 and 1,21 1,310. There were also issued from the
Central Library, branches and reading-room stations, for use
at schools and institutions, 204,878 volumes, as against 191,736
issued in 1912, making the entire issue for use outside the Library
buildings 1 ,848,973 volumes, as compared with 1 ,744,878 in
1912.
The use of the Library for general reference and study is un-
restricted. It is therefore impracticable to record this use statis-
tically. Its extent, however, is shown by the fact that about half
a million call slips for the table use of books in Bates Hall in the
Central Library alone are required during the year. The daily
use of books and other library material in the Central Library
and in the branches is doubtless many times greater than the home
use of book drawn out upon cards.
BINDING AND REPAIR OF BOOKS.
During the year 38,530 volumes have been bound in the
Bindery, as against 42,492 in 1912. Beside this, a large amount
of miscellaneous work ha? been completed, such as the folding,
stitching and trimming of 183,423 library publications, compared
with 154,451 in 1912, and the mounting of maps and photo-
graphs, the repairing of books, the making of periodical covers,
etc. The expense of performing this necessary miscellaneous
work is equivalent to about 1 7 per cent of the total expense of
the Department. The ability to do it promptly in our own
bindery, greatly promotes the convenience, economy and effi-
ciency of the library work.
LIBRARY COOPERATION WITH SCHOOLS. ETC.
The Trustees continue to cooperate with the educational work
of the schools, and, during the past year, the Library has sup-
plied with books 28 branches and reading rooms, 1 39 public and
[6]
parochial schools, 62 engine houses and 36 other institutions, and
sends out upon the average from the Central Library, about
4 1 4 volumes every day by its delivery wagons. The number of
volumes sent on deposit from the Central Library through the
branch system was 53,361 , of which 1 0,533 were sent to schools.
TTiere were also sent from the branches themselves and from two
of the largest reading rooms 44,2 1 7 volumes on deposit, distrib-
uted among 157 places. Of these, 18,148 were sent to schools.
That is to say, not only is the collection of the Central Library
used as a reservoir from which books may be drawn for use in
the branches and reading rooms, but each of the branches and
reading rooms is in itself a reservoir from which books are drawn
for use by teachers in schools in its immediate vicinity.
NORTH END BRANCH.
TTie new North End Branch building, fully described in our
report last year, was opened February 27, 1913. The enlarge-
ment of the privileges of the Library, made possible by the com-
pletion of this well-arranged building, is much appreciated by the
public in this congested district of the City.
The Dante Memoral bas-relief and tablet, the work of Luciano
Campise, sculptor, given to the City by the Boston Branch of
the Societa Dante Alighieri, as noted in our last report, was
placed on the north wall of the reading room for adults, and
was unveiled, with suitable ceremonies, on Sunday, June 14,
1913.
During the winter a course of free talks on vocational sub-
jects has been given in the Lecture Hall by competent speakers,
and, in cooperation with the Societa Dante Alighieri, a course
of five free lectures in Italian, with stereopticon, has been given
by Signorina Amy A. Bernardy.
CHARLESTOWN BRANCH.
The new building for the Charlestown Branch, comer of
Monument Square and Monument Avenue, which was put
[7]
under contract in July, 1912, has been completed, and was
opened to public use November 14, 1913.
The building is of brick, with architectural features of Indiana
limestone. The principal entrances are on Monument Square, one
opening to the Children's Reading Room, 36 feet by 75 feet in
size, on the first floor, the other leading to the Reading Room for
Adults, of the same size, on the second floor. The high base-
ment contains a lecture room, with a separate entrance from
Monument Avenue. This room is provided with 240 chairs,
and is to be devoted to class work, lectures, and other public uses
appropriate to the Library. In the basement are also storerooms,
a lunch room for the staff, heating apparatus and fuel rooms.
In the arrangement of the building and in its fittings every pro-
vision has been made for the effective operation of the Branch
as a modern public library. The books are arranged on open
shelves, so that the public may have direct access to them without
formality. The interior finish and furnishings are of oak, the
stairs of marble, and incombustible construction has been used
throughout. The Architects were Fox & Gale, and the Con-
tractors, McGahey & O'Connor. The appropriation for build-
ing, site and furnishings was $72,200, and the expenditures to
date are as follows:
Site (including building thereon and brokerage) ..... $15,150.00
Payments on contract .......... 39,981.00
Architects' commission, on account ....... 2,243.17
Furniture and fixtures ......... 3,306.56
Advertising and minor items ........ 23.46
Total $60,704.19
The amount remaining unexpended, $1 1,495.81, is required
to complete final payments on contract.
EAST BOSTON BRANCH.
The site for this building, 276-282 Meridian Street, with the
buildings thereon, selected by the Trustees, January 28, was
approved by His Honor the Mayor, January 31, and on the
1 9th of April proposals were solicited, by advertisement, upon
[8]
plans prepared by James E. McLaughlin, Architect,
following proposals were received:
Tl
le
John F. Griffin G>. .
A. Varnerin Co.
Connors Bros. Co.
J. E. Locatelli Co., Inc.
McGahev & O'Connor
Geo. A." Cahill .
Patrick Rich
Whifon & Haynes Co.
Mack Bros.
Joseph Slotnik
Hapgood, Frost Co.
$65,394.00
67,857.00
68,079.00
71.193.00
73,075.00
73,313.00
75,875.00
78.300.00
80,565.00
83,500.00
86.786.00
The John F. Griffin Company were the lowest bidders, their
proposal was accepted, and a contract made with them for the
construction of the building. It will be completed early in the
spring, and the East Boston Branch will then be operated in a
structure properly arranged for its important work.
The appropriation, for this building, including site and fur-
nishings is $100,000. The expenditures to date have been as
follows :
Cost of site, including brokerage .......
Payments on contract .........
Architect's commission, on account ......
Advertising ..........
$20,500.00
32,355.25
2,932.48
3.90
Total
$55,791.63
The unexpended balance of the appropriation, $44,208.37,
is sufficient to meet the remaining contract obligations and the
expense of furnishings.
CITY POINT READING ROOM.
This Reading Room was removed to the new quarters pro-
vided for it in the new municipal building on the Perkins Insti-
tution lot on Broadway, and opened to the public there on
January 21, 1914.
The arrangements for the reading room in this building are
excellent. A separate entrance is provided, apart from other
departments in the building, the floor space is adequate to our
present requirements, and the furnishings are in every way
adapted to our needs.
[9]
BROADWAY EXTENSION, MT. PLEASANT AND ROSLINDALE
READING ROOMS.
Provision has been made for these reading rooms, in new
municipal buildings in process of erection. For all of them the
requirements of the library have been met, and when the buildings
are completed the reading rooms will be provided with rooms
adequate to their needs, and far superior to the leased premises
heretofore occupied.
ANDREW SQUARE AND FANEUIL READING ROOMS.
TTie City Council, at the suggestion and with the approval of
the Mayor, has authorized the establishment of reading rooms
in the Andrew Square district of South Boston and in the Faneuil
district of Brighton. For establishing each reading room an
appropriation of $3,500 was made by the Council, and ar-
rangements are now going forward for opening these rooms
as soon as the premises selected for them have been made ready.
The Andrew Square Reading Room will be established in the
Nolen Building, 392—394 Dorchester Street, and the Faneuil
Reading Room in a building on Brooks Street formerly known
as the Brooks Street Chapel. These buildings are cen-
trally located with reference to the population of the districts,
and will provide suitable and convenient quarters for our purpose.
The rental of the Reading Room in Andrew Square is $780 a
year and the rental of the Reading Room on Brooks St. is $650
a year, each exclusive of heating and care. These rentals and
the expenses of heating and care do not come out of the $7,000
appropriation for establishing the rooms; but must be paid from
the general maintenance fund of the Library.
As we have frequently stated, after the appropriations for estab-
lishing such reading rooms as these are exhausted the annual
expense of operating them must be borne by the general appro-
priation for the Library, which is constantly increasing by reason
of factors over which the Trustees have no control.
[10]
BEQUEST OF MEHITABLE C. C. WILSON.
The Library received on October 10, 1913, notice of a bequest
under the will of Mehitable C. C. Wilson, of Cambridge,
amounting to $1,000. Of this sum, $866.13, being 78 per
cent of the total, with interest at 6 per cent for one year, has
been paid to the Trustees, and sent to the City Treasurer to be
funded as the "Mehitable C. C. Wilson Fund," for the purchase
of books.
ESTIMATES FOR 1914.
The estimates of the amount required for the maintenance of
the Library during the coming year, sent in as required by
City ordinance, amount to $430,619. This is an increase
of a little more than 1 3 per cent over the estimated expenditures
of the present year. But the amount that was appropriated by the
Council last year was $1 1 ,996, or about 3 per cent less than the
Trustees asked for, and was not sufficient to enable the Library to
be operated to the point of highest efficiency. Even in the up-
keep of the plant we were obliged to defer certain repairs which
would have been carried out if the funds at our command had
permitted.
In the estimates presented the following specific increases are
provided for:
1 . In the printing department, $2,000 to meet the second
payment on account of new linotype machines acquired in 1912.
This is in the nature of a capital expenditure, not current mainte-
nance, and is imperative.
2. Under the head of repairs, $800 has been included for
extensive repairs of the wiring system at the Central Library to
meet the requirements of the Wire Department of the City. This
wiring, chiefly for table and bookcase lighting in certain reading
rooms was put in some time ago, and does not conform to modern
methods. This expenditure is imperative.
3. An allowance of $9,764, about 3|/2 per cent of the present
authorized salary schedule, is included to meet changes in trade
union scale, to employees affected thereby, and to provide for
[H]
other equitable salary increases during the year. No other
allowance is made for individual salary increases above the
schedule now fixed as shown in the detailed estimate sheets.
There are in the regular service of the Library 320 persons
and those required in the Sunday and evening and extra ser-
vice raise the total number of persons who must be paid to 573.
This number has been and will be increased during the coming
year by about 25, at an estimated increase in expense of about
$15,000. This gives about $600 a year or about $12.00 a
week for this additional service. It surely is not too much.
About $23,000 is estimated to be required for other necessary
expenses, caused largely by the opening of new branch
buildings and stations requiring additional expense for fuel,
light, cleaning, transportation, and the proper care of the
enlarged buildings with many other minor items. It will all
be required in our judgment for the proper maintenance of the
Library during the coming year. This is not an unreasonable
burden upon the tax levy. The expense of the whole Library
system last year was only 25 cents of the $17.20 of the tax
levy. This increase asked for this year is only 3|/^ cents of
the tax levy, which will make the total expense of running the
Library about 28 cents of the tax rate.
THE NEED OF ADDITIONAL BOOKS FOR BRANCH USE.
We desire to call attention to the immediate and imperative
necessity of an appropriation for additional copies of standard
books for the branches and for the deposit collection of the
branches. We find it impossible to satisfy the reasonable de-
mands of the public with the present supply of such books. This
matter we shall deal with in a communication to Your Honor
early in the coming year. We wish now to say that it is a
need which is imperative and as to which something must be done.
RETIREMENT OF EMPLOYEES.
We repeat our previous recommendations for some provision
which will enable the Trustees to retire employees who
[12]
become worn out in the service of the Library. The Examining
Committee in 1910 said in its report "it is manifestly impossible
for persons receiving such rates of compensation to create and
maintain any adequate fund to which resort can be had in the
emergencies of life which confront or are likely to confront them."
In this statement, as we then said, we entirely concur, and
we wish again to press earnestly upon the consideration of the
City Government and of the people of the City, the importance,
not only from humanitarian but also from business considera-
tions, of some provision which will render it unnecessary to
retain in our service those who have been worn out by years
of work in it. Their retirement with suitable provision for their
proper support is demanded, not only because it is humane but
because it is for the best business interests of the City.
There is a means at hand which could easily be used, and
would in our judgment be sufficient for this purpose. The fines
which are imposed and collected by the Library upon overdue
books and are now paid into the City Treasury, amount to about
$6,000 each year. If this sum, which is really an income that
the Library creates by imposing fines and collecting them in
small sums, could be placed at the disposal of the Trustees to
be expended in their discretion in the retirement of superannuated
employees, we think it would accomplish our purpose.
TRUST FUNDS.
The Trust Funds, that is, property given to the Trustees in
trust for the uses of the Library, are by law required to be in-
vested by the City Treasurer under the direction of the Finance
Committee of the City.
A detailed statement of these funds and the income therefrom
is contained in the report of the City Auditor, but a condensed
statement of the funds is as follows:
Ariz Fund $ 10.000.00
Bates Fund 50.000.00
Bigelow Fund 1,000.00
Robert Charles Billings Fund 100.000.00
CarrieJ forward . ' $161,000.00
[13]
Brought forn>ard $161,000.00
Bowditch Fund 10.000.00
Bradlee Fund 1.000.00
Joseph H. Center Fund 39.543.14
Henry Sargent Codman Memorial Fund ...... 2.854.41
Cutter Fund 4.000.00
"Elizabeth Fund" under Matchett will 25.000.00
Daniel Sharp Ford Fund 6,000.00
Franklin Club Fund 1,000.00
Green Fund 2.000.00
Charlotte Harris Fund 10.000.00
Thomas B. Harris Fund 1,000.00
Abbott Lawrence Fund 10,000.00
Edward Lawrence Fund ......... 500.00
Mrs. John A. Lewis Fund 5,000.00
Charles Greely Loring Memorial Fund ...... 500.00
Charles Mead Fund 2,500.00
John Boyle O'Reilly Fund 1.000.00
Phillips Fund 30.000.00
Pierce Fund 5.000.00
Scholfield Fund 61.800.00
South Boston Branch Library Trust Fund 100.00
Ticknor Fund 4.000.00
William C. Todd Newspaper Fund 50,000.00
Townsend Fund 4,000.00
Treadwell Fund 13.987.69
Nathan A. Tufts Fund 10,131.77
Twentieth Regiment Memorial Fund 5,000.00
Alice Lincoln Whitney Fund 1,825.98
Total $468,742.99
The income of these Trust Funds is used only for the purchase
of books, and the income of $1 54,533 can be used only for books
in special classes of literature or to be placed in certain designated
Branches or departments of the Library. The income of
$121,750 must be spent for books designated as of "permanent
value" only. The income of only $ 1 92,500 is unrestricted.
Besides the amount enumerated the Trustees have received
and paid to the City Treasurer the sum of $2,314.79 under
a bequest of James L. Whitney, formerly librarian, to be held
and used for bibliographical purposes; and, from the same
source, the sum of $765.43 to be added to the amount of
the Alice Lincoln Whitney Fund, which is included in the
foregoing statement. They have also received and paid to the
City Treasurer, as previously herein noted the sum of $866. 1 3
part payment of the principal of the Mehitable C. C. Wilson
Fund.
[i4]
The City Treasurer also holds $399.54, unexpended balance
of the Patrick F. Sullivan bequest of $5,000, to be used for the
purchase of standard catholic books under the terms of Mr.
Sullivan's will.
PUBLIC TOILET ROOMS AT THE CENTRAL LIBRARY.
The position of the public toilet rooms at the Central Library
is open to just criticism. When the new building was built these
rooms were placed on the principal floor, side by side, opening
from the main corridor. It was soon found impossible to operate
them properly in that prominent position, and they were re-
moved to the rear part of the building, the entrance being
through the courtyard arcade. The room for men is in the base-
ment and that for women on the first floor, but the approaches
are in common, and the rooms themselves are not as large or as
well adapted to their purpose as they should be.
The proper care of these toilet rooms has always been com-
plicated by the resort to them of persons who are not patrons of
the Library. There is no public comfort station near Copley
Square, as there should be, and during certain hours of the day
the general public use of the Library toilet conveniences is embar-
rassing to those for whom these rooms were especially intended.
The difficulty continually increases, and it is imperative that some-
thing be done to overcome it.
It would be possible to place toilet rooms in the basement in a
better location and to separate the approaches entirely, to equip
the rooms with modern fittings of a better type than now in use,
and to subject them to closer supervision. We regard this matter
as urgent and requiring immediate attention. It would involve an
expenditure of at least $10,000, according to an estimate ob-
tained by the Trustees sometime ago. It is plain that this re-
arrangement can not be carried out unless the expense is provided
for by special appropriation.
ANNUAL INVENTORY
An annual inventory is made at the end of each year of the
personal property of the Library, except books and other material
shown on the catalogue or included in the catalogue shelf list.
5]
EXAMINING COMMITTEE.
As required by the City Ordinance, we appointed an Examin-
ing Committee for this year, and joined the President of the Li-
brary Board with it, as Chairman. The names of those persons
who were appointed and who have served as members of the
Committee are as follows:
Mr. Timothy J. Ahern. Mr. Albert Levis.
Mrs. Elisha S. Boland. Dr. George A. McEvoy.
Mr. Sewall C. Brackett. . Mrs. Colin W. Macdonald.
Mrs. R. Brindisi. Rev. Timothy J. Mahoney.
Mr. George E. Cabot. Mr. Henry B. Miner.
Miss Alice R. Cole. Mr. Hugh Nawn.
Mr. John F. Cronin. Mr. John Ritchie, Jr.
Mr. John S. Flanagan. Mr. John J. Sheehan.
Mr. Charles C. Haines. Rev. Philo W. Sprague.
Mr. James F. Hopkins. Mr. Arthur L. Spring.
