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EIGHTIETH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TRUSTEES
OF THE
PUBLIC LIBRARY
OF THE
CITY OF BOSTON
1931
BOSTON
PUBLISHED BY THE TRUSTEES
1932
p^- A
(f2 0/'S
1 3 7^.
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE CITY OF BOSTON: PRINTING DEPARTMENT.
9.7,32: 2500
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
LOUIS E. KIRSTEIN, President
Term expires April 30, 1934
ARTHUR T. CONNOLLY FRANK W. BUXTON
Term expires April 30, 1932
Term expires April 30, 1935
ELLERY SEDGWICK
Term expires April 30, 1933
JOHN L. HALL
Term expires April 30, 1936
CHARLES F. D. BELDEN
(Deceased October 24, 193!)
DIRECTOR
ORGANIZATION OF THE LIBRARY DEPARTMENT.
The Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Boston, organized
in I 852, are now incorporated under the provisions of Chapter 1 1 4 of the
Acts of 1878, as amended. The Board for 1852 was a preUminary or-
ganization; that for 1853 made the first annual report The Board at
present, consists of five citizens at large, appointed by the Mayor, for
five-year terms, the term of one member expiring each year. The follow-
ing citizens at large have been members of the Board since its organization
in 1852:
Abbott, Gordon, a.b., 1926-1931.
Abbott, Samuel Appleton Browne, a.m., 1879-95.
Appleton Thomas Gold, a.m., 1852-56.
Benton, Josiah Henry, ll.d., 1894-1917.
BiGELOw, John Prescott, a.m., 1852-68.
Bowditch, Henry Ingersoll, m.d., 1865-67.
Bowditch, Henry Pickering, m.d., 1894-1902.
Boyle, Thomas Francis, 1902-12.
Braman. Jarvis Dwight, 1869-72.
Brett, John Andrew, ll.b., 1912-16.
Buxton, Francis William, a.b., 1928-
Carr. Samuel, 1895-96, 1908-22.
Chase, George Bigelow, a.m., 1876-85.
Clarke, James Freeman, d.d., 1879-88.
CoAKLEY, Daniel Henry, 1917-19.
Connolly, Arthur Theodore, 1916-
Currier, Guy Wilbur, 1922-1930.
Curtis, Daniel Sargent, a.m., 1873-75.
De Normandie, James, d.d, 1895-1908.
Dwight, Thomas, m.d., 1899-1908.
DwiNNELL, Clifton Howard, b.s., 1927-28,
Everett, Edward, ll.d., 1852-64.
Frothingham, Richard, ll.d., 1875-79.
Gaston, William Alexander, ll.b., 1923-27.
Green, Samuel Abbott, m.d., 1 868-78.
Greenough, William Whitwell, 1856-88.
Hall, John Loomer, a.b., ll.b., 1931-
Haynes, Henry Williamson, a.m., 1880-94.
HiLLiARD, George Stillman, ll.d., 1872-75; 76-77.
Kenney, William Francis, a.m., 1908-1921.
KiRSTEiN, Louis Edward, 1919-
Lewis, Weston, 1868-79.
Lewis, Winslow, m.d., 1867.
Lincoln, Solomon, a.m., 1897-1907.
Mann, Alexander, d.d., 1908-1923.
Morton, Ellis Wesley, 1870-73.
Murray, Michael Joseph, ll.b., 1921-26.
Pierce, Phineas, 1888-94.
Prince, Frederick Octavius, a.m., 1888-99.
Putnam, George* d.d., 1868-77.
Richards, William Reuben, a.m., 1889-9$.
Sedgwick, Ellery, a.b., litt.d., 1930-
Shurtleff, Nathaniel Bradstreet, ll.d., 1852-68.
Thomas, Benjamin Franklin, ll.d., 1877-78.
TicKNOR, George, ll.d., 1852-66.
Walker, Francis Amasa, ll.d., 1896.
Whipple, Edwin Percy, a.m., 1868-70.
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 1864; George Ticknor, in 1865; William W. Greenough,
from 1866 to April, 1888; Prof. HenRY W. Haynes, from May 7,
1888, to Mav 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 Lincoln, May 12, 1899, to October 15, 1907;
Rev. James De Normandie, January 31, 1908, to May 8, 1908;
JosiAH H. Benton, May 8, 1908, to February 6, 1917; William F.
Kenney, February 13, 1917, to May 7, 1920; Rev. ALEXANDER
Mann, May 7, 1920, to January 22, 1923; Msgr. Arthur T.
Connolly, April 13, 1923 to June 13, 1924; Louis E. Kirstein,
lune 13, 1924 to June 19, 1925; HoN. MiCHAEL J. MURRAY, June
19, 1925 to July 2. 1926; Guy W. Currier, July 2. 1926 to May
2. 1927; MsGR. Arthur T. Connolly, May 2, 1927 to June 22,
1928; Louis E. Kirstein, June 22, 1928 to June 21, 1929; Gordon
Abbott, June 21, 1929 to June 20, 1930; Frank W. Buxton,
June 20, 1930 to May 15, 1931 ; Louis E. Kirstein since May 15,
1931.
LIBRARIANS.
(From 1858 fo 1877, the chief executive officer was called Superintendent; since
1923, Director.)
Capen, Edward, Librarian, May 13, 1852 - December 16, 1874.
Jewett, Charles C, Superintendent, 1858 - January 9, 1868.
Winsor, Justin, ll.d.. Superintendent, February 25, 1868 - Septem-
ber 30, 1877.
Green, Samuel A., m.d.. Trustee, Acting Librarian, October 1 , 1 877 -
September 30, 1878.
Chamberlain, Mellen, ll.d. Librarian, October 1, 1878 - Septem-
ber 30, 1890.
Dwight, Theodore F., Librarian, April 13, 1892 - April 30, 1894.
Putnam, Herbert, ll.d.. Librarian, February 11,1 895 - April 3,
1 899.
Whitney, James L., a.m.. Acting Librarian, March 31, 1899 -De-
cember 21, 1 899 ; Librarian, December 22, 1 899 - January 3 1 ,
1903.
Wadlin, Horace G., litt.d.. Librarian, February 1, 1903 - March
15, ]9]7; Acting Librarian, March 15, 1917 -June 15, 1917.
Belden, Charles F. D., a.m., ll.b., litt.d.. Director, March
15, 1917 - October 24, 1931.
LIBRARY SYSTEM, JANUARY 1, 1931.
Departments.
fCentral Library, Copley Square .
tEasl Boston Branch, 276-282 Meridian St.
§Soulh Boston Branch, 372 Broadway .
llFellowes Athenasum Branch, 46 Millmont St.
fCharlesfown Branch, 43 Monument Square
t.Brighton Branch. Academy Hill Road .
JDorchester Branch, Arcadia, cor. Adams St.
JLower Mills Branch, Washington, cor. Richmond St.
fSouth End Branch, 65 West Brookline St.
tJamaica Plain Branch, Sedgwick, cor. South Si.
.tRoslindale Branch, 4210 Washington St.
tWesl Roxbury Branch, 1961 Centre St.
tMattapan Branch, &-10 Hazleton St. .
fNorth End Branch, 3a North Bennet St.
§Neponset Branch. 362 Neponset Ave.
§Mt. Bowdoin Branch, 275 Washington St.
§Allston Branch, 161 Harvard Ave. .
JCodman Square Branch, Washington, cor. Norfolk St
$Mt. Pleasant Branch. Vine, cor. Dudley St.
JTyler Street Branch, Tyler, cor. Oak St. .
tWest End Branch, 131 Cambridge St.
JUpham's Corner Branch, 500 Columbia Rd.
^Memorial Branch, cor. Warren and Townsend Sti
§Roxbury Crossing Branch, 208 Ruggles St. .
§Boylston Station Branch, 160 Lamartine St.
§Orient Heights Branch, 5 Butler St. .
JCily Point Branch, Municipal Bldg., Broadway
tParker Hill Branch, 1497 Tremont St. .
■f'Hyde Park Branch, Harvard Ave., cor. Winfhrop St
tFaneuil Branch, 100 Brooks St. .
§Andrew Square Branch, 394 Dorchester St.
§Jeffries Point Branch, 195 Webster St. .
IBaker Library, Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration Jan. 15, 1927
'j^Kirstein Memorial Library: Business Branch first and second floors;
Kirstein Branch third floor, 20 City Hall Ave.. . . May 7, 1930
§Phillips^ Brooks Branch, 12 Hamilton St. Readville . . . May 18, 1931
1|ln the case of the Central Library and some of the branches the opening was in a
different location from that noW occupied. * As a delivery station, 'fin building
owned by City, and cxtlusively devoted to library uses. J In City building, in part
devoted to other municipal uses. § Occupies rented rooms. ||The lessee of the Fel-
lowes AtheniEum, a private library association. .* Under agreement with Harvard.
Ti'OPENED.
May
2,
1854
Jan.
28,
1871
May
1,
1872
July
16,
1873
Jan.
5,
1874
Jan.
5,
1874
Jan.
25,
1875
*June
7,
1875
Aug.
1877
Sept.
1877
»Dec.
3,
1878
*Jan.
6,
1880
»Dec.
27,
1881
*Oct.,
1882
*Jan.
1,
1883
*Nov.
1,
1886
*Mar.
11.
1889
*Nov.
12,
1890
*Apr.
29,
1892
*Jan.
16,
1896
Feb.
1,
1896
*Mar.
16,
1896
*May
1,
1896
*Jan.
18,
1897
*Nov.
1,
1897
*June
25,
1901
*July
18,
1906
*July
15,
1907
Jan.
1,
1912
*Mar.
4,
1914
*Mar.
5
1914
»Oct.
15.
1921
CONTENTS
Report of the Trustees
Balance sheet ....
Report of the Examining Committee
Report of the Director .
Appendix to the Report of the Director
Index to the Annual Report 1931
1
22
28
33
54
71
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Parker Hill Branch Library
Mattapan Branch Library .
Map of the Library System
Frontispiece
Facing page 38
At the end
To His Honor James M. Curley,
Ma^or of the City of Boston.
Sir:
The Trustees of the Pubhc Library of the City of Boston
present the following report of its condition and affairs for the
year ending December 31, 1 93 1 , being the eightieth annual
report.
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD.
The Corporation organized at the annual meeting on May 1 5,
1931 with the election of Mr. Louis E. Kirstein as President,
Mr. Ellery Sedgwick as Vice President, and Miss Delia Jean
Deery as Clerk.
The term of Mr. Gordon Abbott who had served as a Trus-
tee since 1 926, expired on April 30. Mr. Abbott was deeply
interested in the Library and gave to it much time, and service of
the highest order. Mr. John L. Hall was appointed to succeed
him for a term of five years from May 1 , 1 93 1 .
The Library suffered a severe loss on October 24 in the death
of its Director, Mr. Charles F. D. Belden. At a meeting of the
Trustees on December 4, the following Resolution was adopted
and ordered spread upon the permanent records of the Corpo-
ration :
It was given to Charles F. D. Belden to direct the Public Library of
the City of Boston for fourteen years. Wisely and well he used the
opportunity. Assuming office with a definite and proper conception of an
institution whose privilege it is to bring knowledge and pleasure, recreation
and stimulus to a great and expanding community, he was fortunate enough
to watch the steady fulfilment of his hopes. Always in sympathy with
scholarship, he systematically increased the treasures of the Library, and
expanded the facilities for their use, but never lost sight of his fundamental
purpose of providing for all the people the means of self-enlightenment
[2]
and of enlarging self-respect. Nor did he take the narrow view of a pro-
fessional educator, but understood that the needs of a community are
infinite, that people require entertainment and distraction as well as in-
formation and knowledge. He realized that as it is the privilege of the
people to go to the Library, so it is the duty of the Library to go to the
people, and the inauguration of a policy of persistent building and main-
taining in high efficiency branch libraries throughout the city met with his
energetic support. We are grateful for the length of his service. We
are proud of the loyalty which he inspired throughout the great body of
Library employees, and we recall with satisfaction how far beyond the
limits of his city he was able to extend the Influence of his principles, and
the contagion of his enthusiasm. Charles Belden was an ornament to his
profession, and a faithful steward of his trust. We, the Trustees, who
have watched the culmination of the work to which he gave his life, are
willing witnesses to his happy and successful career, and desire to spread
upon the permanent record of our Library's history this appreciation of a
firm friend, a good citizen, and a great Librarian.