Mr. M. A. deWolfe Howe. Mr. Michael J. Sughrue.
Mr. Arthur S. Johnson. Mrs. William Taylor.
Rev. Joseph V. Tracy, D.D.
In order to enable this Committee to perform its duties with
convenience and efficiency the following sub-committees were
appointed :
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE.
This Committee considered the administration of the Library, its work-
ing as an entire system, including the Central Library and all Branches and
Reading-room Stations, and, in connection with this, its financial manage-
ment, including the sources from which its revenue is derived, and the man-
ner in which it is expended. Its members were:
Mr. Cabot, Chairman.
Mr. Nawn. Mr. Spring.
Mr. Johnson.
books and fine arts.
This Committee gave attention to all matters connected with the acqui-
sition and use of books and other library material, and to the Department
of the Fine Arts and Music. Its members were:
Mr. Hopkins, Chairman.
Miss Cole. Mr. Howe.
[16]
PRINTING AND BINDING.
This Committee examined and considered all matters connected with the
Departments of Printing and Binding, with special attention to the expenses
of the Departments and the products of each of them. Its members were:
Mr. Ritchie, Chairman. Mr. Cabot.
BRANCHES AND READING-ROOM STATIONS.
It was thought best to divide the Branches and Reading-room Stations
into groups in different parts of the City, and appoint a Committee of three
to examine and report with regard to each group. These groups and the
several Committees thus appointed were as follows:
SOUTH BOSTON AND SOUTH END BRANCHES, CITY POINT AND BROADWAY EXTENSION
READING ROOMS.
Rev. T. J. Mahoney, Chairman.
Dr. McEvoy. Mrs. Boland.
CHARLESTOWN AND EAST BOSTON BRANCHES, ORIENT HEIGHTS READING ROOM.
Mrs. Taylor, Chairman.
Mr. Flanagan. Rev. P. W. Sprague.
BRIGHTON, JAM.MCA PLAIN, WEST ROXBURY AND HYDE PARK BRANCHES, ROSLINDALE,
BOYLSTON STATION, WARREN STREET, ROXBURY CROSSING, PARKER
HILL AND ALLSTON READING ROOMS.
Mr. Miner, Chairman.
Mr. Brackett. Rev. J. V. Tracy.
DORCHESTER, ROXBURY AND UPHAM's CORNER BRANCHES, CODMAN SQUARE, MT.
PLEASANT, MT. BOWDOIN, LOWER MIL S, MATTAPAN AND NEPONSET
READING ROOMS.
Mr. Cronin, Chairman.
Mr. Ahern. Mr. Sheehan.
WEST END AND NORTH END BRANCHES.
Mr. Levis, Chairman.
Mr. Sughrue. Mrs. Brindisi.
children's department and work with schools.
This Committee gave special attention to the work which the Library is
doing for children and also to what it is doing in connection with schools.
[17]
with regard not only to the way In which the work is done, but also as to
its extension and its limitation. Its members were :
Mr. Haines, Chairman.
Mrs. Macdonald. Mrs. Taylor.
general committee.
For the purpose of receiving the reports of the work of the various other
sub-committees, and preparing a draft report of the Examining Committee
to be considered by it in a meeting of all its members, and for any other
general purpose connected with the examination of the Library system, a
sub-committee, called the General Committee, was appointed. Its mem-
bers were:
Mr. Howe, Chairman.
Mr. Miner. Miss Cole.
The report of the Committee is hereto annexed and included
as part of this report.
CONCLUSION.
The Trustees have held regular weekly meetings during the
entire year except in the summer months. One or more of
them have visited all the branches and reading room stations at
least once during the year, and have given constant supervision
to the construction of the Charlestown Branch building and the
East Boston Branch building. The Library affairs have moved
smoothly and well during the year, owing to the loyal and faith-
ful service of the librarian and heads of departments and other
persons in our employ. We are glad to be able to commend
the substantially uniform excellence of their work.
JosiAH H. Benton,
William F. Kenney,
Samuel Carr,
Alexander Mann,
John A. Brett.
[18]
BALANCE SHEET, RECEIPTS^ AND
Dr.
Centrai, Library and Branches:
To expendihires for salaries —
General administration
Sunday and evening force .
To expenditure for books —
From City appropriation .
Trust funds income
Carnegie gift, Galatea collection
Sullivan bequest
To general expenditures —
Newspapers from Todd fund income
Periodicals ....
Furniture and fixtures
Gas
Electric lighting
Cleaning
Small supplies .
Ice
Stationery
Rents
Fuel
Repairs
Freights and cartage
Transportation betweei
Telephone service
Postage and telegrams
Typewriting
Travelling expenses (i
library service)
Grounds
Lecture account (including
operator)
Miscellaneous expense
Printing Department:
To expenditures for salaries .
To general expenditures —
Stock ....
Equipment
Electric light ^'nd power .
Contract work .
Rent ....
n Central and
including street
slide
hes
carrares on
Freights and cartage
I
nsurance
Gas ........
Cleaning .......
Small supplies, ice, repairs, furniture and fixtures
Carried forroard
$204,809.52
28.050.37
$23,707.74
15,503.93
35.49
394.82
$2,000.00
lAblll
4,940.28
2,863.10
2,890.39
9,275.80
3,890.68
231.74
2,037.58
14,710.64
13,268.70
3,680.40
1,963.33
5,299.20
647.94
1.074.00
16.25
452.66
267.31
259.23
764.63
$7,208.42
2,169.10
68.44
77.17
469.52
450.00
158.20
258.14
255.92
153.15
74.63
$232,859.89
39,641.98
77.986.58
11.342.69
$361,831.14
[19]
EXPENSES, JANUARY 31. 1914.
By City Appropriation, 1913-14
Income from Trust funds
Interest credited on bank deposits .
Payments received for lost books .
Sullivan bequest ....
By transfer, by City Auditor, from unexpended
balances of other City appropriations .
By Balance brought forward, February 1,
Trust funds income on deposit in London
City appropriation on deposit in London .
Trust funds income balance, City Treasury
Carnegie gift for Galatea collection
1913:
$380,000.00
18,277.13
66.58
399.27
394.82
414.28
$1,899.73
1,378.18
16,732.46
315.28
Cr.
$399,552.08
20.325.65
Carried forruarJ
$419,877.73
[20]
BALANCE SHEET, RECEIPTS AND
Dr.
Brought foTTDard . . • .
Binding Department:
To expenditures for salaries . . . . •
To general expenditures —
Stock .....■••
Equipment .....••
Electric light and power
Contract work . . . • •
Rent
Freights and cartage ......
Insurance .......
Gas ......••
Cleaning .......
Small supplies, ice, repairs, furniture and fixtures
To Amount paid into City Treasury
From fines .....
Sales of catalogues, bulletins and lists
Commisison on telephone stations
Sale of waste paper
Money found in Library
Interest on deposit ....
To Balance, January 31, 1914:
Trust funds income on deposit in London .
City appropriation on deposit in London .
Trust funds income balance. City Treasury
Carnegie gift for Galatea collection
$29,296.04
3.591.71
671.00
85.20
9.25
1,350.00
747.50
169.50
55.70
155.05
158.72
$6,099.81
67.52
227.10
94.88
14.64
66.58
$6,950.24
2,005.16
12,455.15
279.79
$361,831.14
36.289.67
6,570.53
21.690.34
$426,381.68
[2
EXPENSES, JANUARY 31, 1914.
Brought forward ......
By Receipts:
From fines ........ $6,099.81
Sales of catalogues, bulletins and lists . . . 67.52
Commisison on telephone stations .... 227.10
Sale of waste paper ...... 94.88
Money found in Library 14.64
Cr.
$419,877.73
6.503.95
$426.381 .68
REPORT OF THE EXAMINING COMMITEE.
To THE Trustees of the Public Library of the City of
Boston,
Gentlemen:
We beg to transmit through you to the City Government the
Report of the Examining Committee appointed by you, accord-
ing to ordinance, and organized and guided by the President
of your Board. Recognizing and acknowledging most heartily
the pains and courtesy with which our organization was effected
and our investigations were aided, we are yet obliged to ques-
tion whether in future years it might not be possible to devise
a system under which the work of this Committee might be ren-
dered more effective. The question is raised rather with regard to
a system which has gradually grown out of developing circum-
stances than in any spirit of criticism of its present application.
Might not a smaller body, made up of persons not only qualified
to make special investigations, but of ascertained willingness and
freedom, in point of time, to pursue their inquiries with thorough-
ness, serve the City to better purpose than the Examining Com-
mittee, as now constituted, can hope to 6o7 We are glad, in
spite of this query, to take the situation as we have found it, and,
as the result of three well-attended meetings of the entire com-
mittee, of various consultations of the sub-committees, and of much
individual inquiry and thought, to present the following con-
siderations :
In every institution with constantly extending fields of use-
fulness, the opportunities to spend money to advantage are prone
to increase more rapidly than the funds. Previous Examining
Committees have laid emphasis upon the fact that this is con-
spicuously true of the Boston Public Library. Our own inves-
[23]
ligations have led us to the same conclusion. More money is
needed for certain fundamental purposes. One of these is the
purchase of books for the Central Library, for the Branch Li-
braries, for the Reading Rooms. In particular, the books for
children are used so much that their condition renders constant
replacement both desirable and, on sanitary grounds, necessary.
Yet this replacement, through lack of funds, is often too long
deferred or left undone. Additional funds, moreover, could
be used, not only in the purchase of single copies of books, but
also in enlarging the supply of duplicate copies in the fields of
standard imaginative literature for children, of standard technical
works and standard fiction. The demands of the Branch Li-
braries could thus be more satisfactorily met from the Central
Library. Another of the fundamental purposes for which more
money is needed is the increase of salaries — a subject to which
a later paragraph of this report is devoted.
The sub-committees appointed by your Board have made
investigations of special subjects. The Committee on Admini-
stration and Finance has considered some of the most important
questions affecting the welfare of the Library. This committee
has held several meetings at the Library, and in company with
the Assistant Librarian has made a personal examination of all
the departments with the exception of the Printing and Bindery
Departments. The heads of these departments have been in
all cases most courteous in explaining the work in their charge;
and the members of the committee have individually given a
considerable amount of time to familiarizing themselves thorough-
ly with the many intricate operations connected with the admini-
stration of the Library and its branches, as operated from the
Central Library.
The General Committee joins with this sub-committee in
repeating the recommendation in the report for 1913 that a
definite amount of money should be appropriated for buying
books each year in order that the annual supply of newly pur-
chased books may be placed on a definite basis. We wish
also to call attention again to the importance of Pension Legisla-
tion in connection with the Library employees. On this point the
[24]
General Committee begs to lay a special emphasis, believing it
to be a point of the highest moment.
TTie method of distribution and exchange of books between
the Central Library and its branches has been improved during
the past year by the use of motor cars. It is encouraging to hear
from the Librarian that a further extension of motor service is
in contemplation.
The Committee on Administration and Finance is impressed
with the lack of room in the Central Library which necessitates
not only the housing of the departments of printing and binding
elsewhere at cost and inconvenience, but also the use of the
cellar for a stack. Either the policy of the Library must change
soon or means must be secured for an extension of the present
building. The latter seems the consistent course.
We desire, therefore, to bring to the attention of the City
Government the fact that such extension is urgently needed.
We beg to call special attention to the suggestion that there
is a strip of land in the rear of the Central Library building which
seems adequate to the needs of some years to come. The land
on the Boylston Street end belongs to Boston University, and
is unoccupied so far as buildings are concerned. The strip
measures roughly 28 feet on Boylston St. by 1 28 feet deep, and
contains between 3500 and 3600 square feet, assessed at $21
per foot. On the Blagden Street end there are two buildings
which it would be advisable to take. These estates. No. 1 5 and
No. 1 7 Blagden Street, contain 4880 square feet, assessed for
$75,000, the total assessed valuation of the proposed taking
therefore being in the neighborhood of $150,000.
If this strip were seized for an addition to the Central Li-
brary, it would have certain advantages in point of convenience
and expense. A building could probably be erected on this land
for less than $200,000. Ready access might be had through
a passageway from Exeter Street, and shipments of books might
here be made under cover instead of across a sidewalk. The
addition would be large enough to add materially to the stack
room, and perhaps afford a chance to re-arrange some of the
utilities and afford greater space for the public rooms of the
[25]
Library. If the chance to re-arrange utiHties could be seized
for improving the public toilet rooms, a sorely needed betterment
of bad conditions might well be accomplished. The top story,
with roof lighting, would be admirably adapted for mechani-
cal purposes. We are well aware that the adoption of the sug-
gestion will involve a transaction of some magnitude, but the
need for increased space is great and immediate, and the longer
the meeting of this need is deferred, the more difficult the prob-
lem is likely to become.
TTirough the sub-committee on Books and Fine Arts we learn
that the Ordering and Cataloguing Departments have been
visited, and the work of Bates Hall and the Delivery Room has
been inspected.
TTie system of ordering seems well devised to bring to the
attention of the Trustees the books which ought to be purchased,
and the processes of elimination seem equally well planned to
exclude undesirable additions. Hie process of dealing with
works of fiction, with the help of a Reading Committee made
up of men and women of widely various interests and tastes,
serves well the purpose of selecting the comparatively small num-
ber of novels and collected short stories which are purchased
under the Library's system of limited supply in this field of litera-
ture. This system appears to be based upon a wise policy,
not only in the service of the public, but also in the expenditure
of the Library funds. Since the accession of a single novel
means the purchase of twenty or more copies — to supply all
the shelves, in different parts of the city, on which it must be
placed — the limiting of purchases is imperative. A Reading
Committee, made up of representatives of diverse races and
religions, and acting merely in an advisory capacity, is well
calculated to give the Trustees the help they need. We do not
find that any racial or religious influence is predominant in the
working of this plan.
The cataloguing is thorough from the technical point of view,
and practical in its aids to the average unskilled seeker for books.
TTie handling of books desired for use in Bates Hall and for
home use appears as expeditious and exact as the physical con-
ditions will permit.
[26]
In the practice of many necessary economies, it is highly
important that the value of the Library to scholars in special
fields should be maintained unimpaired by the failure to purchase
any of the best fruits of scholarship. Is it not possible that
some funds might be conserved for these special purchases by
extending the cooperation which already exists between the
Boston Public Library, the Harvard College Library, the Boston
Athenaeum and the State Library? The details of any such
arrangement, involving a special emphasis upon separate fields
of purchase by the individual libraries, would have to be de-
termined by the persons in charge of each. Especially in the
binding of newspapers, perhaps the bulkiest volumes a library
has to house, some economies by the avoidance of duplication
in a single community may be practicable. The fact that the
paper on which most of the daily journals are printed is destined
to early dissolution makes such preservation a peculiarly thank-
less task. One newspaper in Greater New York prints a few
copies of each issue on durable paper, for purposes of preserva-
tion. With encouragement from the libraries, might not other
journals be persuaded to pursue the same course? Could not
the Boston Public Library take the lead in such a movement?
The organization, work, resources, opportunities, and accom-
plishments of the Department of Fine Arts and Music have
received close attention. This Department has, since its organi-
zation, been one of the most important influences in the Boston
Public Library. The City of Boston is most fortunate in being
the home of influential schools of art. It is a museum centre
of importance. In musical education and in popular appreciation
of music the city is probably second to none. Not only do
these institutions and their student following turn to the Public
Library for assistance and research, but the Library must meet
the demands of its art-loving and art-studying citizens. The
Department of Fine Arts and Music has reached a stage of
usefulness at which its work may well be compared with that done
in Bates Hall. On the occasions of many visits practically
every table has been occupied by students working under the
conditions which sooner or later must be amplified as the number
seeking the use of the collections increases.
[27]
Only commendation can be offered concerning the work of
the employees of the Department. This section of the Library
administration requires unusual training, the broadest insight into
important subjects, rare courtesy, and executive ability of the
highest order. These desirable qualities in staff employees are
not easily obtainable. The Boston Public Library is fortunate
in possessing men and women of such training in the service of
this department. Particularly we would recommend con-
sideration of the hours of service given by certain members
of the staff. The Library attendant, a teacher in very truth,
must come to his or her work free from fatigue, refreshed by
hours of reading or relaxation, and equipped with power to keep
abreast of the times. This he or she cannot do if, for the sake of
additional income, they give night service or Sunday service in
addition to full daily hours. We believe it to be a short-sighted
policy to wear out loyal workers before their time. We believe
that Library hours in this department should not be longer than
from nine to six o'clock, and we do not feel it consistent with the
dignity of the work and the wide appreciation of this department
on the part of the citizens of Boston to expect attendants to attain
desired salaries by a system of night and Sunday work in addition
to full daily service. The same objections to night cind Sunday
service are applicable throughout the staff of Library employees.
More assistance in the Fine Arts Department could be used
to excellent advzmtage, especially in expediting the labeling,
cataloguing, and general preparation of the photographs which
are constantly coming to the Library in large quantities. As
many as five thousand photographs which would undoubtedly
be in valued active service if only prepared for public use have
been seen waiting their turn on the preparation tables.
The growing use of the collection of lantern slides in the
possession of the Library, now amounting approximately to forty
five hundred examples, is a matter of special interest. There
has been an increase in the nimiber of slides circulated, which
is probably close to three thousand examples for the current
year. It is learned from inquiry that many Boston schools are,
to a greater or less extent, purchasing collections for the several
[28]
school buildings, undoubtedly in many instances piling up dupli-
cates purchased with money which could be made to go farther
if the slide collection could be administered by some central
body. This the Library is well equipped to do. It would seem
as if some constructive scheme of cooperation between the School
Committee and the Trustees of the Boston Public Library might
be worked out under which annual appropriations might be ex-
pended by a joint committee made up of representatives of the
School Board, the Trustees of the Library, and the Teaching
Corps of the City of Boston.
The admirable Music Department offers unusual opportunities
for study and reference. This department is used constantly
by students and musicians and is managed with efficiency and
success. The department is, like the others of the Public Li-
brary, outgrowing its quarters, but we would urge that the present
setting for the music collection be improved by tinting the ceil-
ing and by placing a few bas-reliefs of classic musical figures,
already owned by the Library, in the large wall spaces. It
would also be of value to the student emd of interest to other
visitors if autographs, rare programs, and short manuscripts were
framed and hung in available places.
The sub-committee on Printing and Binding finds these depart-
ments housed in a commercial building at considerable distance
from the Central Library. The disadvantages of this arrange-
ment are obvious, including haulage, risk from fire which might
destroy what is not to be replaced, and the handicaps attending
the use of premises not particularly well adapted to the purposes.
The committee believes this to be a strong reason, among others,
for an extension of the Central Library which will again bring
these departments within its walls.
The Bindery appears to be conducted with modern efficiency
and needs more than anything else repair or replacement of a
few worn-out machines. The Printing Office is known the
world over as the pioneer in its line. Modern machines make
it possible to handle all kinds of legitimate library composition
zmd printing. Its main mechanical need seems to be additional
sets of matrices for the linotypes.
[291
The sub-committee appointed to inspect the South Boston
and South End Branch Hbraries and the City Point and Broad-
way Extension Reading Rooms reports that the most obvious
need of the South Boston Branch is a new building, or at least
larger quarters more in keeping with the demands of a population
of over eighty thousand people. There should be more books,
and some provision for the separation of the adult and juvenile
readers, to the manifest advantage of both. Meanwhile, the
experiment of allowing the young girls to use the small reading
room at present reserved for adults is suggested. It is realized
that this plan is open to objection, but it offers the only means of
relieving the overcrowding of the limited space now occupied by
both boys and girls. The ceilings of this library are dingy and
need whitening.
The South End Branch was found to be in a very satisfactory
condition, but the lights in the upper room are much too high.
Those directly over the tables should be lowered at least two feet,
and should be shaded in order to give better service to the
readers and to shield their eyes from the intolerable glare which
now prevails.
Inasmuch as the City Point and Broadway Extension Reading
Rooms are soon to be removed to new Municipal Buildings, no
special recommendations are made in regard to them. The
common demand for more books will doubtless be met in the
new quarters which provide for more stacks and shelves, cmd
certain improvements in administration can be made, when these
reading rooms are established in new buildings. A word of
special commendation must be said for the several custodians
and their assistants, all of whom seem to be thoroughly interested
in their work and to be rendering the best service possible under
present conditions.
At the Charlestown Branch there is a crying need for a sys-
tem of ventilation. Neither at this Branch nor in the East Bos-
ton Branch now in process of construction, has any provision
been made for a public convenience station. This should be
corrected. In visiting both these branches the representatives
of our committee have been impressed with the intelligence and
excellent character of the young women employed.
[30]
At the Jamaica Plain Branch Library, everything has been
found in excellent condition. The single suggestion offered is
that the lights, as at the South End Branch, might with advan-
tage be lowered very considerably.
TTie Warren Street Reading Room appears to be doing very
good work under great disadvantage. It is in a single rather
ill-lighted room designed for a store. The circulation from its
own shelves in 1912-13 was 26,772; in 1913-14, 43,094. In
addition to these numbers, the Reading Room gave out from
the Central Library about 6,000 volumes in 1913-14, making
a total of nearly 50,000 books. Thus in one small room there
appears to be about the same circulation as in the Jamaica Plain
Branch with its spacious and well appointed rooms. It would
seem, then, that the Warren Street Reading Room should have
better quarters, perhaps by adding to its present room the adjoin-
ing store which is at present vacant.
At the Roxbury Crossing Reading Room there is a call for
more shelves. The room is very large and would accommodate
quite a number of permanent books; and as there seems to be a
good deal of demand there for books to be taken out directly
from the reading room, it would add to the usefulness of the
room to increase the number of bookcases.
The children's reading room is an important element in the
Hyde Park Library. Although the room, situated in the ad-
dition, has been completed for about one year, its furniture did
not arrive until about three weeks ago, and the lights called for
under the system of lighting adopted in this room have not yet
been furnished. In greater detail it may be said that the room
is lighted by an overhead lighting system. The hcmging recep-
tacles are in position and are supposed to carry forty candle-
power lamps, but as they have not yet been inspected the lamps
cannot be inserted and the light intended by the plcins for this
room cannot be obtained. Some inquiry might well be made
to ascertain why so long a time has elapsed during which this
addition to the library has been idle. In addition a simple elec-
tric light should be introduced in the basement under the addition
in the Hyde Park Library, for the use of the janitor.
[31]
The sub-committee assigned to visit the Dorchester, Roxbury
and Upham's Corner Branch Hbraries and six reading rooms has
visited all these places. The fine enthusiasm displayed by the
custodians and their assistants in the great work of assisting the
public in selecting and making the best use of the pictures and
magazines impressed the visitors strongly. The children seem
to be the greater readers, giving promise that when they grow
older they will show an increasing interest in the use of the
Library and its branches.
The Dorchester Branch of the Library has the same entrance
as the Dorchester District Court. This is very objectionable for
many reasons, especially since the defendants and witnesses use
the Library as a waiting room, and are very often objectionable
persons whose example and condition are not fit for older per-
sons and, especially, children to see.
The reading room at Mt. Bowdoin is doing excellent work.
The Upham's Corner Branch seems to be ideally situated, with
its separate room for children and with its very capable custo-
dian catering to an ever-increasing population. Mr. Sheehan
of the sub-committee, was fortunately present one day when
Mrs. Cronan was having her hour for telling stories to the chil-
dren, using the stories to excite an interest in the children so
that they might acquire greater knowledge and love for the best
in books and life.
The Mt. Pleasant Reading Room is far less desirably situated
than it will be when the new Municipal Building for that sec-
tion of the city can accommodate it. The business-like system
by which receipts are given for fines, here as throughout the Li-
brary system, is specially commended.
Conditions in other branch libraries, all of which were visited,
seem to be satisfactory, save that there is general complaint of
shortage of books, particularly fiction. One of the Reading
Room custodians stated that she had received about one hun-
dred and fifty books since January 15, 1913, and only two
since last August. The Codmam Square Reading Room is in
need of four more sections of shelves.
Conditions at the North End and West End Branches are
greatly improved. There is a marked increase in number of
[32]
readers cind demand for books. There is no complaint whatever
of the service. It has been noted that the ItaHan element at the
North End Branch would be very much better accommodated
if more Italian books could be obtained from the local shelves.
There have been repeated demands, which could not be granted,
for the following publications: Reviews: La Lettura (Milan) ;
La Rassegna Contemporanea (Rome) ; La Donna (Turin) ;
Corriere dei Piccoli (Milan) ; II Marzocco (Florence) ; Books:
Viaggi in Affrica della Duchessa D'Aosta (Milan) ; Collezione
ItaHana Artistica (Istituto d'arte Geografica, Bergamo) ; Biblio-
teca dei Ragazzi — 40 volumes (Istituto Editoriale, Milan);
Collezione Profili (Formizzini, Genoa).
At the Lecture Room in the North End Branch, much interest
is taken in the illustrated lectures. At the present time, the prep-
arations for these lectures are openly made, and much of the
effect from the lectures is thereby lost. It would be advisable
to provide a suitable curtain.
The special committee on the work the Library is doing for
children conmiends the wisdom and foresight of the Trustees in
developing so excellent a system. No device is suggested for
the furtherance of this important work. The masters of the
Girls* Latin and several grammar schools report that the Library
is usually able to supply them with the books they require.
These teachers could offer no suggestions for further cooperation.
With particular reference to children it is reported, as in the
special report upon the Jamaica Plain Branch, that the lights
are here placed too high above the tables for comfort in reading.
This complaint has been frequently made to the custodian.
There are desk lights which are not in use, because it has been
found the children are very likely to interfere with them. The
Roslindale Reading Room seems to be difficult to keep at a
comfortable temperature and some children who were reading
said they frequently found it cold. At the Boylston Station
Reading Room the custodian reports that there are frequent
calls by the children for German books which the Library cannot
supply. This reading room is in the heart of a large German
colony. The Warren Street Reading Room was found so un-
[331
comfortably crowded by people waiting in line for books to
take home that the children reading at the tables were disturbed.
This reading room is altogether inadequate in size for the
demands of the district. The custodians are working under great
difficulties and their desk space is very limited. Their dis-
cipline under these trying conditions is much to be commended.
More shelf room and books are needed in all the branches zind
reading rooms. Roxbury Crossing Reading Room especially
asks for more books for children, as it cannot supply the demand
for them.
Among many matters brought to our attention smd covered by
the various sub-committees as well as by the General Committee,
was the question of the salaries paid in the Library. We feel
that this difficult matter must be treated with much care and
deliberation. The Library employees are not isolated groups
which can be treated separately, especially in the matter of their
compensation. The compensation paid in one part of the Li-
brary is of necessity intimately connected with that paid in every
other part. We should be sorry in touching upon salaries, to
embarrass the Trustees in their efforts to treat the subject justly,
but with due regard to the money placed at their disposal by
the City Council. Yet upon such consideration as we have
given to the matter, our opinion is that the salaries paid in the
Library are on the whole incommensurate with the qualifications
and service required of the employees. In the discussion of this
matter at our meetings it was learned that the Trustees have
under consideration and are about to propose a comprehensive
scheme for the increase of salaries. In order, therefore, to avoid
complication by advocating other schemes, the Examining Com-
mittee passed the following vote:
"RESOLVED: That it is the sense of the Examining Committee
that a sum not less than Ten thousand dollars ($1 0,000) should be added
to the appropriation of the Library this year to meet the increases in
salary which may be deemed necessary by the Trustees."
We hope the City Council may furnish the Trustees at least with
this sum, so that salaries not only just in themselves, but measur-
able with the value of the work in the Library and with the good
[34]
name of the City, may be paid. This is an important matter.
The personnel of the Library service will surely suffer under the
existing conditions, and indeed many instances indicate that it has
already suffered. The personal influence of the employees over
the children and others who resort to the reading rooms cannot
be overestimated. The incentive of good salaries, — not a living
wage, — should be held out in order to attract persons of edu-
cation and refinement to the important work of directing the
reading of children and aiding, in the best and most helpful ways,
the persons who use the Library.
In conclusion we can but recognize the fact that many of the
definite suggestions of this report lie in the direction of increased
expenditures. We should have been glad to point out advan-
tageous ways by which money could be saved. But the com-
mercial and industrial growth of Boston must be paralleled — if
the city is to maintain its place — by a corresponding growth
in the things that minister to the mind and the spirit. The Li-
brary is the chief public reservoir and distributor of these things.
The present Trustees have formed and are carrying out many
admirable plans for continuing and extending the usefulness of
the Library. We join in commending the spirit and the execu-
tion of these plans, and in urging upon the City the wisdom of
providing in every way for their fulfillment.
REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN.
To the Board of Trustees:
I respectfully submit my report for the year ending January
31, 1914.
REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS.
Such usual and customary repairs have been made at the
Central Library and Branches as were required to keep the
plant in operative condition. The fire boxes to the boilers at
the Central Building have been re-lined and new bridge walls
built. These boilers are regularly inspected by the Hartford
Steam Boiler and Inspection Company, and their present con-
dition is satisfactory.
TTie repairs upon the overhead system of steam piping, on the
Special Libraries floor, amounting to complete replacement after
seventeen years of service, have been completed. The elevators
in this building, subjected to regular monthly inspection, are in
good order, and they have been continously operated during the
year, without accident.
Gradually, as need arises for new lamps, those having tung-
sten filaments have been substituted for the ordinary carbon type,
and lamps of the new style are now in use in all the corridors,
in Bates Hall, and in the Fine Arts and Children's Departments.
Extensive repairs were made during the summer upon the plas-
tered surface of the groined arches in the Courtyard Arcade.
The new buildings at Charlestown and on North Bennel
Street, have been completed and opened, enlarging our oppor-
tunities for effective work in those districts. A new iron fence
has been erected by the Fellows Athenaeum, the owners of the
building occupied by the Roxbury Branch; the Public Buildings
l^epartment has repainted and otherwise improved buildings in
iheir control but partly occupied by the Library in West Rox-
bury, at Upham*s Corner, and in Dorchester, and the owners have
[36]
similarly cared for buildings held by us under lease at Matta-
pan, on Warren Street, and at Orient Heights.
About 50 framed pictures have been hung at various branches
and reading rooms, adding to the attractive appearance of the
rooms.
THE USE OF BOOKS.
During the year 1 ,848,973 books have been lent for use
outside the various library buildings. This may be compared
with 1,744,878, the number similarly lent during the preceding
year. To prevent misleading use of these figures the follov^ing
statement is repeated from former reports:
"The tabulated figures are of value in comparison with our
own similar figures presented in other years, but they should not
be closely compared with the records of other libraries, unless
it is certain that such records have been made upon exactly the
same system as that in use by us."
TTie statistical tables follow, showing the recorded circulation
in detail. The figures for the Central Library are based upon
the annual report of Mr. Frank C. Blaisdell, Chief of the Issue
Department. The figures for the Branches are from the reports
of the Custodians, made month by month.
The figures reported by months are presented in detail :
CIRCULATION FROM CENTRAL BY MONTHS.
HOME USE
DIRECT.
HOME USE
THROUGH
BRANCH DEPT.
SCHOOLS AND
INSTITUTIONS
THROUGH
BRANCH DEPT.
TOTALS.
February, 191 3 .
30,096
10,145
10,388
50,629
March,
26,671
9,069
10.299
46.039
April,
26,035
8,523
9,862
44,420
May, " .
21,904
7,119
10,472
39,495
June,
18,998
6,085
9,500
34.593
July, ;; .
14,032
4,131
2,748
20,91 1
August,
14,643
3,797
2,717
21,157
September,
14,898
3.304
3,460
21,662
October, " .
18,816
4,655
6,251
29,722
November,
25,346
7,896
8,083
41,325
December,
25,258
8,026
8,887
42,171
January, 1914 .
24.268
7,370
9,540
41,178
Totals
260.965
80,120
92,207
433.292
[37]
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[38]
The figures for the entire system are condensed into a single
statement as follows:
Boo^s lent for Home Use, including Circulation Through Schools and Institutions.
From Central Library (including Central Library books issued through the
branches and reading-room stations) ....... 433,292
From Branches and reading-room stations (other than books received from
Central) L415.681
Total number of volumes lent for home use and through schools and
institutions 1,848,973
Comparative statements for two consecutive years follow :
1912-13. 1913-14
Central Library circulation (excluding
schools and institutions) :
260,965
80,120
341,832 341,085
Direct home use ... .
Through branches and reading-room
stations for home use .
264,507
77.325
Branch Department circulation (exclud-
ing schools and institutions):
Direct home use
From branch collections
From reading-room stations .
781,324
429,986
852,124
448,224
1.211,310 1,300,348
Schools and institutions circulation: (in-
cluding books from Central through
the Branch system) . . . 191,736 207,540
1.744,878 1,848,973
The unrecorded circulation of the Library, that is, the use
of books in the various reading rooms, by students and general
readers, is very much greater than the recorded circulation which
appears in the preceding tables. It is as important, and in some
respects more important than the recorded circulation. It in-
cludes an extensive use of books by scholars engaged in serious
research, by pupils from the schools and colleges, by study
classes which are investigating special subjects, as well as the
use of books by those who, for various reasons, prefer to read in
the Library instead of at home.
At least 300,000 volumes in the Central Library, Branches
and Reading-Room Stations are now on open shelves, to be used
freely by the public. It is impossible to record this use statis-
tically, but it should not be forgotten in connection with the
inspection of the usual tables of recorded circulation.
[39]
The Branch Department draws very heavily from the Central
Library collection. It is one of the distinctive features of this
Library that any borrower may be supplied with books from the
Central Library upon a request made at a Branch, the desired
volumes (unless already in the hands of other borrowers) being
sent out by means of our daily wagon system of delivery. This
facility of use of Central books through the Branches tends to re-
duce somewhat the direct Central circulation for home readers.
It will be noted from the tables that this circulation shows a slight
decline for the past year as compared with the year preceding.
On the other hand, the circulation from the Central Library
through the Branches and Reading-Room Stations shows an
almost equal increase, leaving the total Central Library circula-
tion for home use virtually unaffected. Year by year the use of
the Branches as the chief agencies for obtaining popular books
for home reading whether from the Branch collections themselves
or from the Central Library is likely to increase. But the use
of the Central Library as the chief agency for reference work
increases, and undoubtedly will continue to increase.
The number of places supplied with books on deposit from the
Central Library shows an increase of three, and the number of
volumes sent on deposit was 42,828 as against 42,587 in 1912.