On November 24 Mr. Milton Edward Lord was informally
appointed Director to succeed Mr. Belden. This appointment
was confirmed at the meeting of the Trustees on December 4.
Mr. Lord is to assume office on February 1 , 1 932.
In February, by Chapter 50 of the Acts of 1 93 1 , the Corpo-
ration was authorized under its charter to take and to hold real
and personal property to an amount of twenty million dollars,
this being an amendment of Chapter 1 14 of the Acts of 1878
which authorized the holding of one million dollars and of a
Special Act of 1919 authorizing the holding of ten millions.
RECEIPTS OF THE LIBRARY.
The receipts which may be expended by the Trustees for the
maintenance of the Library consist of the annual appropriation
by the Mayor and City Council, and the income from Trust
Funds given to the institution and invested by the City Treasurer.
During the year 1 93 1 these receipts were :
Annual Appropriation $1,262,504.00
Special appropriations: Library Building; Fireproofing; Founda-
tions; and Branch Libraries, Establishment of . . . • 480,750.42
Income from Trust Funds ^io'nS'52
Unexpended balance of Trust Funds income of previous years . . 43.052.38
$1,813,113.80
[3]
Receipts which are accounted for and paid into the City
Treasury for general municipal purposes during the past year
have been as follows:
From fines ........
. $23,153.36
From sales of waste paper .....
141.88
From sales of catalogues, etc. .....
97.56
From commission on telephone stations
529.01
From payments for lost books .....
1,413.01
Interest on bank deposits ......
25.97
Refund
7.95
Total
$25,368.74
ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY.
The number of volumes added to the Library during the year
was 131,454, obtained chiefly by purchase, but in some part by
gift and exchange. The total number of volumes in the Library
at the close of the year was 1,572,802.
The total amount expended for books, periodicals, news-
papers, photographs, and other library material from the city
appropriation and from the trust funds income was $21 1 ,103.
The home use of books for the year was 4,702,932. The use
of material within the Library buildings for reference and study
is unrestricted, and it is therefore impracticable to record it. In
addition to the above use of the Central Library and the 34
branch libraries, there were sent deposits of books to 303 agen-
cies, including engine houses, institutions and schools.
A comparison of certain statistics with those of last year shows
an interesting increase in the work of the Library :
1930
1931
Total expenditure: city appropriation
and trust funds income
$1,168,855
$1,267,221
Expended for books and other library
material from city appropriation
and lust funds income
$181,588
$211,103
Number of volumes added
118.527
131.454
Total volumes in the Library
(on shelves)
1,526,951
1,572,802
Circulation
4,133,459
4.702.932
Card holders
160,201
171,176
ESTIMATES FOR 1932.
The estimates submitted on November 1 for the maintenance
of the Library for the year ending December 31, 1 932 were
[4]
later amended and reduced as requested on January 16, 1932.
These estimates were as follows :
Item Original estimate Amended estimate
A.— Personal service $917,219 $866,124
B. — Service other than personal 113,900 89,103
C— Equipment 214,566 195,'975
D.— Supplies 41.280 39,340
E.— Materials 24.035 20.000
$1,311,000 $1,210,542
REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS
The first two buildings erected under Your Honor's building
program for branch libraries adopted in 1930 were completed
and opened to the public : the Parker Hill Branch on May 22 and
the Mattapan Branch on June 22.
Under a special appropriation of $200,000 approved on
March 3, 1931 , continuing this program, new buildings are now
being erected in the Faneuil district of Brighton, Kilham, Hop-
kins & Greeley, Architects; in the Boylston district of Jamaica
Plain, Maginnis & Walsh, Architects; and in the Jeffries Point
district of East Boston, Thomas Williams, Architect. It is
expected that these buildings will be completed early in the
spring of 1932.
The Phillips Brooks Branch of the Library at Readville which
was closed on December 31, 1924, was reopened for public
use on May 18.
Under a special appropriation of $85,000 the platforms of
the Central Library building on Dartmouth and Boylston Streets,
and the supporting arches of the same, were reconstructed during
the summer months.
During the summer months, also, the Bates Hall Reading
Room was cleaned and redecorated, the marble floors repaired,
and certain new furniture installed.
GIFTS.
During the year the Library received a bequest of $ 1 000 under
the will of the late Helen Lambert of Boston, which w^s funded
[5]
in accordance with the terms of the same as a memorial to her
parents, Frederic and Louise Lambert; from Mrs. Benjamin
A. Kaiser, a marble replica of the statue "The Youth of Michel-
angelo" by Emilio Zocchi, which has been placed in the new
Mattapan Branch Library; and from Miss Emily Sargent and
Mrs. Francis Ormond, sisters of the late John Singer Sargent,
an original sketch by Mr. Sargent of a study for the unfinished
central panel of his mural painting in the Library, portraying the
"Sermon on the Mount."
On March 3, there was unveiled and formally presented to
the Library a memorial tablet to Charles Follen McKim, Archi-
tect, the gift of the Boston Society of the American Institute of
Architects. This tablet is on the wall of the Central Library
building at the foot of the stairs leading to the Sargent Gallery.
TTie Library received during the year, many important gifts
of books and other library material, a list of the principal ones
being included in the report of the Director.
The Trustees are again indebted to the many friends of the
Library who have contributed so generously to the lecture and
concert programs. These entertainments are now an interesting
and important feature of the Library's service to the public, and
those persons who co-operated so generously are public bene-
factors to that extent.
EXAMINING COMMITTEE.
The Trustees gratefully acknowledge the assistance given by
the Examining Committee of this year. It was constituted as
follows :
J. A. Lowell Blake Mr.
Arthur H. Cole Hon.
Frank D. Comerford Mr.
Allen Curtis Mrs.
Charles P. Curtis, Jr. Mrs.
Frederic H. Curtiss Mr.
Carl Dreyfus Dr.
Miss Susan J. Ginn Mrs.
Mr. Henry Lewis Johnson Rev.
Mr.
Mr.
Mrs
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
Mr.
George R. Nutter
James P. Parmenter
Charles O. Pengra
Elizabeth W. Perkins
Edward M. Pickman
Robert Proctor
David D. Scannell
Arthur Shurcliff
William M. Stinson. S.J.
[61
Rev. Harry L.evi Mr. Charles H. Thurber
Mr. Melville D. Liming Mrs. Fiske Warren
Mrs. Edward L. Logan Mrs. Frederick Winslow
Mrs. Eva Whiting White
li is gratifying to have the generous and helpful assistance of
citizens whenever they are asked to render service. Special at-
tention is called to the constructive report of the Committee ap-
pended to this report.
The Trustees welcome bequests of money, and hope that
generous testators may remember the Library. It is from such
sources only that they can make purchases of rare works, which
give value and rank to a great educational institution.
As a matter of interest to the public, the Board has pleasure in
listing herewith the present trust funds of the Library, with ex-
planatory notes.
TRUST FUNDS.
Art?. Fund — Donation from MiSS ViCTORINE ThoMAS ArtZ, of Chi-
cago: the income of this sum to be employed in the purchase of
valuable, rare editions of the writings, either in verse or prose of
American and foreign authors. These books are to be known as
the "Longfellow Memorial Collection." Received in 1896.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $1 0,000.00
Bates Fund — Donation made by JoSHUA Bates, of London, in March,
1853.
"The income only of this fund is to be each and every year expended
in the purchase of such books of permanent value and authority as
may be found most needful and most useful." Payable to the
Mayor of the City for the time being.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $50,000.00
Charles H. L. N. Bernard Fund — Bequest of Charles H. L. N. Ber-
nard. Received in 1 930.
Deposited in Hibernia Savings Bank . . . $2,000.00
Bigelow Fund — Donation made by JoHN P. BlGELOW in August,
1 850, when Mayor of the city.
The income from this fund is to be appropriated for the purchase of
books for the increase of the library.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $1,000.00
[7]
Robert Charles Billings Fund — Bequest of ROBERT ChARLES Bil-
LINGS.
"The sum to constitute a permanent fund for said library, to be
called the Robert Charles Billings Fund, the income only to be used
for the purpose of the purchase of books for said library." Re-
ceived in 1 903.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one quarter
per cent Bonds $11,000.00
City of Boston Four per cent Bonds . . $83,000.00
City of Boston Three and three quarters per cent
Bonds . . . ■ . . . $6,000.00
$100,000.00
Bowditch Fund — Bequest of J. Ingersoll BoWDITCH. Received in
1890.
The whole income in each and every year to be expended in the
purchase of books of permanent value and authority in mathematics
and astronomy.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-quarter
per cent Bond $10,000.00
Bradlee Fund — Bequest of the Rev. Caleb Davis Bradlee to the
Boston Public Library. Received in 1897.
Invested in City of Boston Three and one-half per
cent Bond $1,000.00
Joseph H. Center Fund — Bequest of JosEPH H. CENTER, the income
thereof to be at all times applied to the purchase of books and other
additions to the library. Received in 1905.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bonds $1,600.00
City of Boston Three and one-half per cent Bonds 32,300.00
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Three and one-half
per cent Bond 6.000.00
Cash in City Treasury, December 31, 1931. . 8.89
$39,908.89
Children's Fund — Bequest of JosiAH H. Benton of $100,000, to be
held as "The Children's Fund," and the income applied to the pur-
chase of books for the use of the young, to be applied for those pur-
poses only in years when the city appropriates for the maintenance
of the Library at least three per cent of the amount available for
department expenses from taxes and income in said city. In any year
when the city does not thus appropriate at least three per cent of the
amount available for department expenses from taxes and income in
said City, the income given in said will for the purchase of books
shall be paid to the Rector of Trinity Church in the City of Boston
[8]
to be by him dispensed in relieving the necessities of the poor.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-quarter per
cent Bond $15,000.00
City of Boston Four per cent Bond . . . 36,000.00
City of Boston Three and three-quarters per cent
Bond 6,000.00
City of Boston Three and one-half per cent Bond . 20,000.00
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Three and one-
Bond 6,000.00
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Four per cent
half per cent Bond .... 20,000.00
Cash in City Treasury, December 31, 1931 . 1 17.74
$103,117.74
Clement Fund — Bequest of the late Frank Clement, of Newton, to
be known as the "Frank Clement Fund," the income to be applied
to the purchase of books. Received in 1915.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $2,000.00
Henry Sargent Codman Memorial Fund — This is a contribution from
the friends of Henry SaRGENT Codman, to be used to perpetuate
the memory of Mr. Codman by the purchase of books upon land-
scape gardening. It is the desire of the subscribers that a special
book plate shall be inserted in each of the volumes purchased, identi-
fying it as part of their memorial collection. Received in 1 898.