There is at the Central Library a distinct collection of books for
use in deposits, thereby diminishing the demand for books from
the Stacks, which would otherwise be drawn upon for deposit use.
This prevents the alienation of Stack books from the regular
patrons of the Central Library or from those who call for such
books upon cards at the Branches.
During the year 22.200 unbound copies of periodicals have
been sent to public institutions, to the coffee rooms of the Church
Temperance Society, or to the State Prison.
A tabular statement follows of books lent or borrowed on the
Inter-Library Loan arrangement with other libraries, showing
the operations of two successive years:
1912-13. 1913-14.
Lent to libraries in Massachusetts ...... 987 1,179
Lent lo libraries outside of Massachuseftis ..... 264 230
Total 1.251 1.409
4
[40]
Applications refused: 1912-13. 1913-14.
From libraries in Massachusetts 307 270
From libraries outside of Massachusetts 62 84
Total 369 354
Borrowed from other libraries ....... 25 22
The Inter-Library Loan plan enables us to borrow occasionally
from other libraries books which we do not possess for the tem-
porary use of our card holders. In the same way, we occa-
sionally lend to other libraries, for temporary use, books which
they do not own, which may be needed by their readers. Books
are never lent in this way which are in urgent demand at the
home library, and, in general, the books lent include only those
required for study, and those which the borrowing library can
not easily obtain by purchase.
BOOKS RECEIVED.
A statistical statement of the number of books received follows :
Doolfs acquired by purchase.
For the Central Library: 1912-13. 1913-14.
From City appropriation 8,353 8,493
From Trust Funds income . 3,711 3,367
12,064 11.860
For branches and reading-room stations:
From City appropriation . 11 ,734 1 3,952
From Trust Funds income .... 926 1,504
12,660 15.456
24,724 27,316
By Fellowes Athenaeum (for the Roxbury
Branch) 943 1,017
Totals 25,667 28,333
The following statement shows whether the books added to
the Library during the year have been obtained by purchase,
gift or exchange:
CENTRAL, BRANCHES, TOTAL,
VOLUMES. VOLUMES. VOLUMES.
Accessions by purchase (including 1017 volumes by
Fellowes Athenaeum, for Roxbury Branch) 11.860 16,473 28.333
Accessions by gift (including 24 volumes through
Fellowes Athenaeum, for Roxbury Branch) 6,294 585 6.879
Accessions by Statistical Department 489 .... 489
Accessions by exchange ...... 339 106 445
Accessions of periodicals (bound) .... 2.000 401 2,401
Accessions of newspapers (bound) . . . . 100 .... 100
Totals 21,082 17.565 38,647
[411
PURCHASES OF FICTION.
Hie number of volumes of fiction (new publications) ex-
amined during the year was 932, and from these a selection of
175 titles was made, (including fiction for young readers), and
2,758 copies were bought. Replacements and additional copies
of fiction already in the catalogue were bought to the extent of
8,541 volumes. This statement covers all fiction, whether in
English or other languages; and its total cost was $10,892.33
or about 28 per cent of the amount expended for all books.
NOTEWORTHY ACCESSIONS.
The report of Miss Theodosia E. Macurdy, Chief of the
Ordering Department, furnishes the following details as to impor-
tant accessions:
PURCHASES.
Almanacs.
Almanack of Almanacks, collected from Poor Job, and others. For the
year of our Lord, 1752. Boston: Printed and sold by Fowle in
Queen-Street.
BickerstafF's New England Almanack for the year of our Lord, 1 780.
Norwich: Printed ... by J. Trumbull.
Connecticut Almanack, for 1 768. By Clark Elliott. New London,
Printed and sold by Timothy Green.
Franklin Almanack for the year . . . 1795, Boston: Printed and sold
by Joseph Bumstead.
Freebetter's Connecticut Almanack, for the years 1 774, 76, 77, 78. New
London, Printed and sold by T. Green.
Freebetter's New-England Almanack, for the year 1 776. New London,
Printed and sold by T. Green.
New England Town and Country Almanack, containing an Ephemeris
... for the year 1 769. ... By Abraham Weatherwise, Gent.
Providence: Printed and sold ... by Sarah Goddard and John
Carter.
N. England Kalendar, 1 704, or an Almanack for the year ... 1 704
By a Lover of Astronomy. Boston: Printed by B. Green and J.
Allen. ... 1 704.
New England Town and Country Almanack, containing an Ephemeris
... for the year of our Lord, 1 769. By Abraham Weather^v^se,
Gent. Providence: Printed and sold ... by Sarah Goddard and
John Carter.
[42]
Philo's Essex Almanack, for the year ... 1 770. Salem: Samuel Hall.
Poor Robin, 1682. An almanack after a new fashion . . . Wherein
the Reader may see (having before his eye-sight with a good mornings
Draught) many remarkable things worthy of precious observation.
Containing a twofold kalendar ; . . . Written by Poor Robin, Knight
of the Burnt-island, a well-wisher to the Mathematicks. London:
Printed for the Company of Stationers, 1 662.
Travis, Daniel. An Almanack of Coelestial Motion and aspects for the
years 1711, 19, 20. Boston.
Weatherwise, Abraham. Father Abraham's Almanack, for the year of
our Lord, 1770. Philadelphia: John Dunlap.
Wheten, George. An astronomical Diary : or. An Almanack for the year
... 1 754. Boston; Printed and Sold by D. Fowle, next the Prison
in Queen Street.
Whittemore, Nathaniel. An almanack for the year 1 728. Printed for
Nicholas Boone. Boston.
Boolis.
Aubert, Edouard. Tresor de I'Abbaye de Saint Maurice d'Agaune.
45 plates. Many of the plates are colored. Paris. 1 872.
Baker, C. H. Collins. Lely and the Stuart portrait painters before and
after Van Dyck. With 240 reproductions after the original pictures.
2 v. London. Philip Lee Warner, Publisher to the Medici Society.
1912.
Bible. [BibliaLatina.] Vol.1. Leipzig. Der Insel Verlag. 1913.
[A facsimile edition of the 42-line Bible, assumed to have been printed
in 1453 and by some ascribed to Gutenberg as printer.]
Bibliophile Society. Publications: —
Burns. Robert. The Geddes Burns. [Poems, chiefly in the Scottish
dialect. Edinburgh. MDCCLXXXVIL] [Boston. 1908.]
Manuscript facsimile.
Reprinted in facsimile from William K. Bixby's copy of the 1 st
Edinburgh edition, formerly presented by Burns to Alexander
Geddes: with facsimiles of Geddes's book-plate and of an autograph
letter and autograph poems of Burns. Inserted is a portrait of Burns
by W. H. W. Bicknell.
Keats, John. John Keats unpublished poem to his sister Fanny, April,
1818. Boston. 1909. Facsimiles. Portrait.
Lamb, Charles. The letters of Charles Lamb, in which many mutilated
words and passages have been restored to their original form . . .
5 V. Boston. 1905.
Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. Romance of Mary W. Shelley, John
Howard Payne and Washington Irving. Portraits. Engraved title-
page. Boston. 1 907.
[43]
Thoreau, Henry D. Walden : or. life in the woods. Portrait. Plates.
Facsimile. 2 v. Boston. 1909.
Edition limited to 483 copies. The original manuscript of the
above is in the collection of Mr. W. K. Bixby.
Bibliophile Society. Tenth Year Book. 1911. Engraved title-page.
Boston. 1911. Edition of 500 copies.
Bibliophile Society. Eleventh Year Book. 191 2. Boston. 1912.
Edition of 500 copies.
Boston Aqueduct Corporation, 1 795. Original records of. The Presi-
dent's and Directors' records. A corporation formed for bringing
fresh water from Jamaica Pond to Boston : — Records of meetings of
the Corporation from the beginning, to the time of the transfer to the
City of Boston. 1 85 1 . 2 v.
Brabourne, (Lord), and Charles Chubb. The birds of South America.
V. 1. Colored plates. London. Porter. 1912.
(To be pubHshed in 16 volumes.)
Broadside. An humble intercession for the distressed Town of Boston,
Now almost deserted by its former rightful inhabitants, many of whom
have fled, chusing to take refuge in the woods and caves, for the sake
of liberty, rather than to live in splendor and affluence among slaves and
tyrants. . . . Salem. Printed by E. Russell. . . . 1775. [Verse.]
Two column broadside with woodcuts at the top. The poem in the
right-hand column reads "A new liberty song. Composed at the Camp
Prospect Hill, August, 1775."
Cescinsky, Herbert. English furniture of the eighteenth century. Illus-
trated from drawings by the author and from photographs. 3 v. Lon -
don. 1911.
Demaison, Louis. Album de la cathedrale de Reims. 2 v. Reims.
1902. 300 plates.
Dennis, John. A defence of Sir Fopling Flutter, a comedy. . . . By
Sir George Etheridge . . . London. (1722.) [An attack on Sir
Richard Steele.] For Brown Dramatic Collection.
Egger, Hermann. Romische Veduten. Handzeichnungen aus dem XV-
XVIIL Jahrhundert. Band L Wien. [1911.] 115 plates.
Euclid. Euchdis megarensis philosophi acutissimi mathematicorumqj
omnium sine controuersia principis opaa Carapano interprete fldissimo
tralata. . . . Colophon: Venetiis impressum . . . MDVIIII.
[Title printed in red and black. ] For Bowditch Collection.
Geiler von Kaisersberg, Johann. SErmoes Prestantissimi sacrarum litera-
rum Doctoris Joanis Geilerii Keiserspergii Cotionatoris Argentineii-
fructuosissimi de tepore & de sctis accomodandi. . , . Colophon . . .
[Strassburg. 1515.] F°. Gothic letter.
German Classics, The. Edited by K. Francke and W. G. Howard.
New York. German Publication Society. (In 20 volumes.) V.
1-5.
[44]
Horsbrugh, Boyd Robert. The game-birds & water-fowl of South
Africa. London. 1912. Colored plates.
Leisching, Julius. Schabkunst. Ihre Technik und Geschichte in ihren
Hauptwerken von XVII. bis zum XX. Jahrhundert. Wien. 1913.
Longfellow. The song of Drop-o'Wather, by Harry Wadsworth Short-
fellow (Mary Cowden Clarke). London. 1856.
The song of Milgenwater. Translated from the original Feejee, by
Marc Antony Henderson. Cincinnati. 1856.
Hiawatha, or ardent spirits and laughing water, a musical extravaganza.
Also, two autograph letters of Longfellow relating to his books, the
parodies and translations. For Artz Collection.
Lowell, James Russell. The Biglow papers. Second series. London.
1865.
A rare edition published two years previous to the first American edition.
For Artz Collection.
Martin, Camille. L'art roman en France: L' architecture et le decoration.
2 V. Paris. 1910. 1911.
New England Primer, improved, for the more easy attaining the true read-
ing of English. To which is added the Assembly of Divines and Mr.
Cotton's catechism. Boston. Printed and sold by Nathaniel Coverly,
in Newbury Street. 1 762.
New England Primer, improved, or, an easy and pleasant guide to the art
of Reading to which is added The Assembly's catechism. Adorned
with cuts. Boston. Printed by Benjamin True. No. 73 State St.
Pennsylvania Evening Post, Jan. 2, 1776 to Dec. 28, 1776. Contain-
ing the first appearance in print of the Declaration of Independence, issue
of July 6.
Shakespeare. Works. 10 volumes. Edited by A. H. Bullen, Strat-
ford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare Head Press. 1904-07.
Smith, William. The history of the Province of New York, from the
first discovery to the year MDCCXXXII to which is annexed a de-
scription of the Country, with a short account of the inhabitants. Lon-
don. 1757.
Tresor de l'art beige au XVII siecle. Memorial de I'Exposition d'art
ancien a Bruxelles en 1 9 1 0. 2 v. Bruxelles. 1913.
Turrell, Charles. Miniatures: a series of reproductions in colour & photo-
gravure of ninety-eight miniatures of distinguished persons, including
Queen Mary, Queen Alexandra . . . with an introduction by George
C. Williamson. London. 1913.
Unicorni, Giuseppe. De I'arithmetica universale . . . Parte prima,
seconda. In Venetia ... 1 598. For the Bowditch Collection.
Vallance, Aymer. The old colleges of Oxford. Their architectural
history illustrated and described. Illustrations. Plates. Plans.
London. Batsford. (1912.)
[45]
West, Mrs. George Cornwallis-, editor. 1616—1916. Shakespeare
Memorial Souvenir of the Shakespeare Ball. Published for the Com-
mittee by F. Warne & Co. London & New York. [1913.] (The
portraits, many of them colored, show the historical costumes worn at
the ball which was held in support of the Shakespeare Memorial
Fund.)
Whitman, Walt. The complete writings of . . . issued under the edi-
torial supervision of his Hterary executors. 10 v. London. 1902.
The Book-Lover's Camden edition. For the Artz Collection.
The following books, bought for the Brown Music Collection, were
secured at the Sotheby and Anderson Sales.
Calliope, or English harmony. A collection of the most celebrated Eng-
lish and Scots songs, engraved throughout with frontispieces and 400
beautifully engraved head-pieces representing the subject of each song.
2 v. in 1. Bound in morocco by F. Bedford. (1739.)
Lyon, James. Urania: or, A choice collection of Psalm tunes, anthems,
and hymns ... to which are prefixed the plainest and most necessary
rules of Psalmody. Engraved title and music by Henry Dawkins.
Philadelphia. 1761.
New Calliope, The, or English harmony in taste. A collection of cele-
brated songs and cantatas by the most approv'd masters. Volume the
first (all pubhshed) containing 100 airs with transpositions for the flute,
engraved throughout, with an engraving adapted to each song, and
frontisipece. In original calf. Roberts. 1 743.
Playford, H. Harmonia Sacra: or. Divine hymns and dialogues, with a
thorough-bass for the Theorbo-lute, Bass-viol, Harpsichord, or organ.
London. W. Pearson. 1714.
Pleasant Musical Companion, The: being a choice collection of catches,
for three and four voices. Composed by Dr. John Blow . . . and
other eminent masters. The tenth edition, corrected, and several
new catches. London. J. Johnson. (N.d.)
Syren, The. Containing a collection of 430 of the most Celebrated
English songs, nine of which are contain'd in the Collection of the same
size, caird the Nightingale. Second edition, with the addition of
many new songs. London. Osborn. 1 738.
Universal Harmony, or, the Gentleman and Ladies Social Companion:
consisting of a great variety of the best . . . English and Scots songs,
cantatas, etc. Engraved throughout. London. Printed for J. Hen-
ry. .. . 1745.
Universal Musician: or Singster's deUght, consisting of the most celebrated
English and Scotch songs, favorite cantatas, etc., designed for the enter-
tainment of lovers, country sportsmen, jovial companions, etc. V. 1
(all published). London. W. Raynor. 1738.
[46]
Especial attention has been paid to the acquisition of books relating to
architecture and city planning. There have been acquired collections of
Bohemian literature (in the Bohemian language) and of books in Polish,
Swedish, Yiddish and Italian, the Yiddish and Italian collections being
principally translations from English works adapted to the needs of the
North End Branch.
GIFTS.
The gifts received during the year from 3595 donors number 10,858
volumes, 23,939 serials, 1,141 photographs and 80 newspapers. The
following list represents the gifts of especial importance; except as other-
wise noted, the givers are residents of Boston:
Andersen, Hendrik Christian, Rome, Italy. Creation of a world centre
of communication. By Hendrik Christian Andersen. Paris. 1913.
English edition. Folio. Plates. Plans. Maps.
Barny, Everett Hosmer, Springfield. Everett Hosmer Barney — A
record of his life work. George Murray Barney. (Compiled by
Frederick WilHam Adams.) Springfield. 1912. Privately printed.
Illustrated. Portraits. Plates. Facsimiles.
Benton, Josiah H. Twenty-seven bound volumes, 52 unbound pamphlets
and serials and 46 large framed photographs of the Tyrolese Mountains.
Bixby, W. K., St. Louis. Facsimiles of Swinburne manuscripts.
Bradley, Mrs. Leverett. Portrait of Dr. Johnson by Sir Joshua Reynolds.
(Copy of the portrait in the National Gallery, London.)
Brown, Allen A. Seventy-six volumes of music.
Case, Mrs. James B. One hundred and thirty-nine pamphlets, reports,
and 76 numbers of periodicals.
Cheney Brothers, So. Manchester, Connecticut. Cheney silk exhibits.
Twelve sets of charts illustrating the process of silk manufacture.
(Placed in the Central Library and Branches.)
Collins, Frank S., Maiden. Two hundred and seventy-one volumes, in-
cluding music, text books and Bibles, 2 1 numbers of periodicals and 3 1
engravings.
Crowninshield, Francis B. The story of George Crowninshield's yacht
Cleopatra's Barge, on a voyage of pleasure to the Western Islands and
the Mediterranean, 181 6—1 7. Compiled by Francis B. Crowninshield.
Boston. Privately printed. 1913. Portraits. Maps. Facsimiles.
Davis, Simon. Two hundred and one volumes, chiefly text books and
including Apple ton's Cyclopaedia in I 6 volumes.
Eliot, The Misses, Cambridge. Ames' Almanack for 1775 and 1777;
Poor Richard Almanac. 1 764. Printed by B. Franklin; Weather-
wise's Almanack for the year 1 789 ; A mournful lamentation for the
death of Mr. Old Tenor, who expired the 31st. day of March, I 750.
(Broadside.)
[471
Freer, Charles L., Detroit, Michigan. Facsimile of the Washington
Manuscript of the Four Gospels in the Freer Collection in the Univer-
sity of Michigan.
Hannigan, W. T. Two hundred and fity-six volumes, government and
law documents.
Harvard University, Cambridge. One hundred and ninety-two pam-
phlets, catalogues and reports.
Hersey, Miss Heloise E. Sixty-two volumes, miscellaneous works, in-
cluding three volumes of The Vassarion.
Itahan Consulate, The., New York City. A large wall map of Italy for
the North End Branch.
Jeffries, Miss Marian S. Two hundred bound volumes, 1 33 unbound
volumes, I 32 numbers of periodicals, chiefly Littell's and Boston Sym-
phony Orchestra programs, and 202 unmounted photographs.
Kellen, William V. One hundred and fity-six photographs of views of
Itahan cities, including those of Palermo, Messina, Naples, Pompeii,
Florence and Rome.
Kilham, Walter H. One hundred and seventeen lantern slides.
Subjects: — Boston, France, Spain and historic ornament.
Knapp, George B. A collection of old playbills, theatre and concert
programmes.
Lee, WilHam H. Deaths in the dramatic and musical professions 1901 —
1912. Compiled by William H. Lee. 2 volumes. (Collection of
newspaper clippings bound.)
3437 cartoons of the Presidential campaign of 1912. Collected and
mounted by William H. Lee.
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. Catalogue of a loan
exhibition of paintings by old Dutch masters, held at the Metropolitan
Museum of Art in connection with the Hudson-Fulton Celebration,
1909. By William R. Valentiner. Edition de Luxe.
Morgan, J. Pierpont, New York City. Babylonian Records in the Li-
brary of J. Pierpont Morgan. Part 1 & 2. Edited by Albert T.
Clay.
Norton, Mrs. Jacob. One hundred and twenty-five volumes, a miscel-
laneous collection, and 1 3 volumes of Puck.
Oliver Ditson Company. Fifteen pieces of new music.
Peabody, Miss C. E., Cambridge. Four hundred and forty-six theatre
and concert programs.
Powers, J. H., Bureau of University Travel. Forty-seven photographs
of works by Ghiberti, Velasquez, Turner, Michelangelo and others.
Preston, William Gibbons, Estate of, through James Calderwood,
Ejtecutor. Fifty volumes of architectural plans, drawn by W. G. Pres-
ton. (These include many of the commercial buildings in Boston.)
[48]
Richards, Dr. George E. Fifty-six volumes, including fourteen volumes
of "Der Salon", lacking in the Library set, and 32 volumes of Spanish,
Itahan, French and German literature.
Ross, Mrs. Waldo O. Forty volumes, miscellaneous works, including
nine bound volumes of Country Life, also 415 numbers of periodicals,
McClure's, Country Life, The Christian Register and the World's
Work.
Sampson & Murdock Co. Directories of various cities and towns of the
United States and Canada. 345 volumes.
Sears, Herbert M. Ninety-two publications of the Chaucer Society
Stone, Miss Ellen, Lexington. A collection of old theatre and conccr;
programs, periodicals and newspapers.
Walcott, George H. Fifty-six volumes, unbound, and 1 03 numbers
relating to chess.
Warren, Miss Bessie E. Two hundred and twenty-four volumes, chiefly
documents and reports, 2,200 periodicals and 400 newspaeprs.
White, Smith Music Publishing Co. Sixty pieces of new music.
Women's Education Association. Seventy-nine volumes of Italian litera-
ture for the North End Branch.
For the Teachers' Reference Collection, the following publishers have
contributed text books published by them, in use in the Boston Public
Schools.
Allyn & Bacon. Sixteen volumes.
Atkinson, Mentzer & Company. Sixteen volumes.
Beattys, Frank D., & Co., New York City. Seven volumes.
Ginn & Company. Two hundred volumes.
Gregg Publishing Company, New York City. Fourteen volumes on short-
hand instruction.
Harper & Brothers, New York City. Three volumes.
Holt, Henry, & Company, New York City. Twelve volumes.
Houghton, Mifflin Company. Twenty-two volumes.
Jenkins, William R., Company, New York City. Twenty-one volumes,
French and Spanish text books.
Lippincott, J. B., & Co., Philadelphia. Three volumes.
Little, Brown & Company. Thirty-four volumes.
Macmillan Company, The, New York City. Fourteen volumes.
Charles Scribner's Sons, New York City. Forty-three volumes.
Thompson Brown Company. Twenty-three volumes.
THE CATALOGUE DEPARTMENT.
During the year 57,664 volumes and parts of volumes, cover-
ing 37,306 titles, have been catalogued under the direction of
Mr. S. A. Chevalier, Chief of the Catalogue Department. The
[49]
disposition of these volumes and titles is shown in the followng
statement, which also permits a comparison with the preceding
year.
VOLS. AND
TITLES.
VOLS. AND
TITLES.
PARTS.
PARTS.
1912-13.
1913-
-14.
Catalogued (new) :
Central Library Catalogue
19.270
13,352
17,422
12.244
Serials .....
6,069
6.687
Branches ....
14,872
13,612
17.624
15.594
Re-catalogued ....
22.881
11,888
15,931
9.468
Totals ....
63,092
38,852
57.664
37.306
There have been added to the catalogue cases throughout the
system 1 64,535 cards, the number added to the catalogue cases
in the Central Library being 154,813. In order to obviate in-
convenience on account of the unavoidable delay in filing the
printed cards for new purchases, a temporary card, cataloguing
the books under the name of the author, is placed in the Bates
Hall catalogue cases within a few days after the receipt of the
volumes.
In addition to the current work of cataloguing, a large number
of subject headings in the public catalogues have been revised,
divided and made more convenient for public use. Many of the
old cards in the Bates Hall cases carrying titles cut from the old
printed indexes, have been replaced by new printed cards, fuller
in their descriptive matter; and this work will be carried still
farther by the Department during the coming year. Eventually
all these old cards will be eliminated.
The important catalogue of the works in the Library relating
to Architecture and allied subjects is in type, and the completed
volume will be issued during the coming summer. A printed
catalogue of the Allen A. Brown Dramatic Collection is in
process. In the Catalogue Department also, several valuable
bibliographical lists have been compiled during the year, and
various items of bibliographical information furnished through
correspondence to patrons of the Library.
In the transfer of duplicate volumes from the Library, for sale
on exchange account, the services of expert cataloguers are re-
[50]
quired in comparing the editions of the dupUcates in order that the
most valuable and perfect copies may be retained. Frequently,
in addition to the comparison of the volumes, changes in all the
records of the titles are required, and during the progress of this
work, and in other examinations of the shelves, many works in
the general collection have been transferred to special collections
for greater safety and convenience of access. In all such cases
new numbering and new records are necessary, and all this work,
performed in regular course by the Catalogue Department, does
not admit of statement in statistical tables.
SHELF DEPARTMENT.
The usual Shelf Department statistics are presented below,
from the report of Mr. W. G. T. Roffe, in charge :
Placed on the Central Library shelves during the year:
General collection, new books (including continuations) .... 17,701
Special collections, new books ........ 6,704
Books reported lost or missing in previous years, but now found, transfers
from Branches, etc. ......... 771
Removed from the Central Library shelves during the year:
Books reported lost or missing, condemned copies not yet replaced, trans-
fers, etc. ...........
25.176
7.339
17.837
255
Net gain at Central Library
Net gain at Branches and Reading-room stations
Net gain, entire library system 18,092
The total number of volumes available for public use at the
end of each year since the formation of the Library is shown in
the following statement.
1852-53
1853-54
1854-55
1855-56
1856-57
1857-58
1858-59
1859-60
1860-61
1861-62
1862-63
1863-64
1864-65
9,688
1865-66
16.221
1866-67
22.617
1867-68
28.080
1868-69
34.896
1869-70
70,851
1870-71
78.043
1871-72
85,031
1872-73
97,386
1873-74
105,034
1874-75
110.563
1875-76
116.934
1876-77
123.016
1877-78
130,678
136.080
144,092
1 52.796
160,573
1 79,250
192.958
209,456
260,550
276,918
297.873
312.010
345,734
[5
1878-79
1879-«0
I880-«I
1881-82
1882-83
1883-«4
1884-«5
1885 .
1886 .
1887 .
1888 .
1889 .
1890 .
1891 .
1892 .
1893 .
1894 .
1895 .
Volumes in enliie library system
In the branches and reading-room stations
360.963
1896-97
377.225
1897-98
390,982
1898-99
404.221
1899-00
422.116
1900-01
438.594
1901-02
453.947
1902-03
460,993
1903-04
479,421
1904-05
492.956
1905-06
505.872
1906-07
520.508
1907-08
536.027
1908-09
556.283
1909-10
576.237
1910-11
597,152
1911-12
610,375
1912-13
628,297
1913-14
These volumes are located as follows;
Central Library .
813,533
Brighton ....
18,900
Charlestown
15,055
Dorchester ....
19,526
East Boston
16,259
Hyde Park
26,195
Jamaica Plain
15,008
North End .
3,774
Roxbury Branch:
Fellowes Athenaeum 29,042
Owned by City 8.229
Total, Roxbury Branch
37,271
South Boston
17,426
South End ....
1 5,985
Upham's Corner .
8,012
West End .
17,129
West Roxbury .
8.758
Lower Mills (Station A) .
Roslindale (Station B)
Mattapan (Station D)
Neponsel (Station E) .
Mt. Bowdoin (Station F) .
Allston (Station G)
Codman Square (Station J)
Mt. Pleasant (Station N) .
Broadway Ext. (Station P)
Warren Street (Station R) .
Roxbury Crossing (Station S)
Boylston Sta. (Station T)
Orient Heights (Station Z) .
City Point (Station 23)
Parker Hill (Station 24) .
Net gain at Central Library
Net gain at branches and reading-room stations
663.763
698.888
716,050
746,383
781,377
812,264
835.904
848.884
871.050
878.933
903,349
922,348
941,024
961,522
987,268
1,006,717
1,049,011
1,067,103
1,067.103
253,570
792
6,798
885
1,018
4,367
1,493
4,786
1,600
3,113
1,466
1,229
1,405
1,788
2,459
1,073
Net gain, entire library system
17,837
255
18.092
CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT — CENTRAL LIBRARY.
Besides the provision which the library makes for children
at the Branches, the Children's Reading Room at the Central
Library serves youthful readers from every part of the City. Its
large collection of juvenile books on open shelves arouses their
interest, and the general attractions of the beautiful Central build-
[52]
ing are also influential in promoting the large use of this Depart-
ment. The trained attendants in the Department are continually
employed in helpful service, showing the children how the books
may be found, the way in which the catalogue may be used, and
in other ways aiding in extending the knowledge of the Library
among these young readers. Certain phases of the work of the
Department are thus referred to in the annual report of Miss
Alice M. Jordan, the Custodian:
... It has its place as a pleasant resort in leisure hours, a friendly
encouragement toward forming a reading habit. It serves also as an
introduction to a general use of libraries, making them more accessible
because of this early association. Evidence that this has been the effect
upon children w^ho have left this city for other homes is received by our
hearing of their prompt connection with other libraries. What is gained by
association with the dignity and beauty of the building, by the inspration of
ideals gathered from books here, cannot be measured.
Service is rendered to the community by this Department in other ways
than in providing a reading room for children. From its beginning, it has
been drawn upon to furnish information on educational topics to Investi-
gators in various pursuits. Demands of this kind increase each year. An
increasing number of requests for help in choosing books for children's
ownership is noticed with satisfaction. For this purpose, the collection of
special editions of children's classics has a wide sphere of usefulness. It
is also greatly appreciated by art students, illustrators and designers. From
the collection of pictures, 2,073 were circulated to teachers and pupils
during the year. In this work a type of picture different from that pro-
vided in the Fine Arts Department is used, thus avoiding duplication of
work.
The special collection of books in this Department is drawn
upon for issue through the Branches, 1 4,861 volumes having been
lent in this way during the year, besides the general issue direct
to readers for home use.
No part of the Library excites greater interest on the part of
the distinguished visitors from abroad who from time to time
come to the Library. It is noticeable to them that, with attend-
ance voluntary, so many children wish to read here.
BATES HALL.
The use of Bates Hall, the principal reading room at the
Central Library, continues to increase. The Chief of the Refer-
ence Department, Mr. Oscar A. Bierstadt, remarks :
[53]
No attempt is made to count the many thousands of volumes brought
from the stacks to be used by students at the reading tables. The nine
thousand reference books on the open shelves of the Hall are consulted
more than any other works in the entire library system, and it w^ould be
impossible to keep a complete record of this use. Consequently there is
lack of statistics to show the quantity of work done here. In quality it
is even more remarkable. If one could inspect what is in use by the readers
il would be surprising to note how few volumes of light literature are in hand
and how many serious works are aiding in the advancement of learning.
Readers of fiction usually take their books home, while students frequent
Bates Hall. The attendants are called upon for help on a great variety
of subjects, and the amount of reference work is constantly increasing.
In calling for books during the year readers used 575,000 hall use and
255,000 home use slips, a total of 830,000 slips.
THE SPECIAL LIBRARIES.
Under the name of Special Libraries are grouped the special
collections on the upper floor of the Central Library. These in-
clude the books relating to the Fine Arts, Architecture and the
allied subjects of design and building technique; the Allen A.
Brown Music Collection; The Barton-Ticknor Room, in which
are placed the Barton Collection of Shakesperiana, the George
Ticknor Collection of Spanish literature, the Allen A. Brown
Dramatic Library, and many special collections.
The valuable books in this group are especially used by scho-
lars and students engaged in literary research. Many of the
volumes can be found in no other library in this country, and the
reading tables m the Barton Gallery are in constant use under
reservation by authors, educators, and others who find in this
retired reading-room the quiet and privacy necessary to their
work. In the Fme Arts reading-room the tables are usually
fully occupied, and the considerable number of books on open
shelves are freely used, as in Bates Hall. The West Gallery
leading from this reading-room is especially devoted to reserva-
tions for classes from the schools of art and design, to various
other study classes, and to conferences in connection with the
University Extension Courses. In the Allen A. Brown Music
Room students of music find material obtainable in no other
place. The entire work of the special libraries is in the highest
[54]
sense educational, and the training and experience of the atten-
dants is an essential element in the effective public service which is
given in these rooms.
A statistical record can indicate the use of these various de-
partments, but, as in other parts of the Library, cannot fitly por-
tray the w^ide-reaching influence of the use of the books, nor the
personal assistance in selection given to readers, who are also
students and who must be directed to the best sources. Without
this assistance the best books would often remain unused upon
the shelves. The miscellaneous activities of the special libraries
are also extensive, as will be seen from the summary below.
The total number of volumes in the Special Libraries is now
139,198, the net accessions for the year being 4,072. The
Allen A. Brown Dramatic Collection, numbering 4,372 volumes,
now included in the Special Libraries, is an extremely valuable
addition to the resources of the Library, and when its printed
catalogue is completed will no doubt receive the attention it de-
serves.
The number of photographs and photo-print pictures of various
kinds added to the Fine Arts collection during the year is 6, 1 07 ;
the total number now being 41,329. Some of these are still in
process of preparation for use by mounting, titling, etc. A
rough, but comprehensive catalogue of the circulating collection
has been printed and distributed to teachers and others through
the Branch Department. The use of the picture collection is
increasing.
The Library has gradually acquired a collection of lantern
slides, brought together principally for use in our own lecture
courses, but available for lending, under proper restrictions. The
total number is now 4,406, and during the year 2,662 slides
have been lent to 83 borrowers. Among the slides acquired
during the year are 111, illustrating the scenery of France and
Spain, given to the Library by Mr. W. H. Kilham.
TTie statistical record, as reported by Mr. Frank H. Chase,
Custodian, follows:
[55]
FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT.
The direct circulation of books for home use from this Depart-
ment (included in the statement of total circulation, page 37)
was 20,668, as compared with 19,752 for the preceding year.
Pictures (illustrating history, geography, fine arts, etc. for edu-
cational work) have been sent to public and private schools, and
to clubs and classes, and for other similar uses, as follows :
PORTFOLIOS
BORROWERS. ISSUED.
Public schools 2,044
Private schools ........... 18
Clubs 17
Classes ............. 14
Sent to Branches for exhibition or study ....... 263
Miscellaneous ........... 155
2.511
The total may be compared with 2,473 the number of port-
folios circulated under the same classification in the preceding
year.
BARTON-TICKNOR ROOM.
Barton-Ticknor books issued ......... 12,664
Maps issued 933
Books from other departments, issued for readers in this room . . . 6319
ALLEN A. BROWN MUSIC ROOM.
Volumes issued for use 9,755. Volumes added to the collec-
tion 303, of which 88 were given by Mr. Brown. The impor-
tant additions include:
Mraczek's Symphonische Burleske iiber Max und Moritz; Noren's
"Vita" Sinfonie; Stravinski's suite, L'oiseau de feu; Messager's Madame
Chrysantheme ; Several early English song books of the first half of the
eighteenth century; and Play ford's Ayres and Dialogues, (London,
1714).
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES OF SPECIAL LIBRARIES.
Visits of Classes.