Invested in City of Boston Three and one-half per
cent Bond $2,000.00
Deposited in Hibernia Savings Bank . . . 800.00
Cash in City Treasury, December 31, 1931 . 54.41
$2,854.41
Cutter Fund — Bequest of AbraM E. Cutter of four thousand dol-
lars and his library of books, the income of the fund to be expended
for the purchase of books, and for binding. Received in 1901.
Invested in City of Boston Three and one half per
cent Bond $4,000.00
City of Boston Four and one half per cent Bond . 1 00.00
Deposited in Hibernia Savings Bank ... 1 70.00
$4270.00
Elizabeth Fund — Bequest of SarAH A. MatcHETT, late of Brookline,
who died October 6, 1910, the object of which is stated in the fol-
lowing extract from her will:
"I give and bequeath to the Trustees of the Public Library of the
City of Boston, twenty-five thousand dollars, to be called the Eliza-
[9]
beth fund, to be received, held and securely invested, and only the
net income therefrom expended every year in the purchase of such
books of permanent value and authority as may be most useful in
said Library."
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $25,000.00
Daniel Sharp Ford Fund — A bequest of Daniel Sharp Ford to the
Public Library of the City of Boston. Received in 1900.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $6,000,00
Franklin Club Fund — Donation made in June, I 863, by a literary asso-
ciation of young men in Boston, who, at the dissolution of the asso-
ciation, authorized its trustees, Thomas Minns, John J. French and
J. Franklin Reed, to dispose of the funds on hand in such manner
as to them should seem judicious. They elected to bestow^ them on
the Public Library, attaching thereto only the following conditions:
"In trust, that the income, but the income only, shall, year by year, be
expended in the purchase of books of permanent value, for the use
of the free Public Library of the city, and as far as practicable of
such a character as to be of special interest to young men." The trus-
tees expressed a preference for books relative to government and
political economy.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-quarter
per cent Bond $1,000.00
Isabella Stewart Gardner Fund — Bequest of Isabella Stewart
Gardner.
"To the Trustees of the Boston Public Library, for the Brown
Musical Library, for a memorial to B. J. Lang." Received in
1924.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bonds . $5,000.00
Morris Gest Fund — Donation made by Mr. MorRIS GesT in December
1925, the gross receipts from a benefit performance for the Library
of "The Miracle", — $2,652.50, the income to be used in the in-
terest of dramatic art.
Deposited in Hibernia Savings Bank . . . $2,652.50
Green Fund — Donations of Dr. Samuel A. Green of $2,000, the
income of which is to be expended for the purchase of books relating
to American history. Received in 1878 and 1884.
Invested in
City of Boston Four per cent Bond . . . $500.00
City of Boston Three and three-quarter per cent
Bond 1000.00
Deposited in Hibernia Savings Bank . . . 500.00
$2,000.00
[10]
Charlotte Harris Fund — Bequest of CHARLOTTE HARRIS, late of Bos-
ton, the object of which is stated in the following extract from her
will: "I give to the Charlestown Public Library $10,000, to be
invested of interest, which interest is to be applied to the purchase
of books published before 1850. I also give to said Public Library
my own private library and the portrait of my grandfather, Richard
Devens." Bequests accepted by City Council, July 31, 1877,
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-quarter
per cent Bond .... . $10,000.00
Thomas B. Harris Fund — Bequest of Thomas B. Harris, late of
Charlestown, for the benefit of the Charlestown Public Library.
Received in 1 884.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $1 ,000.00
Alfred Hemenway Fund — Bequest of Alfred Hemenway. Received
in 1928.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bonds. . $5,000.00
Hyde Fund — Bequest of Franklin P. Hyde of Boston, to be known
as the "Franklin P. Hyde Fund," the income to be applied to the
purchase of books and other library material. Received in 1915.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bonds . $3,600.00
Cash in City Treasury, December 31, 1931 . 32.40
$3,632.40
David P. Kimball Fund — Bequest of David P. KiMBALL.
"I give to the Public Library of the City of Boston, the income to
be used for the purchase of books, $10,000." Received in 1924.
Invested in City of Boston Three and three-quarters
per cent Bond $1,000.00
City of Boston Four per cent Bonds . . . 6,000.00
City of Boston Four and one-quarter per cent Bond 3,000.00
$10,000.00
Louis E. Kirstein Fund — Donation of $1,000 made by Mr. Louis E.
KiRSTEiN in October 1925, "to be used for any purpose of the Li-
brary that the Trustees see fit to put it to.
October, 1925 .
October, 1926 .
November, 1927
October. 1928 .
October. 1929 .
Deposited in Hibernia Savings Bank
$1,000.00
1 ,000.00
1 ,000.00
1 ,000.00
1,000.00
$5,000.00
[Ml
Arthur Mason Knapp Fund — Extract from the will of Katherine
Knapp: "To the Trustees of the Public Library of the City of
Boston, the sum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000), to be known
as the Arthur Mason Knapp Fund, of which the income only shall
be used for the purchase of books for said library. And I hereby
request that such books be designated with an appropriate label or
inscription, bearing the name of the Fund." Received in 1914.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $10,000.00
Abbott Lawrence Fund — Bequest of AbbotT Lawrence, of Boston.
Received in 1 860. The interest on this fund is to be exclusively
appropriated for the purchase of books for the said library having
a permanent value.
Invested in City of Boston Three and one-half per
cent Bond $10,000.00
Edward Lawrence Fund — Bequest of Edward Lawrence, of Charles-
town. Received in 1 886. The following clause from his will
explains its purpose:
"To hold and apply the income and so much of the principal as they
may choose, to the purchase of special books of reference to be kept
and used only at the Charlestown branch of said Public Library."
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . 500.00
Mrs. John A. Lewis Fund — Bequest of ELIZABETH Lewis, to be known
as the Mrs. John A. Lewis Fund: "I give and bequeath to the Bos-
ton Public Library the sum of $5,000 as a fund, the income of
which is to be used for the purchase of such old and rare books as
shall be fitly selected to augment the collection known as the John
A. Lewis Library." Received in 1903.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $5,000.00
Charles Greely Loring Memorial Fund — Donation from the family of
Charles Greely Loring, the income of which is to be expended
for the purchase of books for the West End Branch. Received in
1896.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $500.00
Helen Lambert Fund — Bequest of Helen Lambert of Boston in memory
of Frederic and Louise Lambert. Received in 1931. The income
of this fund to be expended for the purchase of books and other
library material until otherwise ordered by the Board.
Deposited in Hibernia Savings Bank . .. $1,051.00
Charles Mead Fund — Bequest of ChARLES Mead, to constitute the
Charles Mead Public Library Trust Fund for the promotion of the
objects of the F^ublic Library in such manner as the government of
[12]
said library shall deem best, and so far as the government shall
deem consistent with the objects of the library to be used for the
benefit of the South Boston Branch Library. Received in 1896.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-half per
cent Bond ...... $2,500.00
Gardner O. North Fund — Bequest of Gardner O. North. Received
in 1928.
Deposited in Dorchester Savings Bank . . $2,000.00
The Oakland Hall Trust Fund — By an interlocutory decree of the
Probate Court for the County of Suffolk, the amount of $1 1 ,781 .44
v\'as received, the same being one-half of the net amount received
from the disposition of certain property held by the Trustees, under
an indenture between Amor HoUingsworth, Sumner A. Burt and
Amor L. HoUingsworth, all of Milton, Mass., and John H. Mc-
Kendry, of Boston, Mass., entered into the sixth day of August,
1870. The above amount was accepted by the City, January 2,
1 924, and the Trustees of the Public Library voted to invest the
same under the name of "The Oakland Hall Trust Fund," the
income to be applied to the purchase of books and other library
material for the Mattapan Branch.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bonds . $1 1,780.00
Cash, December 31, 1931 . . . . 1.44
$11,781.44
John Boyle O'Reilly Fund — Donation received from the Papyrus
Club to establish a fund in memory of John Boyle O'Reilly, late
member of said club, the income of said fund to be devoted to the
purchase of books for the Boston Public Library. Received in 1 897.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-quarter
per cent Bond $1,000.00
Phillips Fund — Donation made by JONATHAN PHILLIPS, of Boston,
in April, 1853.
The interest of this fund is to be used exclusively for the purchase
of books for said library.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $10,000.00
Also a bequest by the same gentleman in his will dated September
20, 1849.
The interest on which is to be annually devoted to the maintenance
of a free Public Library.
Invested in City of Boston Three and one-half per
cent Bond $20,000.00
Both of these items are payable to the Mayor of the City for the
time being.
[13]
Pierce Fund — Donation made by Henry L. PieRCE, Mayor of the
City, November 29, 1873, and accepted by the City Council, De-
cember 27, 1 873.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bonds . $3,000.00
City of Boston Three and one-half per cent Bond 2,000.00
$5,000.00
Sarah E. Pratt Fund — Bequest from Sarah E. Pratt, late of Boston,
under the 1 4th clause of her will, for the benefit of the Dorchester
Branch, $500.00. Received in January, 1922.
Distribution of residue of estate in May, 1924, $964.30.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $500.00
City of Boston Three and three-quarters per cent Bond 90.00
Deposited in Hibernia Savings Bank . . . 904. 1 8
$1,494.18
Guilford Reed Fund — Bequest of Helen Leah Reed, as a memorial to
Guilford S. Reed; the income to be applied to the purchase of books
of non-fiction.
Deposited in Hibernia Savings Bank . . $1,000.00
John Singer Sargent Fund — Balance remaining in hands of surviving
trustees of fund originally raised to install in the Library decorations
by John Singer Sargent; the income to be used for the care and
preservation of the Sargent decorations, etc.
Deposited in Hibernia Savings Bank . . $3,858.24
Scholfield Fund — Bequest of ARTHUR ScHOLFIELD, who died in New
York, January 1 7, 1 883. The interest to be paid to certain heirs
during their lives, and then to be used for the purchase of books of
permanent value. The last heir, Joseph Scholfield, died November
1 8, 1 889, and by his will bequeathed to the City of Boston the sum
of $1 1,766.67, which represents the income of said fund received
by him up to the time of his death, to which was added $33.33
accrued interest on deposit up to the time of investment, to be added
to the fund given by his brother.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bonds $34,800.00
City of Boston Four and one-quarter per cent Bond 1 8,000.00
City of Boston Four and one-half per cent Bonds 6,000.00
City of Boston Three and three-quarters per cent Bonds 3,000.00
$61,800.00
Sewall Fund — Extract from the will of RiCHARD Black Sewall:
''Tenth. — I bequeath the following pecuniary legacies clear of lega-
cy tax, namely. To the Trustees of the Public Library of the City
[14]
of Boston $25,000 to be added to their funds and the Income to be
used for the purchase of books." Received in 1918.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-quarter per
cent Bond $25,000.00
Skinner Fund — Extract from the will of Francis Skinner:
'^'^ Eleventh. — All my books and library I give and bequeath to my
son, to be enjoyed by him during his life and after his death to be
distributed as he shall appoint among such public libraries, as he
shall judge fit, and in case he makes no such appointment then to the
Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Boston.
''Sixteenth. — All the rest and residue of my said property of what-
ever kind, I give and bequeath to Augustus P. Loring and J. Lewis
Stackpole in trust to pay the net income to my son Francis Skinner,
Jr., during his life, or to apply the same to his maintenance and sup-
port, or the maintenance and support of any issue of his, as they shall
think best during his life ; and at his death to apply the income to the
maintenance and support of his issue until his. youngest child shall
reach the age of 2 1 years and then to distribute said property among
said issue, the issue of a deceased child ot take the share a parent
would have if living.