The total number of meetings held by classes and study clubs,
by arrangement with the Fine Arts Department, during the year
136J
was 164, with an attendance of 1,427 students or members.
The University Extension Conferences brought together an esti-
mated number of 1 , 1 00 students ; or under the two heads named,
a total of 2,527, as compared with 2,456 under the same classifi-
cation, during the preceding year.
<
LECTURES AND EXHIBITIONS.
The free public lectures given in the Central Library Lecture
Hall during the year, and the exhibitions in the Fine Arts Ex-
liibition Room (many of which are given in connection with the
lectures) are enumerated in the following list; which also includes
the exhibitions given in the rooms opening from the Entrance
Hall on the first floor:
Lectures.
1913. January 16. The Land of the Montezumas.* Dr. Francis
Henry Wade.
January 19. Types of Modern Drama. III. Frank W. C. Hersey.
January 22. Children as Theatre-Goers. Edward Vroom. (Under
the auspices of Fathers and Mothers Club.)
January 23. The Hawaiian Islands. Past and Present.* Frank Her-
bert Palmer. *
January 26. The Making of Americans.* Dr. George W. Tupper.
January 30. Whaling Ventures and Adventures.* George H. Tripp.
January 31. Roman Africa.* Prof. Gordon J. Laing. (Under the
auspices of Archaeological Institute of America.)
February 2. The Short Story. With illustrative selections. I. Horace
G. Wadlin.
February 6. Savonarola.* Rev. Thomas I. Gasson, S.J.
February 9. The Opera. V. Verdi and the Latter-Day Italians.
Olin Downes.
February 10. The Islands of Japan.* Harvey N. Shepard. (Under
the auspices of Field and Forest Club.)
February 1 3. The Construction of the Panama Canal. Louis K.
Rourke.
February 16. Reading: Maeterlinck's Blue Bird. Helen Weil.
February 20. Knights and Knighthood.* Rev. Thomas I. Gasson, S.J.
February 23. Types of Modern Drama. IV. Frank W. C. Hersey.
February 26. Egypt.* Edgar A. Carleton. (Under the auspices of
Museum of Fine Arts.)
Lectures whose titles are marked with an asterisk (*) were illustrated by the stereopticon.
[57]
February 27. Charms of the White Hills.* George N. Cross.
March 2. The Short Story. With illustrative selections. II. Horace
G. Wadlin.
March 6. Pompeii and Amalfi.* Louis C. Newhall.
March 9. Robert Louis Stevenson. E. Charlton Black, LL.D.
March 10. The Land of the Magyar.* Arthur Stanley Roberts.
(Under the auspices of the Field and Forest Club.)
March 1 3. A Summer Vacation in Europe with a Camera.* Henry
Warren Poor.
March 1 8. The Opera. VI. Modern French Operas. Olin Downes.
March n . Manual Training To-day. — ^What it is and What it does.*
John C. Brodhead.
March 28. The Development of the General Type of the Theatre
interior.* Hugh Tallant. (Under the auspices of American Drama
Society.)
March 30. King Arthur — the Evolution of a Hero. Frank H. Chase.
April 3. The Land of the Incas.* (Peru and Bolivia.) Cav. L.
Melano Rossi.
April 7. Constantine the Great; the Transformation from Paganism to
Christianity. Rev. Walter Lowrie. (Under the auspices of Archae-
ological Institute of America.)
April 10. The Nibelungenlied.* Dr. Helen L. Webster.
April 13. A Summer Vacation in Europe with a Camera.* Henry
Warren Poor. (Repeated from March 13 by request.)
April 14. Australia and its People.* Lionel H. Lehmeier. (Under
the auspices of Field and Forest Club.)
April 1 7. Froebel and his Influence on Handicraft.* James Frederic
Hopkins.
April 24. Constantinople.* Arthur Stoddard Cooley, Ph.D.
April 26. Esperanto: the International Language. Edmond Privat.
(Under the auspices of Boston Esperanto Society.)
May 1. Joan of Arc* Rev. Thomas I. Gasson, S.J.
May 12. Camping in the Yellowstone National Park.* Edmund A.
Whitman. (Under the auspices of Field and Forest Club.)
October 1 2. Holland and the Art of Rembrandt.* Minna Eliot Tenney.
October 1 4. In and Around the Chinese Seas.* Herbert D. Heathfield.
(Under the auspices of Field and Forest Club.)
October 1 6. Christopher Columbus, the Discoverer of America.* Rev.
Thomas I. Gasson, S.J.
October 19. Color in Dress. Mrs. Ruth Butts Carson. Illustrated
with flowers, fabrics and dolls.
October 23. Styles of Architecture.* C. Howard Walker.
October 26, The Civil War.* John Kennedy Lacock,
October 30. Picturesque Philippines.* Lieut. Edward O'Flaherty.
[58]
November 2. With Liszt in Weimar. Lecture Recital. John Orth.
November 4. Esperanto ; the Elements and Progress of the International
Language. D. O. S. Lowell.
November 6. Rhodesia.* Horace Philip Salmon.
November 9. The Wild Pets of the North Woods.* Dr. Edward
3 reck.
November 10. Welfare Work for Wild Birds.* Winthrop Packard.
(Under the auspices of Field and Forest Club.)
November I 3. The Land of Shakespeare.* Edmund H. Garrett.
November I 5. Arts, Costumes, Customs, and Folk Lore of Italy.* Mrs.
Ruth Butts Carson. (Under the auspices of Fathers and Mothers
Club.)
November 1 6. Itahan Opera. Old and New. Henry L. Gideon.
With musical illustrations.
November 20. New Brunswick; Scenes in the Land of the New
England Loyalist.* A. T. Kempton.
November 23. Democrats in Literature: Burns, Mark Twain, Kipling,
Markham, Whitman. With illustrative readings. Anna Johnson,
A.M.
November 24. The Imperial Idea in Roman Art.* Mrs. Arthur Strong.
(Under the auspices of Archaeological Institute of America.
November 30. The Stage of To-day. I: The Structure of Plays.
Frank W. C. Hersey.
December 4. Raphael, the Decorator.* Mary Augusta Mullikin.
December 7. The Ides of March and PompeyV Theatre. S. Richard
Fuller.
December 8. The Conquest of the Ocean.* Hon. Joseph A. Conry.
(Under the auspices of Field and Forest Club.)
December I 1 . Mexico.* Dr. Francis Henry Wade.
December 1 3. Canadian Wonders.* Rev. Frederick W. Johnson,
D.D.
December 14. Old Almanacs. Nathan Haskell Dole.
December 18. The Temple of Peace; Art and Scenery in Piedmont.*
Cav. L. Melano Rossi.
December 21. How to Listen to Music. I. With musical illustrations.
Arthur M. Curry.
December 27. Little Citizens of the World. Mrs. Anna Stevens Dur-
yea. (Under the auspices of Fathers and Mothers Club.)
December 28. The Stage of To-day. II: The Art of the Theatre.*
Frank W. C. Hersey.
1914. January 1. Joan of Arc* Rev. M. L. Fortier, S.J.
January 4. How to Listen to Music. II: Musical Architecture. With
musical illustrations. Arthur M. Curry.
January 8. Picturesque Nuremberg.* Martha A. S. Shannon.
[591
January 1 I . The Sistine Chapel.* Harriette Hersey Winslow.
January 12. The Canadian Rockies, the Pacific Coast, and the Santa
Fe Country.* Guy Richardson. (Under the auspices of the Field
and Forest Club.)
January 15. How the Masters Drew.* Wilbur Dean Hamilton.
Exhibitions, Central Library.
A. In Fine Arts Department.
1913. January 16, Mexico.
January 20. Hawaiian Islands.
January 27.
January 27.
February 3.
February 10.
February 1 1 .
February 1 2.
February 1 7.
February 2 1 .
February 24
March 3.
March 13.
March 13.
Shipping Ports of New England.
Whaling Industry.
Florence.
Japan.
Panama Canal.
Portraits of Lincoln.
Knights and Knighthood.
Portraits of Washington.
White Mountains.
Pompeii and Amalfi.
Pictures appropriate to Easter.
Books and pictures illustrating the life of David Living-
ston.
March 27. South America.
April 7. Joan of Arc (collection of books, pictures, statues, and
other objects lent by Joan of Arc Statue Committee, New York) .
May 1 6. Philippine Islands (collection of products, implements,
costumes, and photographs lent by Miss A. D. Slocum).
September I 3. Books and pictures illustrating life of Giuseppe Verdi.
September 1 3. Paintings in American Galleries.
September 20. Early American books on banking.
October 8. Holland.
The Art of Rembrandt.
Canadian pictures.
The Parthenon.
Life of Christopher Columbus.
Rome and the Vatican.
Philippine Islands and Hawaii.
South Africa.
Shakespeare's England.
Canada.
Decorative work of Raphael.
Florence.
Turin.
14.
18.
October 8.
October 1 1 .
October 1 1
October
October
October 27.
November 4.
November 10.
November 1 7.
December 1 .
December
December
15.
15.
[60]
1914. January 5. Nuremberg.
January 5. The Sistine Chapel.
January 12. Drawings by Old and Modern Masters.
B. Street Floor Exhibition Room.
1913. January 16. American Indians.
February 6. Greek and Roman Art.
March 27. Dutch East Indies.
May 29. Tyrolese Houses.
August 1 1 . Panama Canal.
September 1 3. German Sanitaria for the State-Insured.
November 14. United States (recent accessions).
December 1 8. Paintings of Raphael.
BRANCHES AND STATIONS.
During the year covered by this report, the Branch System of
the Library has included 1 3 principal branches and 1 5 reading-
room stations. The reading-room stations are really minor
branches, differing from the branches proper only in size. In all
of them there are small permanent collections of books, all of
them have helpful relations with the schools in the immediate
vicinity, from all of them applications for books from the Central
Library are sent forward, upon the requests of card holders in the
neighborhood, and the books are distributed from and returned
to reading-rooms on such applications. The work performed in
the reading-room stations differs from that in the Branches, only in
degree. As pointed out in other reports, the larger part of the
Library circulation for home use is through the Branch System,
either directly or indirectly by means of Central Library books
sent out through applications made at the Branches and Reading-
room Stations.
The subsidiary agencies of distribution supplied during the
year, through the Branch System, include 62 engine houses, 36
institutions of various kinds, and 1 39 public and parochial schools ;
in all, 265 agencies, as compared wth 25 1 in the preceding year.
The following figures summarize the activities of the Branch
System and the cost of administration for the year:
VOLUMES.
Circulation through the Branches for home use (recorded also on page 37) 1,588,008
Gain, as compared with preceding year ....... 108,000
Total cost of operation, chargeable against the City appropriation . $124,318.12
[61]
The demand for books increases steadily, stimulated in part
by the opening of new branch buildings, for example, the new
North End Branch and the new building in Charlestown. The
knowledge of what the Library offers is constantly increasing,
the co-operative work with schools and study classes, the use of
books by various clubs and the University Extension Courses,
— these are important influences in enlarging the demand for
books. Apart from the direct demand at the Brcmches, there
have been issued on borrowers' cards from the Central Library
through the Branch System 82,782 volumes during the year, as
compared wth 79,684 volumes in the preceding year, and the
number would have been larger if the books had been on our
shelves. The percentage of unsuccessful applications was 43.
That is, 43 requests in every 1 00 were unsuccessful in obtaining
any book, usually because, at the time of application, the book
or books wanted were already in the hands of another borrower.
No public library can undertake to supply all the books that are
asked for immediately upon request, but a larger supply of certain
books for which the demand is persistent would undoubtedly
reduce the percentage of unsuccessful requests.
A summary of certain extracts from the reports of Branch
Custodians made to Mr. Langdon L. Ward, Supervisor of
Branches, and included in his annual report, indicates the demand
for books, and shows some of the kinds of books asked for :
. . . We have received from the Central Library, upon request, books
and pamphlets on minimum wage, Welsh and Irish folk music, telephonic
formulae, and the history of printing.
The gain of 709 in the Central issue is gratifying, but not so satisfactory
when the larger number of requests for books is considered. The result
is a disappointing percentage of unsuccessful cards.
The record of Central Library books received rises as the shelves in
the children's room of the branch become empty. The number of cards
requesting books sent to Central during the year was 3439, a gain of
47 per cent. The number of books received was 3290, a gain of 54 per
cent. The percentage of unsuccessful appHcations was 1 9. 1 per cent,
an increase of six-tents of 1 per cent. There were only 657 volumes re-
ceived in response to the requests of adults.
The daily issue of books from Central, on application from the branch,
is increasing. There were 7 1 0 more applications this year than last and
I 33 more volumes received.
[62]
The demands for books are as varied as our classification and through
the issue from Central we are able to supply the requests for books we could
not possibly have permanently in the reading-room.
Foreigners are coming in increasing numbers, especially Poles, who are
now numerous. The first book asked for by an adult Pole was "A life
of George Washington." The children of foreign parentage want English
books, but adult foreigners want books in their own language.
The total circulation of 1 2,95 1 books sent on deposit from this branch
was larger than ever before. Last year this circulation was 1 0,9 1 7 vol-
umes. During the present year deposits have been sent to one reading-
room, three engine houses, nine grammar schools, and seven primary
schools; a total of twenty agencies with eighty-four teachers supplied.
Some idea of the time and work spent in this field may be obtained when
it is noted that 1 74 deposits have been sent out during the year, and that
each deposit must be selected carefully, have its schedule written, have the
book cards filed, be tied up in small bundles, and finally have each bundle
properly tagged.
A large proportion of the requests for books on deposit from this branch
have been received from teachers who have never before requested them.
This work has apparently been stimulated by the letter sent from the
Library to the schools and by the "Guide to aid pupils in the selection of
books" prepared by a committee of teachers.
Our deposit circulation increases with the growth of our deposit col-
lection and the large gain achieved this year is of course small to what
it might be if we were able to fill all requests received. There are 93
teachers in four of the schools in this district, all eager to have deposits
* * * The teachers of the upper primary grades are particularly solicitous,
and for them we have nothing. They are of the opinion that classes of
bright nine-year old children who have no Library privileges need dep)Osits
more than all others.
We have located here a small collection of books in Bohemian which
have surely been used during the year, but the demand for books in
Lithuanian and Polish has been very great and there would be much more
use for any number of books in both these languages, if we had them.
Our boys request Indian stories, histories and fairy tales, our girls,
stories about girls and fairy tales. We have frequent calls from adults
for books on art, crafts, trades, and civil government.
Seventeen years ago the collection, at this Branch, numbered 13,145
volumes. Since then the total losses number 14,755 volumes, the acces-
sions 18,339 and the volumes bound 24,036. The total of volumes is
now 1 6,259. Thus the collection has been practically renewed once and
re-bound twice in that time. It includes:
VOLUMES.
Books for the young . 4,354
Fiction for adults ........... 3,693
8.047
[63]
These 8,047 volumes were issued 82,981 times, or more than 10 times
each. In spite of replacement and rebinding, they look shabby. It is
evident that to keep pace with such wear, much more radical measures must
be employed. Of course, their shabbiness would be even more apparent by
contrast with a new building. Indeed, the first question the people ask
in looking forward to a removal to a new building is apt to be "Will you
have all new books?" It is evident that they care much more about the
books than about the building.
We are feeling as always the laclc of books and especially of suitable
books. The trend of education is changing. Things are being viewed
more from a commercial and statistical point. Not one child has asked for
the "Natural wonders of the United States" this year, but nearly every
one has wanted something on Panama, tariff, harbor, shipping and indus-
tries.
One important feature of the Branch work, as indeed of all
Library work, is the personal assistance given to readers by the
Library staff. In any city containing a large number of persons
of untrained literary taste, who have not long had an opportunity
to use books, this personal influence is essential. Without it, the
Library can never fulfil its highest function, the cultivation of the
love of books and the extension of their proper use. This is
especially true in districts sei-ved by some of our branches, largely
populated by those who have recently come here from abroad.
The results of this personal influence cannot be expressed in
figures. Figures are cold and lack the human element, which
is never absent from the effective operation of any large public
library. Interesting incidents reported by Branch Custodians
illustrate it:
The adults' room is used by intelligent and ambitious men (women
are in the minority), mechanics, carpenters, clerks, laborers, and students;
and students come night after night. Loafers do not come, the room
is too light and clean and open to view to attract them. Our Italian
patrons are fairly well educated. They desire books in Italian by Italian
authors. With regard to our Jewish patrons I quote from some notes
made by one of our attendants: "A young man, a student who comes
here, brought a friend to the Library the other evening. This friend
was a young Russian Jew, a student of electrical engineering, who had
arrived in America that day. Our young friend introduced him to me
and said: 'I brought him to the Library first, because I wanted to show
him what advantages American libraries offer to the student.' I addressed
the young man in Yiddish, using the universal Jewish welcome: 'Peace be
[64]
unto you. From whence cometh a Jew?' I never saw a more sur-
prised person. For a moment he couldn't answer me. Then he said,
"Is it possible that in America they even employ Jews in pubhc places
and that these same Jews are neither afraid nor ashamed to speak Yiddish)*
I then explained to him that in America, officials worked for and with the
public rather than as in Russia, the public for the officials." ... I sent
'Uncle Tom's Cabin' in Yiddish to a grocer a short time ago. He was
much surprised to hear that we had Yiddish books. At once, he told his
friends, and in a few weeks the book mentioned had circulated 1 8 times.