"If there shall be no issue surviving at the time of my son's death,
then to turn the said property into cash and to divide it equally
among the following legatees: The Trustees of the Public Library
of the City of Boston, the Museum of Fine Arts of Boston, Massa-
chusetts, the Massachusetts General Hospital, the Medical School
of Harvard University, and the Free Hospital for Women, Brook-
line, Massachusetts." Received in 1914.
Invested in City of Boston Three and one-half per
cent Bond ^ $40,000.00
City of Boston Four per cent Bonds . . 10,450.00
1 6 shares Worcester Street Railway Company . 1 ,280.00
Cash in City Treasury, December 31, 1931 . 2.1 4
$51,732.14
South Boston Branch Library Trust Fund — Donation of a citizen of
South Boston, the income of v/hich is to be expended for the benefit
of the South Boston Branch Library. Received in 1 879.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-quarter per
cent Bond $100.00
Mary Elizabeth Stewart Fund — Bequest of Mary ELIZABETH STEW-
ART of $3,500 to the Trustees of the Boston Public Library. The
Trustees voted under date of June 29, 1923, that the income be
applied to the purchase of books and other library material.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $3,500.00
115]
James Jackson Stonow (Harvard '57) Fund — Gift of Helen StorroW
and Elizabeth Randolph Storrow as a memorial to James Jackson
Storrow, Senior ; income to be used for the purchase of Italian books.
Deposited in Boston Five Cent Savings Bank . $10,000.00
Dorchester Savings Bank . . 5,000.00
" Suffolk Savings Bank . . 10.000.00
$25,000.00
Patrick F. Sullivan Bequest — Extract from will: "I give and bequeath
to the Trustees of the Boston Public Library the sum of five thous-
and dollars, the principal or income of said sum to be expended by
them for the purchase of Catholic standard books, said books to be
approved by the Archbishop of the diocese of Boston, Mass., or by
the President of the Trustees of Boston College, in Boston, Mass."
Received in 1908.
This bequest, together with interest amounting to $339.61 , has been
expended for books.
Ticknor Bequest — By the will of George TickNOR, of Boston, he
gave to the City of Boston, on the death of his wife, all his books
and manuscripts in the Spanish and Portuguese languages, about
four thousand volumes, and also the sum of four thousand dollars.
After the receipt of said sums the city is required to spend not less
than one thousand dollars in every five years during the twenty-five
years next succeeding (i.e., the income of four thousand dollars, at
the rate of five per cent per annum) in the purchase of books in the
Spanish and Portuguese languages and literature. At the end of
twenty-five years the income of said sum to be expended annually in
the purchase of books of permanent value, either in the Spanish or
Portuguese languages, or in such other languages as may be deemed
expedient by those having charge of the library. The books be-
queathed or purchased are always to be freely accessible for refer-
ence or study, but are not to be loaned for use outside of the library
building. If these bequests are not accepted by the city, and the
trusts and conditions faithfully executed, the books, manuscripts arid
money are to be given to the President and Fellows of Harvard
College. In order that the city might receive the immediate benefit
of this contribution, Anna Ticknor. widow of the donor, relinquished
her right to retain during her life the books and manuscripts, and
placed them under the control of the city, the City Council having
previously accepted the bequests in accordance with the terms and
conditions of said will, and the Trustees of the Public Library re-
[16]
ceived said bequests on behalf of the city, and made suitable ar-
rangements for the care and custody of the books and manuscripts.
Received in 1871.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-half per
cent Bond $4,000.00
William C. Todd Newspaper Fund — Donation by WiLLIAM C. ToDD,
accepted by order of the City Council, approved October 30, 1 897,
the income to be at least two thousand dollars a year, to be expend-
ed by the Library Trustees for newspapers of this and other countries.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $25,000.00
City of Boston Three and three-quarters per
cent Bond $25,000.00
$50,000.00
Townsend Fund — Donation from William Minot and William Minot,
Jr., executors of the will of Mary P. ToWNSEND, of Boston, at
whose disposal she left a certain portion of her estate in trust for such
charitable and public institutions as they might think meritorious.
Said executors accordingly selected the Public Library of the City
of Boston as one of such institutions, and attached the following con-
ditions to the legacy: "The income only shall, in each and every
year, be expended in the purchase of books for the use of the library ;
each of which books shall have been published in some one edition
at least five years at the time it may be so purchased." Received in
1879.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $4,000.00
Treadwell Fund — By the will of the late Daniel Treadwell, of
Cambridge, late Rumford Professor in Harvard College, who died
February 27, 1872, he left the residue of his estate, after payment
of debts, legacies, etc., in trust to his executors, to hold during the
life of his wife for her benefit, and after her decease to divide the
residue then remaining in the hands of the Trustees, as therein pro-
vided, and convey one-fifth part thereof to the Trustees of the Public
Library of the City of Boston.
By order of the City Council, approved May 17, 1 872, said beuqest
was accepted and the Trustees of the Public Library authorized to
receive the same and invest it in the City of Boston Bonds, income
of which is to be expended by said Trustees in such manner as they
may deem for the best interests of the Library.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-quarter per
cent Bonds $4,000.00
City of Boston Four per cent Bonds . . . 9,850.00
Cash in City Treasury, December 31, 1931 . 37.69
$13,987.69
[17]
Tufts Fund — Bequest of Nathan A. Tufts, of Charlestown, to be
known as the "Nathan A. Tufts Fund," the income to be appHed
at all times to the purchase of books and other additions to the hbrary
to be placed in the Charlestown Branch. Received in 1 906.
Invested in City of Boston Three and one-half
per cent Bond $100.00
City of Boston Four per cent Bonds . . . 9,400.00
Deposited in Hibernia Savings Bank . . 600.00
Cash in City Treasury, December 31, 1931 . 31.77
$10,131.77
Twentieth Regiment Memorial Fund — Donation on account of the
Twentieth Regiment Memorial Fund, the income to be used
for the purchase of books of a military and patriotic character, to be
placed in the alcove appropriated as a memorial to the Twentieth
Regiment. Received in 1 89 7.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-quarter per
cent Bond $5,000.00
Wales Fund — Extract from the will of GeoRGE C. Wales:
"After the foregoing bequests I direct that the sum of five thousand
dollars be paid to the Trustees of the Public Library of the City of
Boston, the same to be held, managed and invested by them, so as
to produce an income, and the said income to be applied to the pur-
chase of such books for said Library as they may deem best." Re-
ceived in 1918.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-quarter per
cent Bond $5,000.00
Mehitable C. C. Wilson Fund. — Bequest of MehiTABLE C. C. WiL-
SON, the income to be expended for the purchase of books for the
Boston Public Library. Received in 1913.
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bonds . $1 ,000.00
Whitney Funds — Bequests of James Lyman WhitneY, who died Sep-
tember 25, 1910.
Alice Lincoln Whitney Fund — - The twelfth clause of his will di-
rected that: One-tenth of said remaining income of the principal
fund, I direct to be paid to the Trustees of the Public Library of the
City of Boston, to be held and accumulated by said Trustees and
permanently invested and re-invested. The first five thousand dollars
of income so accumulated, including the income thereon arising
during the period of accumulation, I request to be funded in the
name of my sister, Alice Lincoln Whitney, and the income of said
fund after its accumulation or so much of said income as may be re-
quired, to be paid to such employees of the said Library, who are
[18]
sick and in need of help, as the Trustees may in their discretion deem
most worthy (there are often such cases). Any amount of income
from said accumulated fund not needed for the purpose just men-
tioned shall be used for the purchase of books and manuscripts.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-quarter
per cent Bonds $1,000.00
City of Boston Four per cent Bonds . . 4,000.00
$5,000.00
James Lyman Whitney Fund — The Alice Lincoln Whitney Fund
having been established, all amounts of income of the principal fund
paid to said Trustees, after the accumulation of said fund of five
thousand dollars shall be held as the James Lyman Whitney Fund,
and invested and re-invested and the income used in equal shares,
one share for the purchase of rare and expensive books, and one share
for the purchase and care of manuscripts; one half at least of the
share devoted to manuscripts to be expended for their cataloguing
and proper care.
Invested in City of Boston Four and one-half per
cent Bonds $1,200.00
City of Boston Four and one-quarter per cent Bonds 2,500.00
City of Boston Four per cent Bonds . . 12,050.00
City of Boston Three and three-quarter per cent Bonds 800.00
Deposited in Hibernia Savings Bank . . 3,686.89
$20,236.89
In addition to the above Mr. Whitney created a trust, directing that
of the net income seven hundred dollars a year be paid to the Trus-
tees of the Public Library of the City of Boston, to be expended on
bibliographic work for the benefit of the Library.
Central Library Building Fund — Donations in response to an appeal by
the Trustees in April, 1925, setting forth the needs of the Library,
from :
Percy Lee Atherton $ 25.00
William York Peters 25.00
. John T. Spaulding 100.00
Invested in City of Boston Four per cent Bond . $150.00
Donations — Besides the preceding, the following donations have been
made to the Public Library, and the amounts have been appro-
priated for the purchase of books, according to the intention of the
donors, viz. :
J. Ingersoll Bowditch $6,800.00
Carried forl^ard $6,800.00
[19]
Brought jor^ard . . ' . . . . $6,800.00
Samuel Appleton, late of Boston ... 1 ,000.00
Sally Inman Kast Shepard .... 1,000.00
James Brown, late of Cambridge . . . 500.00
Andrew Carnegie ..... 980.75
Nathaniel I. Bowditch 200.00
James Nightingale 100.00
Dorchester and Milton Circulating Library, for the
benefit of the Dorchester Branch Library . 335.13
$10,915.88
RECAPITULATION OF PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUST FUNDS.
Arfz Fund $ 10,000.00
Bates Fund 50,000.00
Charles H. L. N. Bernard Fund 2.000.00
Bigelow Fund 1,000.00
Robert Charles Billings Fund 100,000.00
Bowditch Fund 10,000.00
Bradlee Fund 1,000.00
Joseph H. Center Fund 39,908.89
Central Library Building Fund 150.00
Children's Fund 103,117.74
Clement Fund 2,000.00
Henry Sargent Codman Memorial Fund ...... 2,854.41
Cutter Fund 4,270.00
Elizabeth Fund 25,000.00
Daniel Sharp Ford Fund 6,000.00
Franklin Club Fund ' . . . 1 ,000.00
Isabella Stewart Gardner Fund 5,000.00
Morris Gest Fund 2,652.50
Green Fund 2,000.00
Charlotte Harris Fund 10,000.00
Thomas ,B. Harris Fund 1,000.00
Alfred Hemenway Fund 5.000.00
Hyde Fund 3,632.40
David P. Kimball Fund 10,000.00
Louis E. Kirstein Fund 5,000.00
Arthur Mason Knapp Fund 10,000.00
Helen Lambert Fund 1,051.00
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
Gardner O. North Fund 2,000.00
The Oakland Hall Trust Fund 11,781.44
Carried forward $445,918.38
[20]
Brought forward $445,918.38
John Boyle O'Reilly Fund 1,000.00
Phillips Fund 30,000.00
Pierce Fund 5.000.00
Sarah E. Pratt Fund 1,494.18
Guilford Reed Fund 1,000.00
John Singer Sargent Fund 3,858.24
Scholfield Fund 61,800.00
Sewall Fund 25,000.00
Skinner Fund . 51.732.14
South Boston Branch Library Trust Fund ...... 100.00
Mary Elizabeth Stewart Fund . 3,500.00
James Jackson Storrow (Harvard '57) Fund ...... 25.000.00
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
Wales Fund 5,000.00
Alice Lincoln Whitney Fund ........ 5,000.00
James Lyman Whitney Fund ........ 20,236.89
Mehitable C. C. Wilson Fund 1.000.00
$773,759.29
The Trustees desire to express publicly their high appreciation
of the loyal co-operation of the entire staff during the period when
the Library was without a Director. Such service contributes
largely to the permanent success of the Library.