Our constituency still includes all nationalities and languages. Indeed
we need to be polyglots to serve the people adequately. Three of our
force are studying French, one German, and one Italian. Attempts to
practise strange tongues on those to whom they are native brings out a
joyous flood of language in response, quite bewildering to unaccustomed
ears. There is a steady demand for books in ItaHan and German
especially. The general demand is from persons of all ages for a very wide
range of subjects. Considerable time was spent one afternoon trying to find
in print the motto of the French Revolution, known, of course, to the one
questioned, but verification wanted from a book. Over the telephone come
questions such as, "What famous man was born in 1 756?" and "Why
was Hartford, Conn, called the Charter Oak City?" The number of
Parochial School children coming for reference work and cards has
increased perceptibly. This is probably due to the list of books by
Catholic writers distributed in some of the churches.
Our readers come to us for much more than the books which we give
them — for advice, for sympathy, for help in many ways. They feel
that we are their friends, and always, our knowledge of our readers grows,
and we are better able to understand their requirements, and to give them
the personal help, in recommending and directing their reading, that means
so much. In our district at least 1 0 different types are well represented: —
Poles, Greeks, Russian Jews, Swedes, Syrians, Italians, French, Scotch,
Chinese, Americans, and a smaller sprinkling of Germans. And that
the adult non-English speaking foreigner does not come to us for books,
is often because he is illiterate, and has not learned to read his own language.
The children, however, do come, and our books are carried into their homes
and have an influence in moulding their characters, and in their outlook
on life.
Under the heading "Books for New Americans" we grouped all the
readers for foreigners, and on the first Sunday after they were so placed,
five were issued. We are apt to make the mistake of thinking that those
who come to the Library have the knowledge of books that we possess,
but they do not. To many people a catalogue is merely a collection of
names. Paragraphs calling attention to certain books and book lists have
[65]
been published in the local paper almost every week. These are some
of the headings used:
A little Hst of profitable essays. Boston.
Books of practical interest to ama- Dorchester.
teur artists. Books for European tourists.
Books of practical interest to men Good stories for a hot day.
engaged in various occupations. Brief books for a railroad journey.
Books that answer "How." Books for a camping trip.
Books on vocational guidance. Books on Nature.
Books on gardening. Clifton Johnson's books.
Books on adventure, travel, and ac- Mexico.
tion. Columbus.
Novels of humor. Books for parents who are interested
Books in connection with the Aliens in better children.
bill in Cahfornia. Books on Civic Pride, Civic House-
Memorial Day. keeping. Civic Opportunities, etc.
Attention is also called to the new books, and to good articles in the
current magazines.
The Library is greatly appreciated by these people and they are eager
lo grasp all the opportunities for improving themselves. Books to them
are valuable, the Library means to them "education", and it is evident
how much help they derive from the use of the books and periodicals
they are able to get through the Library. Not unusual is the case of a
Russian Jew, who, on his first visit to the Library, brought an interpreter
lo aid him in obtaining a card, and who, in a very short time afterward,
asked for some of the "best Enghsh books."
Although reference work of the highest grade, such as is re-
quired by students of the higher schools and colleges, and by
persons generally who are engaged in extended literary research,
is concentrated at the Central Library, on account of its scholarly
collections of books, and the opportunity which it offers for serious
study, nevertheless the elementary reference work at the Branches
constantly increases. This is shown in the following extracts
condensed from reports of Custodians:
That the excellent reference collection is appreciated is attested by its
constant use by school children, high-school pupils, normal students and
adults (including teachers, club members, lecturers). A number of
volumes have been recommended during the year to keep pace with the
demand for books on Natural Science, Scientific and Government Depart-
ment subjects. Our reference work is broadening and is becoming more
[66]
technical, due to the more general attendance at the Schools of Commerce
and to the University Extension Classes.
Of the 349 volumes reserved for reference use on special shelves, 64
were selected at the request of the Superintendent of the Hebrew Sunday
School during the summer vacation. They were called for and issued
to adults as well as children. The subjects included were Hebrew history
and Bible stories.
There is a small group of college students who use the Library almost
constantly. One of these, a Radcliffe student, has won a three hundred
dollar scholarship and says that she has the Library and its assistants
to thank for it. With a result Hke that, any amount of work is worth
while. I hope there may be many more similar instances.
A test of the value of a Branch to its constituents is the use to which
it is put. "This one is certainly used to the utmost." remarked a high-school
teacher, as he watched, one evening, with interest, our regular body of
reference students, magazine readers and borrowers. The station is cer-
tainly used to its capacity ; and the scope of its usefulness is enlarging.
The reference work with the Evening Center has been gratifying this
year. Ihe director, Mr. Hawley, had cards printed, giving the schedule
of his lecture course, with a line added calling attention to the Library.
We have had several members register for cards, and the members of the
Mothers' Club come, or send their children for books on the subjects of
the popular talks.
Occasional free lectures have been given at some of the
Branches, w^here there are convenient lecture rooms adapted to
the purpose.
THE STORY HOUR.
The Story Hour for Children has been observed during the
year at the Central Library and at the foUow^ing Branches and
Stations : Brighton, Jamaica Plain, North End, Roxbury, South
Boston, South End, West End, Upham's Corner, Parker Hill.
At Roxbury, stories have been given by the Children's Welfare
League, without expense to the Library, and at the other places
by Mrs. Cronan, employed by us. Of the success of this element
of the Library work, as conducted here, there is no doubt. It
is not carried on for the amusement of the children merely, but
it is educational in its effect and leads to acquaintance with books
and to their profitable use.
The story hour at the Central Library attracts children from all
parts of the City, and many of them would not otherwise become
[67]
familiar with the Central building and its opportunties for young
readers. At the Branches the audiences are largely from the
immediate neighborhood, although it has been found that some
children become so much interested in the subjects of the stories
that they go from Branch to Branch, in order to become better
acquainted with them. It is not uncommon to have a child in
attendance at the Central Library remark "I have heard this
story told at one of the small libraries, but I want to hear it
again."
During he past year there has been a total attendance of
2,682 at the story hour sessions at the Central Library. Espe-
cial effort is made to interest children of from ten to thirteen
years of age in the great world epics, folk legends, and nar-
ratives that are noted in classic literature. It is of importance
that the work be carried on consecutively with the groups estab-
lished at the Central Library and at the Branches. Thus the
story teller is able to carry the plan toward definite ends and to
stimulate a progressive interest in her hearers, leading up from
elementary beginnings to final educational results.
Under this arrangement the members of the different groups,
at first particularly interested in stories of Indians or other sen-
sational narratives, are easily led to prefer, and to find equally
interesting, stories which are intei-woven with literature and which
naturally attract attention to the books in which they appear,
thereby promoting the love and use of books; and incidentally the
gap between so-called children's books and books for the general
reader is bridged. Abundant proof is given of the hold the
stories have upon the children. The Custodian of the Children's
Department at the Central Library reports that one regular
attendant spent the Friday reading-hour at school in looking up
the story-hour characters in the encyclopaedia. "They were
all there," he said, "I didn't think it was true, but I found them
all. Agamemnon and Achilles and Hector were all in the en-
cyclopaedia."
The following from the reports of Custodians, indicate their
opinion of the value of the story hour:
I cannot speak too liighly of the value of the story hour. When it
was introduced our boys were so restless I wondered if they would ever
[68]
listen. Now with large numbers, usually more than 100 boys, the
attention is almost perfect, and the books from which the stories are told
are invariably called for.
Children of varying ages listen breathlessly to all the stories told. * * *
When the story teller steps into the Children's Room after a story hour
she is besieged with requests for names of books to read.
The story hour has continued once a week throughout the year, with
an intermission of two months in the summer. The attendance, very large
during the winter, diminished when out of door attractions multiplied. We
began again in September with a class of 35 the first day, the number
steadily increasing to 1 20, in attendance last week. The boys predominate
in number on these occasions, but are usually well-behaved, and listen
attentively. The class shows the effect of the past year in improved
power of concentration.
The story hour opens to them in a most vivid and interesting way, much
that is best of the literature of the world. In the "story hour" the gods
and heroes of ancient Greece and Rome live again; the imagination of
the child is awakened to appreciate and love the beauty of much that would
otherwise remain a sealed book to him. A world of romance and poetry
is unlocked, and lessons of bravery, generosity and kindness inculcated, and
unconsciously absorbed. No one seeing the eagerness and attention with
which the children listen for every word that falls from the lips of the
story teller, watching the sparkling eyes, the changing expressions on their
faces as the tale progresses, and the long deep sigh when it is finished,
could doubt the value of this method of making them familiar with the
great world of books."
REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT.
The Chief of the Registration Department, Mr. John J.
Keenan, reports that the number of borrower's cards in force,
January, 1913, was 92,599, a gain of 3,906, for the year.
These cards are classified as follows:
Held by men and boys ....
Held by women and girls ....
Held by persons over 16 years of age
Held by persons under 16 years of age
Pupil's cards (public and parochial schools)
Student's cards (higher institutions of learning)
42,489
54.016
54,182
42.323
34.016
26.312
This classification shows the following percentages of increase,
for the year: men and boys, 1.8 per cent; women and girls, 4.1
per cent; persons over 16 years, 6.9; persons under 16 years,
1.0; pupils (public and parochial schools), 3.1 ; students (higher
institutions), 4.0.
I69J
VARIOUS STATISTICS.
Distribution of Documents.
During the year the distribution of library pubHcations has
been as follows:
Sent to departments for free distribution 100,799
Sent to departments for sale 857
Free direct distribution 37,741
Distributed for library use 145
These documents include the bulletins and weekly lists, and
other special catalogues issued to promote the public convenience
in the use of the Library, and to enable borrowers to acquaint
themselves with the titles of current additions to the Library.
Publications.
Under the editorial supervision of Mr. Lindsay Swift the fol-
lowing publications have been issued:
1 . Quarterly Bulletin. Four numbers, in editions of 2,000 copies
each; total number of pages, 436. The issue for September 30 in
each year contains the announcements of the free lectures to be
given at the Library and by the Lowell Institute, and also the
prospectus of the University Extension Courses. The public de-
mand for all the issues is virtually up to the limit of the editions.
2. Weekly Book List. Fifty-two numbers. Editions, 2,500 copies.
Total number of pages, 362. This list appears promptly every
Saturday morning and supplies a current finding list, in condensed
form, of the weekly accessions.
Besides the foregoing there has been published a useful finding
list of books for Boys and Girls, for which the copy was pre-
pared by Miss Alice M. Jordan of the Children's Department
at the Central Library. This is a useful aid in the selection of
books for young readers who are unable personally to use the
open shelves. An earlier edition was published some years ago,
but the present issue has been carefully revised.
The Library has co-operated with the School Department in
the preparation of a guide to aid pupils in the selection of books
in the Library, published as School Document No. 5 — 1913.
This guide was prepared by a committee of teachers appointed
[70]
by Dr. Franklin B. Dyer, Superintendent of Schools. Of this
committee, Mr. A. L. Rafter, Assistant Superintendent, was
Chairman, and Miss Jordan, representing the Library, was a
member.
The Bates Hall Centre Desk, Newspaper and Patent Rooms,
Central Librar}).
The following items are reported by Mr. Pierce E. Buckley,
Custodian.
Centre Desk- The number of readers, always large as recorded
at the Centre Desk, Bates Hall, reached its maximum for the
year, 303, on February 5, 1913; at 5 o'clock.
Newspaper Room. There are now 323 newspapers regularly
filed in this room, as issued. This number includes 243 dailies
and 80 weeklies. During the year four papers were added to
the subscription list, and 2 1 dropped or ceased publication. Of
the papers now taken, 225 are published in America, and 98 are
foreign. We bind for preservation all the local papers, and a
selected list of the more important papers published in other
cities. The total number of bound volumes in the newspaper
files is 7,643. The number of persons who consulted the files
during the year was 12,681, who used 30,232 volumes. This
sufficiently illustrates the large use which is made of this impor-
tant collection. The Library is slowly completing, as opportun-
ity occurs, its files of early papers. These contain much valuable
historic material. One of the important additions made during
the year is the Philadelphia Evening Post, for 1 776, January 2 to
December 28, complete. This paper was the first to give to the
public the news of the Declaration of Independence. The text
is published in full over the name of John Hancock.
Patent Room. The collection of volumes of Patents has been
enlarged by 452 volumes during the year and now numbers
12,595 volumes. The recorded use of this room is:
1913-14. 1912-13.
Volumes consulted, as recorded 97,945 89,437
Persons using the collection 13,430 13,946
[71]
It is impossible to give quite accurately the number of volumes
consulted and the recorded number is probably below^ the real
total, since readers may freely use the volumes from the open
shelves.
The Periodical Room, Central Library.
The following table shows the number of readers in the Period-
ical Room, Central Library, at certain hours, as totalized in each
of two successive years:
HOURS, 10 12 2 4 6 8 10
A.M. M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.
1913-14 . 9,933 13,972 20,830 26,483 19,861 23,362 8,314
1912-13 . . . 9,896 13,928 20,714 26,419 17,720 23,334 8,219
These figures indicate an increased use of the room, which is
generally well filled with readers. Not only are the current
periodicals widely read, but the bdund files are in constant and
increasing use as will appear from the following comparative
statement :
1913-14. 1912-13.
Bound volumes consulted during the year, in the day lime
(week days) 33,228 32,987
In the evening or on Sundays • . . . . . 11 ,893 1 1 ,360
TTie use, by students, of the Periodical Room especially the
bound files, is extensive, particularly for the purpose of obtaining
data bearing upon subjects of study in the schools and colleges
in this vicinity. On a single day, March 20, 474 unbound
magazines were used during the day, and on December 23, 541
bound volumes were consulted.
The periodicals currently published and regularly filed in the
Periodical Room at the Central Library number 1 , 1 50. Besides
these the following relating to special subjects are placed on open
files in different departments:
Fine Arts Department and Music Room ....... 122
Newspaper Room 99
Teachers' Reference Room ......... 35
Statistical Department .......... 37
[72]
Documents and Statistics.
The following additions to the Statistical Department are
reported by Mr. Horace L. Wheeler, in Charge of the Depart-
ment :
By exchange with and gifts to the American Statistical Association
(whose collection is held in this Department) 504 volumes and 1,536
pamphlet parts. There have been 449 volumes placed on the shelves
from regular library accessions. The total number of volumes in the
collection is now 18,337.
The circulation for home use directly from this Department
for the year, is 1 ,950 volumes; but apart from this recorded cir-
culation probably 10,000 volumes have been used w^ithin the
reading-room. Books are reserved here for the University Ex-
tension Courses in economics and the theory of statistics. Regular
reservations are also made for student use in connection with
the schools of business administration and the School for Social
Workers ; and much use is made of the Department by individual
students and by persons investigating problems in economics,
social questions, and allied subjects. The public documents,
state and national, and municipal reports on various subjects of
present interest are in constant demand here.
Sunday and Evening Service, Central Library.
The average number of books lent on Sundays and holidays
from the Central Library, for use outside the building was 744.
The largest number lent on any single Sunday (or holiday) was
1 ,259. The largest number of readers present in the Bates
Hall Reading Room on any single Sunday was 295 on February
9, 1913.
The Printing Department.
The following table compiled from the report of Mr. Francis
Watts Lee, Chief, presents a comparative statement of the work
in the Printing Department, in two successive years:
1912-13. 1913-14.
Requisitions on hand at opening of year ..... 11 7
Requisitions received during the year ..... 187 172
Requisitions on hand al end of year ..... 7 ....
[73]
Requisitions filled during the year ...... 191 179
Card Catalogue (Central) :
Titles (Printing Dept. count)
Cards finished (excluding extras)
Titles in type but not printed
Card Catalogue (Branches) :
Titles (Printing Dept. count)
Cards (approximately)
Pamphlets not elsewhere enumerated
Call slips .....
Stationery and blank forms
Signs ......
Blank books .....
This report does not cover the publications issued during the
year, reported by the Library editor, nor does it include a large
amount of work done during the year upon publications in pro-
gress, but incapable of satisfactory statistical statement. These
two items cover a large portion of the work of the Department.
11.022
17.844
109.709
164.335
438
5.220
336
296
18.480
16,280
8.150
29.876
2.137,700
186.500
1.003.742
937.735
609
645
16
94
The Bindery.
Mr. James W. Kenney, Chief of the Bindery presents figures
upon which the following table is based :
1912-13. 1913-14.
Number of volumes bound, various styles .... 42,499 38,530
Volumes repaired 2,644 2,833
Volumes guarded ........ 1.637 2.284
Maps mounted 805 311
Photographs and engravings mounted ..... 5,61 1 6,694
Magazines stitched . . . 216 217
Library publications, folded, stitched and trimmed . 154.451 183.423
A large amount of miscellaneous work has been done in the
Bindery, as usual. The delivery of certain bound volumes,
(in all about 1,500 branch books and about 1,000 volumes
awaiting lettering only) has been retarded, and if completed at
the time of closing the foregoing account would have brought
the total number bound during the year to 40,780.
The other principal items of work performed during the year,
as shown by the table, have increased, as compared with the year
preceding.
A vacancy in the position of finisher has existed since the
death of Mr. Collins, an expert employee of long service. It
was thought best, in order to make certain improvements in ma-
[74]
chinery without enlarging the total expense of the Department,
to defer, temporarily, the filling of this vacancy. It seems, how-
ever, that if the Bindery is to be kept up to the level of present
requirements, as fixed by the demand for re-binding over the
entire Library system, the force cannot be permanently reduced.
We are endeavoring to extend to the highest point the use of our
books. It is for this purpose that the Library exists. The
larger the use, the larger will be the demand for re-binding. The
number of volumes bound is not an exact measure of the work
performed, since the character of the volumes differs, and there
may be a larger number of cheap books of the popular type car-
ried through in some years than in others. On the whole we do
not defer re-binding quite as long as formerly; and for sanitary
reasons it would be well not to defer it as long as, for reasons
of economy, we even now find necessary. Books in constant use,
especially books used by children, rapidly become defaced, soiled
and generally unattractive, and these defects can only be over-
come by re-binding.
In the summer of 1 909 the number of employees was enlarged
to provide for re-binding an accumulation of about 10,000 vol-
umes, the number requiring re-binding each year for several pre-
vious years, having outrun the capacity of the Bindery. The
virtual completion of this special work, however, does not permit
the dropping of the employees then taken on, unless the output
is again to be allowed to fall behind, since the ambunt of current
re-binding required is increasing, and books upon the shelves are
in constant need of repair to keep them in order. For example,
a re-arrangement of the location of certain volumes in the Stacks,
necessary for the purpose of conserving space, involving careful
inspection of the books transferred, has disclosed many which
require re-binding.
The total expense of the Bindery in each year beginning with
1911 is shown here :
TOTAL
YEARS. TOTAL EXPENSE. WAGE EXPENSE.
1911 36.367.65 29.847.17
1912 37.539.92 29.517.39
1913 36,289.67 29,296.04
[751
A comparison of this kind based upon years preceding 1911
cannot be made fairly, owing to differences in conditions which
would vitiate any conclusions which might be drawn.
This table shows no material increase in expense (measured
in dollars expended, without any reference to actual cost of pro-
duction based on output). In 191 1 there was an increase in
the wage expense on account of an advance in trade union rates
to which the Library has conformed. Two employees less than
in 1 9 1 1 enter into the wage expense in 1913. Rent has increased
from $929 in 191 1 to $1,350 at present paid. Disregarding
the varying elements of cost of rent and expense for equipment,
and allowing for the considerable amount of miscellaneous work,
which is estimated to cost at least 1 7 per cent of the entire cost
of maintenance, it seems that the average cost per volume bound
has not increased since 1910, although working time has de-
creased and wages increased, under trade union rules.
A comparison of expense, accurately made, would, of course,
rest on cost of production per unit of product of every kind, rather
than upon comparison of money expense merely. The cost of
stock has increased, following the general advance in prices.
Only a complete and careful audit, taking into exact account
all of the items produced and work done in each year, would
show whether or not the actual expense of the Bindery has
diminished or increased, or whether the work could be done
under contract at less expense, disregarding convenience. On
the score of quality of work, as well as of convenience, includ-
ing the possibility of getting what is required promptly, especially
the articles included in the large quantity of miscellaneous work,
there are obvious advantages in having our own Bindery immedi-
ately at hand.
The expense of binding, however performed, will always be
large in a large library. As at present operated, the cost of
the Bindery constitutes about 9. 1 per cent of the total expense
of the Library. If the cost of the Printing Department be added
to this, the percentage of the total cost of the Library mainte-
176J
nance and operation is raised to nearly twelve. The cost of the
Printing Department annually since 1911 is as follows :
TOTAL
YEARS. TOTAL EXPENSE. WAGE EXPENSE.
1911 $12,760.56 $7,118.22
1912 . 12,271.86 6.493.32
1913 11,342.69 7.208.42
The wage account in 1912 was reduced by reason of the
removal of the plant in that year, causing partial suspension of
work, the saving in wages being offset however, by other expenses
connected with the removal and re-fitting, leaving the total cost
of the Department for the year about as usual.
There has been little change in the expense of the Printing
Department within the period covered by the comparison. This
Department is, of course, not affected by the wear and tear, due
to circulation, as is the Bindery, with proportionate increase in
cost. Its output is comparatively even. It is not easy to measure
its cost of production by any standard of measurement common
to ordinary printing establishments. The kind of printing which
the Library requires demands special equipment and trained
efficiency, in producing results conforming to the conventional
library forms and methods. Printing establishments operated
for general book or commercial printing do not have this special
equipment. The training of the employees results from exclu-
sive attention to the kind of work the Library requires, and con-
sequent familiarity with the standard forms used in cataloguing,
whereby they become specialists.
What has been said of the convenience of having the work of
binding done in our own Department, applies also to our printing.
Both Departments are well arranged for effective operation, in
their present quarters, both are well directed, and the employees
in both are efficient. The physical condition of the plant is
excellent, with the exception of a slight improvement that might
be made in the Bindery, without great expense, by the substitu-
tion, in a few instances, of more modern machines for those now
in use.
EXAMINATIONS.
Examinations for library service were given as follows : Grade
E, March 1 5, 74 applicants of whom 49 passed; Grade B, Sep-
[77]
lember 5, 8 applicants of whom 5 passed; Grade C, September 5,
48 applicants of whom 21 passed; and Grade E, September 6,
38 applicants of whom 23 passed.
CHIEFS OF DEPARTMENTS AND CUSTODIANS OF BRANCHES
AND READING-ROOM STATIONS.
As at present organized, the various departments of the Li-
brary and the branches and reading-room stations are in charge
of the following persons:
Samuel A. Chevalier, Chief of Catalogue Department.
William G. T. Roffe, In charge of Shelf Department.
Theodosia E. Macurdy, Chief of Ordering Department.
Oscar A. Bierstadt, Custodian of Bates Hall Reference Department.
Pierce E. Buckley, Custodian of Bates Hall Centre Desk, Patent and
Newspaper Departments.
Frank H. Chase, Custodian of Special Libraries.
Barbara Duncan, Custodian of Brown Music Library.
Walter G. Forsyth, Custodian of Barton-Ticknor Room.
Frank C. Blaisdell, Chief of Issue Depeartment.
Langdon L. Ward, Supervisor of Branches and Stations.
Alice M. Jordan, Chief of Children's Department.
John J. Keenan, Chief of Registration Department.
Horace L. Wheeler, First Assistant, in charge of Statistical Department.
Francis Watts Lee, Chief of Printing Department.
James W. Kenney, Chief of Bindery Department.
Henry Niederauer, Chief of Engineer and Janitor Department.
Marian W. Brackett, Custodian of Brighton Branch.
Katherine S. Rogan, Custodian of Charlestown Branch.
Elizabeth T. Reed, Custodian of Dorchester Branch.
Ellen O. Walkley, Custodian of East Boston Branch.
Elizabeth Ainsworth, Custodian of Hyde Park Branch.
Mary P. Swain, Custodian of Jamaica Plain Branch.
Edith Guerrier, Custodian of North End Branch.
Helen M. Bell, Custodian of Roxbury Branch.
Mary J. Minton, Custodian of South Boston Branch.
Margaret A. Sheridan, Custodian of South End Branch.
Josephine E. Kenney, Custodian of Upham's Corner Branch.
Alice M. Robinson, Custodian of West End Branch.
Carrie L. Morse, Custodian of West Roxbury Branch.
Mary A. Hill, Custodian of Station A, Lower Mills Reading Room.
Grace L. Murray, Custodian of Station B, Roslindale Reading Room.
Emma D. Capewell, Custodian of Station D, Mattapan Reading Room.
[78]
Mary M. Sullivan, Custodian of Station E, Neponset Reading Room.
Isabel F. Wetherald, Custodian of Station F, Mt Bowdoin Reading
Room.
Katherine F. Muldoon, Custodian of Station G, Allston Reading Room.
Gertrude M. Harkins, Custodian of Station J, Codman Square Reading
Room.
Florence M. Bethune, Custodian of Station R, Warren Street Reading
Room.
Katrina M. Sather, Custodian of Station S, Roxbury Crossing Reading
Room.
Elizabeth P. Ross, Custodian of Station 7 , Boylston Station Reading
Room.
Edith F. Pendleton, Custodian of Station Z, Orient Heights Reading
Room.
Alice L. Murphy, Custodian of Station 23, City Point Reading Room.
Mary F. Kelley, Custodian of Station 24, Parker Hill Reading Room.
I wish to acknowledge the loyal support of these chiefs of
departments and custodians of branches and stations, and that of
the members of the staff generally.
I also place on record here my appreciation of the faithful
and efficient services of Mr. Otto Fleischner, Assistant Librarian.
Respectfully submitted,
Horace G. Wadlin,
Librarian.
INDEX.
Accessions and Additions. (See
Books.)
Appropriations. (See Finance.)
American Statistical Association, collec-
tion, 72.
Balance sheet, 18-21.
Barton-Ticknor room, 55.
Bates Hall, 52.
Bates Hall Centre Desk, 70.
Benton, Josiah H., elected President, I.
Bernardy, Amy A., lectures, 6.
Bindery, should be housed in Central
Library, 24, 28; work of, 23. 73.
Binding and repair of books, 5.
Boiler inspection, 35.
Books, additions, 4. 40, 41-46, 55, 70;
average cost of, 4; binding and repair,
5; catalogued, 48; circulation, home
and reference, 4, 5, 26, 36, 37, 38,
39, 52, 53, 54, 55, 60, 61. 65, 70, 72;
deposits, 6, 39, 60; duplicates sold,
49; exchanges, 40; fiction, 25. 41;
fiction reading committee, 25; foreign
languages, 46; for foreign population,
32, 62, 64; gifts, 40, 46; inter-library
loans, 39; location of, 51, 52, 54;
more needed, 1 1 , 23 ; ordering, 25, 41 ;
on open shelves, 38, 51, 53; placed
on shelves, 50; total by years, 50;
trcmsportation, 24, 39; unsuccessful
applications. 61 .
Branch department, 39, 60.
Branches:
Books, expenditures, 4; issued through
Children's Dept., 52; location, 51 ;
more needed, 11, 23 ; transporta-
tion, 24, 39.
Circulation, 4, 5, 36-38, 60, 61;
deposits, 6; Examining Committee
report on, 29—33; extracts from
custodiem's reports, 61 ; hours of ser-
vice, 3; lectures, 6, 32, 66; pictures
hung at, 36; reference work, 60-65;
repairs and improvements, 35; story
hour, 66; trustees inspect, 17; Andrew
Square, 9; Broadway Extension, 9;
Charlestown, 6; City Point, 8; East
Boston, 7; Faneuil. 9; Mt. Pleasant,
9; North End, 6; Roslindale, 9.
Brown, A. A., music room, 26, 28, 53,
54, 55; dramatic collection and cata-
logue, 49, 54.
Card holders. (See Registration.)
Carr, Seunuel, reappointed trustee, I .
Catalogue department, 25, 48; cards
added, 49; cards printed, 73; cata-
Igues printed, 49, 69.
Central Library loo small for present
need, report on enlargement, 24.
Chiefs of departments, list of, 77.
Children's department, 32, 51, 66, 67;
more books for, 23.
Circulation, home and reference, 4, 5,
36, 37, 38, 39, 52, 53, 55, 60, 61 , 70.
72.
Clubs and classes, 53, 55, 56, 65. 71, 72.
Co-operation with other libraries, 26;
with School Committee, 28.
Dante Memorial unveiled, 6.
Deposits, 39, 60.
Documents and Statistics, dept., 72.
Duplicates sold and exchanged, 49.
Employees, chiefs of departments, 77;
hours of service, 3, 27 ; number of , 1 1 ;
retirement fund for, 11, 23 ; fine
money for retirement fund, 12; sala-
ries and wages, 10, 23, 33; should
not work extra hours, 27.
Estimates, 10.
Examinations, 76.
Examining Committee, 1 5 ; report of,
22—34; smaller body recommended.
22; resolution regarding salaries and
wages. 33.
Exhibitions, 56, 59.
Fiction, purchases of, 25, 41 ; reading
committee, 25.
[80]
Finance:
Appropriations, 1,2; for ten years, 2 ;
less than estimates, 2; Charlestown
Branch, 7; East Boston Branch,
8; Andrew Square and Faneuil, 9.
Cost to enlarge Central Library,
24; estimates, 10; cost of printing
and bindery depts., 75; expendi-
tures for books and periodicals, 4, 40 ;
fine money for retirement fund, 12;
more money needed for books, 1 1 , 23 ;
receipts, 1,2; trust fund income ex-
pended for books, 4; trust funds, 12;
P. F. Sullivan bequest, 14; Mehitable
C. C. Wilson bequest, 10, 13; James
L. Whitney bequest, 13. (See also
balance sheet.)
Fine Arts Department, 26, 27, 53-60.
Foreign languages, books in, 46.
Foreign population, books for, 32, 46,
62, 64.
Fox & Gale, architects, Charlestown
Branch, 7.
Gifts, 10, 46, 54.
Griffin, John P., Co., contractors. East
Boston Branch, 8.
Hours of service, 3, 27.
Inter-library loans, 39.
Inventory, 1 4.
Institutions, work with, 5, 36, 37, 38,
60; periodicals sent to, 39.
Issue Department, 36.
Kenney, William P., elected Vice Pres-
ident, 1 .
Lantern slides, 27, 54.
Lavatories. (See Public toilet rooms.)
Lectures, 6, 32, 56, 66.
Librarian's report, 35—78.
McGabey & O'Connor, contractors.
East Boston Branch, 7.
McLaughlin, James E., architect. East
Boston Branch, 8.
Music Room. (See Brown, A. A.)
Newspaper Room, 70.
Newspapers, preservation of, 26.
Ordering Department, 25, 41.
Patent Room, 70.
Pensions. (See Retirement.)
Periodical Room, 71.
Periodicals sent to institutions, 39.
Photographs and other pictures, 27, 52,
54; hung at branches, 36.
Printing Department, 23, 72, 76; pay-
ments on linotype machines, 10; should
be housed in Central Library, 24, 28.
Public toilet rooms, suggested changes in,
14, 25.
Publications, issued and distributed, 49,
69.
Receipts. (See Finance.)
Reference work, 5, 26, 38, 39, 52, 53,
54, 55, 60, 61, 65, 70, 71, 72.
Registration Department, 68.
Repairs and improvements, 35.
Retirement of employees, II, 12, 23.
Salaries and wages. (See Employees.)
School for social workers, 72.
Schools and institutions, 5, 26, 32, 36,
37, 38, 53, 54, 56, 60, 72.
School Committee, co-operation with, 28.
Service. (See Employees.)
Shelf Department, 50.
Special Libraries, 26, 53.
Story-hour, 66.
Students, use by, 26, 38, 53, 56, 65, 71,
72.
Sullivan, P. F., bequest, balance, 14.
Sunday and evening service, 3, 72.
Teachers' reference collection, 48. (See
also Schools.)
Transportation, 24, 39.
Trust funds. (See Finance.)
Trustees, inspect branches, 1 7 ; meet-
ings, I 7.
University Extension courses, 53, 56,
72.
Whitney, James L., bibliographical
fund, 13.
Wilson, Mehitable C. C, bequest, 10.
Working hours. (See Hours of service.)
The Public Library of the City of Boston: Printing Department.
y
1 . Central Library, Copley Square.
Branch Libraries, February I, 1914.
2. Brighton Braach, Holton Library Building, Academy Hill Road.
3. Charlestown Branch, Monument Square, cor. Monument Ave.
4. Dorchester Branch, Arcadia, cor. Adams St.
3. East Boston Branch, Austin School BIdg., Paris St.
6. Jamaica Plain Branch, Sedgwick, cor. South St.
7. Roibury Branch, 46 Millmont St.
6. South Boston Branch, 372 Broadway.
9. South Elnd Branch, 397 Shawmut Ave.
10. Upham's Comer Branch, Columbia Road, cor. Bird St.
1 1 . West Elnd Branch, Cambridge, cor. Lynde St.
12. West Rozbuiy Branch, Centre, near Mt. Vernon St.
13. Hyde Park Branch, Harvard Ave., cor. Winthrop St.
14. North End Branch, 3a North Bennet St.
Delivery Stations, February I, 1914.
A. Lower Mills Reading Room, Washington, cor. Richmond St.
B. Roslindale Reading Room, Washington, cor. Ashland St.
D. Mattapan Reading Room, 727 Walk Hill St.
E. Neponsel Readbg Room, 362 Neponset Ave.
F. Mount Bowdoin Reading Room, Washington, cor. Eldon St.
G. Allston Reading Room, 6 Harvard Ave.
H. Faneuil Reading Room, 100 Brooks St.
J. Codman Square Reading Room, Washington, cor. Norfolk St., Dorchester.
N. Mt. Pleasant Reading Room, Dudley, cor. Magazine St.
P. Broadway Elxtension Reading Room, 1 3 Broadway Ejrtetuion.
R. Warren Street Reading Room, 390 Warren St.
S. Roxbury Crossing Reading Room, 1 134 Tremont St.
T. Boylston Station Reading Room, The Lamartine, Depot Square.
V. City Point Reading Room, Broadway, near H St.
X. Parker Hill Reading Room, 1318 Tremont St.
Y. Andrew Square Reading Room, 396 Dorchester St.
Z. Orient HeighU Reading Room, 1930 Bennington St.
Area o( City (Land only) 43.27 Square miles.
Population (Census of 1910). 686.092.
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