Louis E. Kirstein
Ellery, Sedgwick
Frank W. Buxton
ArthiUR T. Connolly
John L. Hall
BALANCE SHEET
[22]
BALANCE SHEET, RECEIPTS AND
Dr.
Central Library and Branches:
To expenditures for
Permanent employees (exclusive of Printing
and Binding employees)
Temporary employees ....
To expenditure for equipment
Machinery
Motorless vehicles
Furniture and fittings
Office
.Books:
City appropriation
Trust fund income
(including transfer to
London account)
Newspapers: *
City appropriation
Trust funds income
Music :
City appropriation
Trust funds income
Lantern slides:
City appropriation '
Trust funds income
Periodicals (city)
Photographs :
City appropriation
Trust funds income
Tools and instruments
General plant equipment
Carried foTTDard
176,848.33
19,985.03
L598.99
2,182.78
886.73
1.155.23
57.00
9.50
58.83
927.01
$653,994.84
121,336.67
Service other than personal
•
Printing and binding ...... 67.75
Advertising
33.25
Transportation of persons
1,899.13
Cartage and freight .
8.080.36
Light and power
21,231.25
Rent, taxes and water
22,805.61
Surety bond and insurance
12.50
Communication
3,697.63
Cleaning
1,681.08
Removal of ashes
21.20
Removal of snow
240.55
Medical
4.50
Expert
5.571.22
Fees
77.00
Photographic and blueprinting
625.14
General plant repair
s
48.842.97
1,239.96
106.50
5.631.91
2.114.92
196.833.36
3.781.77
2.041 .96
66.50
14.790.73
985.84
M 49.73
1.715.08
$775,331.51
114.891.14
230,458.26
$1,120,680.91
[23]
EXPENSES, DECEMBER 31, 1931
Cr.
By City Appropriation 1931 $1,262,504.00
Income from Trust funds ...... 26,807.00
Income from James L. Whitney Bibliographic account 700.00
Interest on deposit in London . . . . • . 74.39
Transfer from Domestic Funds to London account . 9,000.00
Special appropriation, Foundation, improvements, etc. 85,000.00
Special appropriation, Branch Libraries, Establishment of 268,000.00
$1,652,085.39
Carried forward
$1,652,085.39
[24]
BALANCE SHEET, RECEIPTS AND
Dr.
Brought forrvanl
To expenditures for supplies
Office
Food and ice
Fuel
Forage for animals
Medical
Laundry, cleaning, toilet
Agricultural
Chemicals and disinfectants
General plant supplies
To expenditures for material
Building
Electrial
General plant
$1,120,680.91
To Special items
J. L. Whitney Bibliographic Account
A. L. Whitney — sick benefit .
To Binding Department
Salaries
Light
Repairs
Equipment
Supplies
Material
Stock
Outside work
To Printing Department
Salaries
Transportation of persons
Light
Communication
Repairs
Equipment
Supplies
Material
Stock
Outside work
9,839.47
776.31
23.151.37
31.45
41.44
2,428.38
331.75
.161.13
2,711.17
6,393.09
4,544.32
1 ,630.30
1,480.18
100.00
63,268.68
67.86
446.36
4,599.88
26.45
6.28
5,941.91
16.40
14,386.98
2.40
45.24
3.03
404.95
237.50
41.56
2.25
4.592.13
310.54
39,472.47
12,567.71
1,580.18
74,373.82
20,026.58
Carried forTvard
$1/268.701 .67
[25]
EXPENSES. DECEMBER 31, 1931
Cr.
Brought forxvarj ......
By Balances Brought Forward from 1930:
Trust funds income, City Treasury .... 39,156.04
Trust funds income on deposit in London . . . 3,896.34
City appropriation on deposit in London . . . 2,647.49
James L. Whitney Bibliographic account . . • 9.058.33
Special appropriation, Fireproofing, improvements, etc 26,786.15
Special appropriation. Foundation, improvements, etc. 534.92
Special appropriation. Branch Libraries, Establishment of 108,429.35
$1 ,652,085.39
190,508.62
Carried forward
$1,842,594.01
[26]
BALANCE SHEET, RECEIPTS AND
Dr.
Drought forward ....
To Special Appropriations:
Branch Libraries, Establishment of .
Central Library Building,
Fireproofing, improvements, etc. .
Transfer to Branch Libraries, Establishment of
Central Library Building,
Foundation improvements, etc.
To Amount Paid into City Treasury:
Fines
Sales of catalogues, bulletins .
Commission on telephone stations
Payments for lost books .
Interest on bank deposit .
Refunds
Sales of waste paper
To Balance, December 31, 1931 :
Trust funds income on deposit in London ,
City appropriation on deposit in London .
Trust funds income, City Treasury .
James L. Whitney Bibliographic account .
To Balance Unexpended:
General appropriation ....
Central Library Building, Fireproofing, etc.
Central Library Building, Foundation, etc.
Branch Libraries, Establishment of .
254,871.40
1,874.05
8,000.00
53,049.20
$1,268,701.67
254,871.40
9,874.05
53.049.20
23,153.36
97.56
529.01
1,413.01
25.97
7.95
141.88
693.97
3,117.39
49,805.86
8,278.15
23,246.55
16,912.10
32,485.72
121.557.95
25,368.74
61 ,895.37
194,202.32
$1,867,962.75
127]
EXPENSES. DECEMBER 31, 1931
Brought forward ......
By Receipts:
From Fines ....... $23,153.36
Sales of catalogues, bulletins and lists . . . 97.56
Commission on telephone stations .... 529.01
Payments for lost books ...... 1,413.01
Interest on bank deposit ...... 25.97
Refunds 7.95
Sales of waste paper ...... 141.88
Cr.
$1,842,594.01
25,368.74
$1,867,962.75
Report of the examining committee
To THE Trustees of the Public Library
OF the City of Boston.
Gentlemen:
The Examining Committee respectfully submits its report for
the year 1 93 1 . The twenty-six members appointed by you have
been divided into six sub-committees, each of w^hich has per-
formed the w^ork assigned to it in examining the various depart-
ments of the Main Library, and of visiting and reporting on the
condition of all the Branch Libraries.
From the various reports of these sub-committees, which re-
ports will be filed with you for specific data, this general report
has been compiled.
I. It is a pleasure to record the notable and splendid improve-
ments made during the past year. The Bates Hall Reading
Room at the Central Library has been cleaned and redecorated ;
new furniture has been added, and the floors repaired. The
platform at the Central Library and the supporting arches have
been reconstructed. The first branch library buildings, erected
under the Mayor's Building Program, have been opened: the
Parker Hill Branch on May twenty-second, and the Mattapan
Branch on June twenty-second.
II. The making of two surveys is recommended : First, a study
of the annoying problem of stolen books ; Second, of the grading
of the positions and salaries of the library staff.
III. We recommend that the following repairs and alterations
be made as soon as financial conditions permit :
The basement storerooms should be furnished with steel
shelving and be further extended towards Exeter Street under
[29]
the platform on the Boylston Street side. The improvements
now in progress in the hghting system in the Annex should be
continued. The need of a mezzanine floor on the east side of the
Branch Libraries Department urged in previous reports of the
Examining Committee, is again called to the attention of the
Trustees. The lighting of the Abbey and Sargent paintings
should be improved. We renew the recommendation made last
year that the Children's and Teachers' Department be removed
to the rooms now occupied by the Catalogue and Order Depart-
ments; that these two departments be transferred to the space
occupied by the Printing and Binding Department, which might
find quarters outside the building or on a new floor to be added
to the Annex. Both the Cataloging and Order Departments are
seriously handicapped by the lack of proper facilities, and yet the
efficiency of any large library is largely dependent on the proper
functioning of these two most important sections. Present con-
ditions really present an acute problem to which the Trustees
may well give serious consideration.
IV. The Committee wishes to place before the Trustees the
question of the proper position of the Boston Public Library as a
research institution. A movement is on foot among the libraries
of Boston and Cambridge for a greater degree of collaboration
in this field than has hitherto obtained.
The purpose of this m.ovement is to secure by joint effort a
better aggregate result in facilities available to advanced in-
vestigators than would be possible by unorganized endeavor.
The Boston Public Library is richly supplied with collections
and material for advanced study, and this committee feels that
the Trustees should decide what stand the Library should take in
this important matter. Under this heading the committee wishes
to record its high approval of the series of the articles appearing
in the monthly publication, MoRE BooKS on the incunabula
in the possession of the library. It is to be hoped that the splen-
did series will be continued and later brought out as a separate
publication.
V. It is desirable that a survey be made of the material in the
Teachers' Room. It has been brought to the attention of the
[30]
committee that this highly important room in the Central Library
might increase its usefulness if the volumes reserved there were
improved in quantity and quality. Possibly the text books of the
Boston Schools could be transferred to shelves in the nearest
stack, and the space thus secured be utilized in the broadening
of the reference library maintained in the Teachers' Room.
VI. The w^ork done in the Printing and Binding Departments
is notably creditable. This year's record shows an increased out-
put for the binding, and the inspection of the work in hand gives
an impression of workmanship and materials such as best meet
the exacting requirements of library service. The committee
approves the suggestion of the head of the department that a
method of more expeditious stamping of titles on covers be in-
stalled in place of the hand operation now in use. In the Barton-
Ticknor Room the bindings of many volumes are drying and
cracking because of the close proximity to the steam pipes. These
pipes should be covered with asbestos. The sad condition of
many of these books might be obviated or at least partially helped
by the installation of humidifiers at a small cost. The leather
bound volumes in this room should be treated with an oil dress-
ing to counteract the effect of the heat. A simple rubbing with
Russian oil, or even with vaseline or saddle soap would show a
noticeable improvement in the appearance of these books. The
more valuable volumes should be placed without delay in the
hands of an expert binder for treatment. This, in the mind of
the committee is simple economy.
The heating conditions of this beautiful room call for atten-
tion. The complaint is made that there is a constant current of
cold air coming from the rotunda at the west end of the gallery.
This difficulty might be overcome if swinging doors were placed
at the end of the gallery opening into the rotunda. Before go-
ing to the expense of installing swinging doors it might be well
to try a curtain in this opening to see if any result was appreciable.
VII. Some one should read over the terms of gift of all funds
which the library has received, and should make excerpts of the
important clauses of the original documents and these excerpts
should be copied on cards to form a card catalogue. It may be
[31]
found that some of these funds which are not particularly needed
for the primary purpose stated in the deed of gift, may be avail-
able, within the discretion of the Trustees, for some other and
more necessary purpose.
VIII. The one recommendation concerning the Statistical De-
partment is that a more suitable entrance be provided. The present
entrance, through the door leading directly to the men's toilet
room, is most undesirable, to say the least. The suggestion is
made that a direct approach to the Statistical Room might be
gained by using the top of the North Terrace as an approach and
by the breaking in of a door through the wall at the west end of
this terrace. This of course is merely a suggestion offered in
deference to an architect's approval. But something should be
done to remedy the entirely undesirable condition at present
existing.
IX. Attention is again emphatically called to the need of im-
provement in the Fine Arts and Technical Rooms. The present
conditions in these rooms are far below the standard that ought to
characterize the Boston Public Library. The cumbrous wooden
cases and shelving not only increase the fire risk but lessen to a
notable extent the space available for readers and make access
to many of the volumes extremely difficult. These rooms ought
to be refinished to harmonize with the work already done in the
Barton-Ticknor and Music sections.
X. The reports of the visits to the Branch Libraries have been
made in such a splendid and satisfactory way and with such
manifest interest that this committee thinks it best to offer them
to the Board of Trustees just as they were submitted and to
respectfully ask that the Trustees give to the reading of these
reports the same whole hearted attention and interest as were
manifested by those who took so much time and trouble in com-
piling them. From these various reports, this committee wishes
to emphasize two facts alone : First, the urgent need of consider-
ing the situation of the South Boston and City Point Branches;
Second, the present condition of the Neponset Branch.
XI. In submitting this report the committee respectfully offers
the following suggestions for future Examining Committees :
[32] •
That the Examining Committee be appointed much earher in
the year, so that the work may be done during the fall months.
That a fixed date be made for the reports and that this date
be not later than December first.
That a circular of instructions be given to the Examining
Committee, so that the members may understand what is ex-
pected of them.
That each Branch Library be visited by two, instead of five,
members of the Committee. This would reduce the number of
libraries to be visited by each committee to two or three instead
of six or seven as at present.
That the work of the various sub-committees be more clearly
defined. Under the present division the work of some of these
committees seems to overlap, e.g. Administration and Finance
with that of Buildings and Equipment, which latter in turn over-
laps with that of Special Libraries.
It appears to the Committee that the present method of paying
the employees of the Library is decidely wasteful of their tinae.
If the Trustees shall agree with this and find that another method
would be at once practical and meet the wishes of the employees,
we in that case suggest that the matter be taken up with the proper
authorities.
Adopted as the Report of the Examining Committee, March
15, 1932.
J. A. Lowell Blake George R. Nutter
Arthur H. Cole James P. Parmenter
Mary M. Comerford Charles O. Pengra
Allen Curtis Elizabeth W. Perkins
Charles P. Curtis, Jr. Hester Pickman
Frederic H. Curtiss Robert Proctor
Carl Dreyfus David D. Scannell
Susan J. Ginn Margaret H. Shurcliff
Henry Lewis Johnson Charles H. Thurber
Harry Levi Gretchen Warren
Melville D. Liming Mary W. Winslow
Cecilia F. Logan Eva Whiting White
William M. Slinson, S.J., Vice Chairman
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR
To THE Board of Trustees :
I submit a report of the work of the Library for the year end-
ing December 31, 1 93 1 , compiled from the reports of the chiefs
of the various departments.
ACCESSIONS AND GIFTS
The total number of volumes accessioned in the library system
in 1 93 1 was 1 3 1 ,454, acquired as follows : 1 1 9,5 1 5 by pur-
chase; 2,044 by binding of periodicals; 1,524 by binding of
serials; 268 by binding of newspapers; 8,032 by gift; and 71 by
exchange. Material other than books — lantern slides, photo-
graphs, prints, phonograph records, maps, etc., — amounted to
21,902 pieces, of which 3,181 were by purchase and 18,721 by
gift. The total of volumes and pieces accessioned was 1 53,356.
Of the 131,454 volumes accessioned, 27,199 were placed in
the Central Library, 1 ,749 in the Business Branch, and 1 02,506
in the branch libraries in which, throughout this report, the Branch
Deposit Collection is included.
The total amount expended was $211,103.24 of which
$190,556.01 was taken from city appropriation and $20,547.23
from trust funds income. Of the 128,925 items paid for,
124,024 were paid for from the city appropriation and 4,901
from trust funds income. The total number of items acquired
by purchase, and of purchases accessioned differ because sub-
scriptions to periodicals, newspapers, and serials in unbound parts
are counted as items of purchase, but the material received on
these subscriptions is not entered as an accession until it is bound.
Of the $190,556.01 expended from the city appropriation
$145,695.17 was for the branch libraries and $44,860.84 for
the Central Library. Of the $44,860.84 expended from the
[34]
city appropriation for the Central Library $9,638.48 was for
the Business Branch. Of the $20,547.23 expended from trust
funds income $1,602.43 was for the branch libraries and
$18,944.80 for the Central Library.
In spite of the expenditure for books of a sum much greater
than that originally anticipated, the demand and need was by no
means satisfied.' As always a very large part of the branch
demands for all classes of material could not be satisfied. Many
more copies of popular titles and many other titles, both separate
and serials, particularly foreign material, could profitably have
been bought for Central if the appropriation had allowed.
The income of trust funds is our dependence for the purchase
of rare and unusual books to augment our scholarly collections.
We are constantly being approached with offers of desirable
rarities that we cannot buy through lack of such funds, and we
are for the most part excluded from participation in the bidding at
important auction sales. The purchase in 1929 of the Trent-
Defoe Collection for $35,000.00 and, in 1930, of the Paul
Sabatier Franciscan Collection for $3,434.82 so reduced our
reserve of trust funds income that no extensive purchases could
be made in 1931 .
The average cost per volume of all books bought with city
appropriation in 1931 was $1.48; in 1930, $1.53; in 1929,
$1.51 ; in 1928, $1.56. The average cost per volume of all
adult English fiction was $1.38 in 1931 ; $1.46 in 1930; and
$1.47 in 1929.
Below appears a small, representative selection of outstanding
purchases, all made from the income of trust funds upon which
we are wholly dependent for material of this sort :
British Museum, London. General Catalogue of printed books. London.
1931. Vols. 1 and 2, A-Ale. (The entire set, about 160 vols.,
is to appear at the rate of about 20 a year.)
Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de. Don Quixote de la Mancha. Motteux
translation, revised anew ( 1 743) and corrected ... by J. Ozell,
who likewise added the explanatory notes . . . Reprinted with
twenty-one illustrations by E. McKnight Kauffer. New York.
1930. 2 vols.
Cotton, Charles. The planters manual: being instructions for raismg,
planting, and cultivating all sorts of fruit-trees, whether stone-fruits
[35]
or pepin-fruits, with their natures and seasons . . . Engraved frontis-
piece by Van Hove. London. 1 675. From the Library of Bever-
ly Chew, with his bookplate.
Curtis, Edward S. The North American Indian, being a series of volumes
picturing and describing the Indians of the United States, the Do-
minion of Canada, and Alaska . . . New York. 1926, 1930. Vols.
1 7-20 and portfolios of plates, 1 7—20. (These volumes complete
the set in 20 volumes and 20 portfolios that has been appearing
since 1910.)
Dresser, Henry Eeles. Eggs of the birds of Europe, including all the
species inhabiting the western Palaearctic Area. London. 1910.
2 vols. Illustrated. Colored plates.
The Farmers Almanack (corrected and amended) for the year 1714.
By N. W. [Nathaniel Whittemore] a lover of the truth. America.
Printed and sold at the bookseller's shops at Boston in New-
England. 1714. 8 leaves. A very rare and early issue of a Boston
almanac. In remarkably fine condition, uncut, unopened, in half
morocco slip case. A woodcut portrait of Queen Anne on the title
page.
The Fleuron; a journal of typography. London. The Fleuron. 1923—28.
Vols. 1—6. (These volumes complete the set of the publication,
the Library having previously acquired Vol. 7, the final volume
issued.)
Goodspeed, Charles E., editor. Sidney Lawton Smith, designer, etcher,
engraver; with extracts from his diary and a check-list of his book-
plates. Boston. 1931.
Haebler, Conrad. Der deutsche (2 vols.), der italienische, (2 vols.),
der westeuropaische Wiegendrunck (I vol.) in Original-Typen-
beispielen. Miinchen. 1927—1928.
Herbert, Henry William (pseud., Frank Forester). Ingleborough Hall,
and Lord of the Manor. New York. 1 847 ; Hints to Horsekeepers,
etc. New York. 1859; and fifty-six other volumes by the same
author, a part of the library of Harry Worcester Smith, bought to
augment the Library's already moderately extensive collection of
works by this first noted American writer of sporting literature.
James, Philip. Early keyboard instruments from their beginnings to the
year 1 820. London. 1 930. Illustrated. Portrait. Sixty-five
plates. Chart. Music. Table.
Mather, Cotton. Right thoughts in sad hours, representing the comforts
- and the duties of good men under all their afflictions; and particu-
larly that one, the untimely death of children, in a sermon delivered
at Charles-town, New England; under a fresh experience of that
calamity. London. 1 689.
[36]
Mercator. Geraard. The treatise of Gerard Mercator: Literarum Latin-
arum, quas Italicas, cursoriasque vocant, scribendarum ratio (Ant-
werp, 1540), Edited in facsimile with an introduction by Jan
Denuce, Antwerp, and a note by Stanley Morison, London. Fac-
simile. Antwerp. 1930. Plates. Diagrams. Printer's device. (Num-
ber 4 of an edition of 200 copies.)
Mujica, Francisco. History of the skyscraper. Paris. 1929. Plates.
New England Association of America. Clippings, circulars, photographs,
announcements, programs, etc., concerning the celebration of the
Massachusetts Tercentenary, 1930. Scrapbooks (some indexed.)
25 vols.
Parker, Theodore. A manuscript, without title, of a History of the
Jews. Contains a note in Parker's own hand, "I wrote this Mss.
at Watertown in May and June 1 832 after the school hours. It
was written with the intention of supplying a want which I felt as a
teacher. But I found no publisher willing to undertake it." Signed
and dated, Watertown, 1 832.
Photographs. Three hundred airplane views of estates, gardens, and
parks selected as examples of landscape architecture for the Henry
Sargent Codman Memorial Collection.
Poley, Arthur F. E. St. Paul's Cathedral, London. Measured, drawn
and described by Arthur F, E. Poley. London. 1927. 32 plates.
Vignettes. Autograph facsimile.
Rolland, H. W. Armoires des families contenues dans I'Armorial general
de J. B. Rietstap. Paris. 1 903—26. 6 vols. Coats of arms. En-
graved title-page.
Wigglesworth, Michael. Meat out of the eater: or meditations concern-
ing the necessity, end, and usefulness of afflictions unto God's chil-
dren, all tending to prepare them for, and comfort them under the
cross. 5th edition. Boston. 1717.
A bequest of $1 ,000 from the late Helen Lambert of Boston
was received and funded as "The Helen Lambert Fund in
memory of Frederic and Louise Lambert." The income is to be
used for the purchase of books and other library material until
otherwise ordered by the Board of Trustees.
In contrast with the year of 1930, 1931 was not a year of
large gifts of material, but 8,032 volumes and 19,721 miscel-
laneous items were received and used. A list of the more im-
portant items may be found on page 67 of the appendix.
Accessioning the Sabatier collection and the miscellaneous
section of Professor Trent's library was completed. Consider-
able time was devoted to handling gift material.
[37]
CATALOGUE AND SHELF DEPARTMENT
During 1931 the number of volumes and parts of volumes
catalogued was 137,292, covering 108,106 titles. Of these,
48,961 volumes (29,723 titles) were taken care of in the Cata-
logue Department and 88,331 volumes (78,383 titles) were
assigned to the branch libraries and catalogued in the Central
Branch Department.
Of the books catalogued in the Catalogue Department 28,764
volumes and parts (22,640 titles) were new to the Central Li-
brary; the number of serials added was 7,361 ; and 12,836
volumes and parts (7,083 titles) were recatalogued — thus
making the total quoted above.
The number of printed cards added to the catalogue of Cen-
tral Library alone was 74,224, distributed as follows: 27,778
were filed in the Bates Hall catalogue, 30,831 in the official
catalogue, and 15,615 in the Special Libraries Department In
addition, 26,268 new printed cards were used for compiling
bibliographies or for the larger part set aside for such use in the
future; from this number, cards were also sent as usual to the
Library of Congress. The total of new printed cards was thus
100,492.
In order to hasten the appearance of new books in the cata-
logues 23,1 77 temporary cards have been typed and filed, later
to be replaced by printed cards. As a result of this practice
titles of recent acquisitions have been filed in the catalogues as
soon as the books have been placed on the shelves. For the use
of the Editor in making up the list of new books in More
Book., 1 0,904 cards have been typed. Beginning with Novem-
ber, titles of new books have been sent to a Boston newspaper
requesting them for its Sunday edition. To replace old cards
3,290 other cards were typed. Changes were made and new
editions were indicated on 55,725 cards, a larger number than
has ever been done before.
In addition to the above 75,756 printed cards and 1 1,395
typed cards were added in the branch catalogue.
The number of requests for photostats of books, plates, maps
and manuscripts was about the same as last year.
[38]
In addition to the routine work of the Shelf division the mis-
cellaneous section of the Trent Collection has been classed, a
classification schedule for the Lewissohn Collection has been
completed and the cataloguing of the Collection begun. A
classification schedule for the Sabatier Collection has been pre-
pared and the cataloguing begun.
Three shelf lists have been retyped and revised, while a
fourth is nearly completed. The invoice sheets of books sent on
deposit to the Harvard Business School Library have been in-
dexed in order to save time in looking up items which are ques-
tioned.
REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT
On January 1, 1931 there were 160,201 "live" cards, i.e.,
cards available for present use. Through the Central Library
and its 34 branches, there have been added 34,717 new regis-
trations and 53,254 renewals, making a total of 87,971 cards
added during the year. With the 83,205 cards added during
1930 we have a total of 1 71 ,1 76 "live" cards on December 31 ,
1931 ; a gain of 10,975 over last year.
During the past year 1 ,591 teacher's cards have been renewed
and 341 new cards issued, making a total of 1,932 teacher's
cards now in use.
Special privilege cards, issued by the Trustees, have been
granted to 86 new applicants, and 4 1 2 renewed, making a total
of 498 special privilege cards available for use.
ISSUE DEPARTMENT
The number of books issued during the year for home use
from the Central Library direct to readers was 350,675, an in-
crease of 1 6,355 over last year.
In addition to these, 87,529 volumes from the Central Library
were lent to the various branch libraries for issue to readers by
them. These are accounted for also in the report of the branches.
>
rr, >
[39]
The average daily circulation not including the books which
went through the branches was 985. The largest circulation on a
single day, February 27, was 1 ,849. The number of works of
fiction circulating was 153,168. Between June 1st and October
1 st, for summer reading, 966 books were issued for an extended
period.
A large amount of miscellaneous work has been done by
assistants in the stacks. In all, 69,618 books were relabelled,
1 ,942 volumes were repaired, 2,596 book covers were shel-
lacked, 984 Central and 8,440 Deposit books were collated.
To secure the return of books which were over-detained,
40,056 mail notices and 4,096 messenger notices were sent out.
The fines collected for these delays amounted to $4,895.99. For
1 1 1 lost and 29 damaged books $255.43 were paid to the
Library.
This department handles also the articles lost and found in the
building; 710 articles were found of which 165 were returned
to the owners. Sums of m.oney amounting to $12.00 found in the
Library were likewise returned to the owners.
A special collection was established in the Issue Department
of books which were found difficult to keep on the shelves in
the stacks. This collection is made up of translations from the
classics, text books, books of general interest and other miscel-
laneous material. It has proved itself a success. Books from it
are delivered to the borrowers three or four minutes after the
presentation of the request slips.
BATES HALL
During the year 271 ,301 books were sent from the stacks for
use in Bates Hall, a decrease of 3,444 volumes as compared with
the previous year. This decrease is easily explainable. It was
necessary to close Bates Hall from June to October for purposes
of renovation. In the latter part of June the reference collection
was moved into the Library's Lecture Hall which was used as a
substitute reading room. The reference desk and the public
catalogue were moved into the Delivery Room. The attendance
[40]
fell off materially. The reference collection was situated too far
from the public catalogue and the public refused to be incon-
venienced by using the Lecture Hall. This condition continued
until late in September when the renovation of Bates Hall was
completed. New desks were provided and the Centre Desk
was relocated in front of the main entrance to the hall. Another
decided improvement was the placing of the pneumatic tubes
beside the indicator at the Centre Desk. This lessened con-
siderably the time required to obtain books from the stacks.
A separate desk was provided for the officer in charge of the
Centre Desk and the administration of the hall. Some changes
were made in the location of sections of the reference collection.
The maximum attendance for the year was 301 at 5 p.m. on
January 25.
The work of the Reference Department did not differ from
that of previous years. The usual number of inquiries, both in
person and by telephone, were answered, and 490 letters, coming
from 4 1 states and territories and several foreign countries, were
answered. The number of books officially missing from the
reference shelves was less than in 1 930, and 32 books previously
reported as missing, were found.
The Division of Genealogy completed its fifth year of service
and entered its sixth year in new quarters at the north end of the
hall. This change in arrangement has provided more space for
works on genealogy and heraldry. Since research in these fields
is one of the most popular branches of reference work, this new
arrangement has been greatly appreciated by the public. There
are now 1 ,270 volumes on the shelves, 780 of which are devoted
to American genealogy and 490 to English genealogy and
heraldry. In the course of the year, 224 letters have been
answered. There has been no diminution in the requests for
coats-of-arms and as in previous years pencil sketches have been
made in response to requests for this material.
The Readers' Adviser office has been open from one to two
hours for three afternoons and two evenings a week. There have
been few formal reading courses followed under the supervision
of the office but many existing oudines have been recommended
[41]
for independent reading. A number of the "Reading with a
Purpose" series have been recommended. Forty Hsts comprising
824 titles were typed and sent to readers. Assistance has been
rendered on from 15 to 20 club programs. Eight displays for
the Adult Education program have been posted during the year.
PUBLICATIONS
More Books, the bulletin of the Library, has completed its
sixth year under this title. Ten issues were published in 1 93 1 .
In all, the bulletin comprised 464 pages, 64 pages less than in
1930. Seven numbers were printed in 4000 copies of each
issue; of the April and May numbers, 3000, and of the October
number, 5000, copies were printed.
As in earlier years, each issue of MoRE Books has carried
a leading article on the book treasures of the Library or on some
topic of library interest, and occasionally illustrated with fac-
simile reproductions. The publication of a detailed descriptive
catalogue of fifteenth century books in the Library has been con-
tinued ; three installments having been published during the year
in the May, June and December issues. The eight installments
which have so far appeared covered the early books printed in
Germany and Italy. About six more installments will be needed
to cover the books published in France, The Netherlands, Spain
and England. Bibliographers, collectors and other book-lovers
of early printed books have manifested great interest in this list.
Several other articles may be mentioned here: the June issue
contained an essay about the Defoe collection — perhaps the
most complete collection of Defoe's works in existence — ac-
quired by the Library from Professor William P. Trent of
Columbia University. In the February issue, the Washington
collection bequeathed to the Library in 1929 by the late Mr.
Walter Updike Lewisson, was described. Two articles, one in
the September and the other in the October issue, were devoted
to the Sabatier collection of Franciscan literature, also recently
acquired by the Library. Three or four other articles will be
devoted to this unique collection, unequalled in America for
[42]
opportunities for research in the field. All these essays were
original contributions written especially for More Books. In
March the bulletin published, besides, an address on Charles
Follen McKim given by Mr. Charles Moore, Chairman of the
National Commission of Fine Arts, on the occasion of the dedi-
cation of a memorial tablet to Charles Follen McKim in the
Boston Public Library. In the June issue, an address, "Why
Read?" by Mr. George H. Evans, Librarian of the Somerville
Public Library, was published.
"Ten Books" and "Library Notes", popular features of the
bulletin, have been continued. In the first, ten of the outstand-
ing new books are reviewed in an informative, rather than a
critical, manner; in the latter, fine editions and other important
new acquisitions are described in brief paragraphs, and library
news of public interest and communications from the Director's
Office are published.
The articles and notes in all occupy 202 pages out of the
total of 464. The rest were used for the classified lists of new
books.
Bibliographical lists have been printed as in former years for
the lectures and concerts of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, as
well as for the free concerts given in the Lecture Hall of the
Library.
The Library's annual publication, "Opportunities for Adult
Education", was issued in the first week in September in an
edition of 2000 copies. The booklet consisted of 149 pages.
The list of lectures given in the Boston Public Library was pub-
lished in a separate pamphlet of eight pages.
INFORMATION OFFICE AND OPEN SHELF ROOM
The circulation of books from the Open Shelf Room in 1931
amounted to 53,805 volumes as compared with 50,1 77 volumes
in 1930, an increase of 3,628 volumes. The Open Shelf col-
lection numbers approximately 4,200 volumes and is fixed at that
figure by the present shelf capacity. Inaugurated eleven years ago
as an experiment, the non-fiction open shelf idea has met with
the complete approval of the reading public. The circulation
[43]
figures show that there is an average monthly turnover well In
excess of the size of the collection itself.
NEWSPAPER AND PATENT ROOMS
The total number of papers on file is 247, a decrease of three in
the course of the past year. Of this number, 1 80 are American
and 67 foreign. There are 1 96 dailies and 5 1 weeklies.
The collection of bound newspapers consists of 10,034
volumes, of which 286 were added during the year. There were
19,545 readers who consulted 34,914 volumes. Provision has
been made to construct shelving under the reconstructed plat-
form of the library for storage of some of the early newspaper
files. It is estimated that this new shelving will make available
storage space for about ten years' growth in newspaper files.
The patent collection consists of 13,035 volumes, an increase
of 881 volumes over last year. During the year 19,198 readers
used 1 1 1 ,865 volumes. It is quite impossible to record the actual
use of books on the Open Shelf since these shelves are accessible
to the public. Five hundred forty-six volumes of patent specifi-
cations were taken from the shelves and photostat copies were
made from them in answer to requests from attorneys and other
users of the patent files. The great majority of these requests
were for copies of British and German patents.
PERIODICAL ROOM
The number of bound volumes on the shelves in the depart-
ment at the end of the year was 23,797. The current periodicals
regularly on file, exclusive of those issued by state and federal
governments, number 1 ,324. In addition, there are on file for
use by readers in other departments current periodicals relating
to the fields of knowledge covered by these departments. There
are 1 59 titles in the Fine Arts, Technology, and Music Divisions
of the Special Libraries Department, 27 in the Ordering Depart-
ment, 51 in the Statistical Department, 63 in the Teachers'
Reference and Children's Rooms, making a total for the Library
of 1 ,624 periodicals.
[44]
The past year has been the busiest one in the history of the
department. This department is well equipped to provide refer-
ence material in response to requests for biography, book reviews,
current events, debate material, magazine history, short stories
and clippings on special topics. Students are using periodicals
extensively and during the winter months the room is over-
crowded, making it difficult to give efficient service to everyone.
SPECIAL LIBRARIES
The circulation of books from this department was 37,514
volumes, an increase of nine percent over the record year of 1 930.
This figure, however, does not by any means represent the actual
use of the department's collections as the large number of books
sent out on branch requests is not included, and, except in the Bar-
ton Ticknor Division where 12,134 volumes were consulted, no
account can be kept of the books used for reference or hall use.
The school picture collection had a circulation of 25,258, a
slight decrease from last year's total due to a lessened call from
the branches, which an increased issue in the division did not
quite offset. The loans of lantern slides amounting to 13,108,
shows a gratifying gain of 3,562, over last year which it is hoped
to increase still further as the size and scope of the collection
become better known. The "Clipping Collection" of pictures,
much used by artists, was made over on a new scheme of arrange-
ment and greatly enlarged.
The Music Division has continued the issue of its "Aids to
the Study of Symphonic Music" to supplement the weekly lec-
ture on the programs of the Boston Symphony Orchestra; and
has arranged several exhibitions of musical material including
the interesting notebooks of the "Schelling Concerts for Chil-
dren".
STATISTICAL DEPARTMENT
The work of the Statistical Department has increased during
1 93 1 notwithstanding the fact that the department continues to
[45]
function under serious handicaps. The reading room is very
small and the seating capacity entirely inadequate to accommo-
date the growing daily attendance. During the busy hours
patrons are obliged to resort to the use of the window seats, stools
and in some cases even the attendants' desks.
The circulation of books for home and hall use totalled 5,006
in 1931, as compared with 4,700 in 1930. The greatest gain,
however, showed in the number of persons who used the depart-
ment and in the steady growth in reference work. The atten-
dance was 14,992 in 1931, as compared with 12,724 in 1930.
The number of reference questions totalled 3,916 in 1931 as
compared with 1,905 in 1930. No record is kept of the books
used in the department from the open shelves, nor of the atten-
dance and reference work during the 34 hours of evening and
Sunday service each week.
Statistics for last summer showed that the number of books
sent from the department for use in Bates Hall decreased ap-
proximately one half, whereas the attendance doubled in the
department during the time the reference collection was located
temporarily in the Lecture Hall. These figures indicate that an
entrance from the main building through the departments having
elevator service would be of great advantage to the department
and convenience for the public.
There were 1,146 volumes added to the collection, making a
total of 27,199 volumes in the Statistical Department at the
close of the year. The Department received approximately
8,234 publications as gifts, of which 98 were received from the
American Statistical Association.
Research workers and business people have found the collec-
tion an invaluable source of reference, especially the extensive
file of American and British documents. In the present business
depression, people are showing much interest in economic con-
ditions and in following closely the financial and business ques-
tions of the day. Co-operation with the schools, colleges and
other organizations is maintained and books are assembled and
held on reserve for classes at the request of instructors.
[46]
WORK WITH CHILDREN
During the year 1931 the home use of children's books
throughout the library system amounted to 1,902,744, an in-
crease of 1 62,772 over the previous year.
By authority of the Trustees, intermediate cards were issued
to young people 1 4 years of age from the first of May. These
cards allow a borrower adult privileges with the single exception
of permission to withdraw seven-day fiction. They are exchange-
able at 1 6 years for the regular adult borrower's card. As this rule
allows four books to be issued to boys and girls, it has contributed
to the greater circulation of adult fiction. Children have flocked
to the libraries everywhere more than ever before not only for
books to take home but also to have comfortable quarters in
which to read or study.
The different holidays have been observed by exhibitions and
book displays, culminating in the annual book week activities in
which organizations all over the country participated in the
month of November. Conforming to the nation-wide plan the
Children's Department followed during that week the theme
"Around the world in books", displaying books that bore a re-
lation to international friendship or gave an understanding pic-
ture of countries other than our own.
The Children's work has benefited markedly by the com-
pletion of the new buildings at Mattapan and Parker Hill where
the circulation of children's books was almost double that of
1930, and the use of the rooms for study and reference work
exceeds anything ever known at those branches.
The central children's room fulfils a slightly different function
from those in the branch libraries, inasmuch as it is called upon
for reference material for students of children's literature and for
book lists and advisory service by correspondents. Short lists of
books were prepared and printed for use during book week. A
number of editions of junior high school reading lists were made
ready for the printer. The Supervisor addressed on the subject
of children's reading some 1 4 groups outside the Library besides
conducting two classes on the same general theme for members
of the staff.
[47]
The Library sent deposit collections to 741 teachers to be used
as classroom libraries in the public and parochial schools. These
books were taken from the deposit collection at Central Library
and from 1 5 branches in which the juvenile book stock has been
developed with this end in view. The requirements of the schools
and the strain that they place on the Library's resources consti-
tute a difficult problem in co-operation. The Library is unable
to provide libraries for all the classrooms in the city schools.
Instruction in the use of library reference books has been
given to many classes from the schools in different children's
rooms and good co-operation with the schools exists in other
respects.
In the 20 years since the Library started story hours there
has never been a time when the children responded more eagerly
than they have during the past year. The unusual craving for
stories of the imagination is an indication that the story hour is
taken as a release from the hard realism of present conditions.
Such constructive v/ork is building for the future no less than
alleviating the privations of today.
An undertaking of considerable value was started in March
when the collection of books in the Teachers' Room was re-
classified according to the Library of Congress system. The
assistant in charge of the room, acting under the supervision of a
committee from other departm.ents, carried this work to a satis-
factory conclusion. Subsequent use of the room is proving the
workability of this classification even in a small specialized col-
lection of books.
THE BRANCH SYSTEM
The total circulation through the branch libraries and the cen-
tral Branch Department for the year was 4,339,064. This is
a gain of 546,082.
The total branch circulation is made up of the following items :
3,375,021 books were issued for home use directly from the
branches; 476,514 books were issued to schools and various in-
stitutions, partly from collections of the branches (186,062)
[48]
and partly from the branch deposit collection in the Central Li-
brary (290,452) ; and finally in response to calls from the public
at the various branches — 62,804 from the deposit collection,
and 23,725 from the stacks at the Central Library.
Of the 3,775,021 volumes drawn out for home use directly
from the branches, 1,926,923 w^ere for adults and 1,848,098
for juveniles. Among the books for adults there w^ere 1 ,503,842
volumes of fiction and 423,081 of non-fiction. Among the books
for juveniles there were 1,255,640 volumes of fiction and
592,450 of non-fiction.
The number of volumes sent on deposit from the central col-
lection and froih branch libraries to 320 agencies was 89,049.
Among these agencies were 1 7 branches, 47 engine houses, 4
high schools, 209 grammar schools, 14 parochial schools and
29 institutions of various kinds. To 227 schools 64,978 volumes
were sent in all. Last year the number of agencies was 324 and
the number of volumes sent on deposit was 90,284 ; to 2 1 9 schools
66,509 books were sent in 1930. Besides books, 36,007 pic-
tures were sent to schools.
The inter-library loans amonted to 2,817 volumes: 2,389
books to libraries in Massachusetts and 428 to libraries outside
the state. In all, 2,41 2 applications were received, of which 870
had to be refused.
Thirty of the branches gained in circulation. The greatest
gains were at Parker Hill, Mattapan, Memorial, Allston, Cod-
man Square, City Point, East Boston and Faneuil Branches.
The largest circulation reached in a branch was 213,320 and
the lowest 43, 1 96. The increase of 1 4.4% in the circulation of
books through the branch system is gratifying.
On May 1 8 the Phillips Brooks Memorial Library reopened
its doors in the building located at 1 2 Hamilton Street, Read-
ville. This branch was closed December 31,1 924, as many
alterations were needed in order to make it possible for the li-
brary to function satisfactorily. The building is now in admirable
condition and is the most attractive small branch in the system.
Although the population of Readville numbers approximately
[49]
only 3,000 people, 25,713 volumes were circulated between the
date of opening and the 3 1 st of December.
On May 25 the Parker Hill Branch was opened in its new
building, designed by Cram & Ferguson, on a corner of the
Mission Hill playground. That the public has appreciated the
beautiful building and the fine collection of books placed at its
disposal is evidenced by a notable increase in the number of
volumes circulated during the period from June 1 to the end of
the year.
On June 22 the new Mattapan Branch Building, designed by
Putnam & Cox, 8-10 Hazleton Street, was opened to the pub-
lic. From the point of view of ease of operation this branch has
the best floor layout of any of the branches. From July 1 to
December 3 1 a marked increase in circulation resulted here as
at the Parker Hill Branch.
BUSINESS BRANCH
At the close of 1 930 there were 8,008 volumes in the branch.
During 1931 1,749 volumes were added, making a total of
9,757. Eight hundred and thirty pamphlets were also added.
The pamphlet file contains some of the most up-to-date and use-
ful reference material.
The branch has made a good growth in use as compared with
the eight months it was open in 1 930. The average daily atten-
dance from May to December, 1930, was 438; in 1931 for the
same period it was 607. The largest single day's attendance in
1930 was 662; in 1931 it was 903. No other library of this
type has more than one half the number of users.
Two new methods of publicity were started during the year.
The Library editor has edited a list of new Business Branch
books for MoRE BoOKS, and a monthly list of the more im-
portant reference and circulating books added during the previous
month is mimeographed the first of each month. Five hundred
copies of this mimeographed list are taken by the public before
the end of the month. Several copies of this list are sent to some
[50]
of the large firms which have hbrarians, for distribution among
the departments.
The window exhibits have been kept going all year with a
change of display every three weeks. The assistance of a pro-
fessional window dresser has been invaluable in making the
windows attractive.
LIBRARY TRAINING CLASS
The fourth year of the Library Training Class opened Mon-
day, September 29, 1 930 and closed Saturday, June 18, 1 93 1
with a membership of 1 7 regular students and four special stu-
dents. Courses were given in reference work, library adminis-
tration, classification, cataloguing, children's literature and book
selection.
For the course in reference work about 260 standard refer-
ence books were studied and discussed. Problems were assigned
the class, giving them opportunity to do actual fact finding and
thus put to practical use the knowledge acquired. Talks were
given on meeting the public and on methods of research.
The course in library administration began with a study of the
noteworthy features of the library as described in the "Hand-
book of the Library." A talk on the American Library As-
sociation was given by the Supervisor, and its code of ethics for
librarians was read and discussed. There followed a series of
lectures by the Director and the heads of departments in which
each explained the various activities under his jurisdiction. Three
lessons in book-mending were conducted by the head of the
Branch Bindery Division. A lecture on standard charging
systems in use in other libraries v/as given by Miss Florence
Blunt, Assistant Professor of Library Science at Simmons Col-
lege. Visits were made to Boston publishing houses and book-
stores, to the Business Branch, the State Library, and the Boston
Athenaeum. The functions of the State Division of Public
Libraries was explained by Miss E. K. Jones and Miss E. L.
Jones, and Miss Edna Phillips talked to the class upon work
with new Americans.
[51]
The object of the course in classification was to give some
comprehension of the problems involved in arranging books upon
library shelves. The emphasis was laid upon the necessity in
modern times for a logical expansive and flexible order in which
related subjects would be near one another and general works
upon a single topic would be followed by specific works upon
each of its phases ; an order which admits of the intercalation of
new subjects and the placing of new editions of a work on the
shelf beside the previous edition. Lessons on modern systems of
classification were given. With the decimal classification of
Melvil Dewey as a basis, each student acquired practical ex-
perience by classifying and assigning call numbers to three or
four hundred books.
A course in cataloguing is indispensable to anyone who has
occasion to use the catalogue of a large library, including as it
does not merely a knowledge of what information should be
found upon a catalogue card but the principles of subject head-
ings, cross references, analytic and other additional entries, and
filing. Practice in cataloguing actual books was given two
mornings a week for five months.
A course in children's literature was designed to give general
assistants some acquaintance with the different types of books
included in children's libraries everywhere. During the 30 les-
sons the class studied and discussed the source material of tra-
ditional literature, national epics, legends, mediaeval romance
and poetry. It then passed on to modern books written for
children. The course aims to teach the principles governing the
selection of books for boys and girls and to give students a dis-
criminating sense of values.
The aim of the course in book selection is to stimulate in each
student both the desire for wide acquaintance with all types of
books and the ability to aid in the selection of books for others.
The students did considerable reading and handed in written
reviews every week. They also familiarized themselves with
standard bibliographies and suggestive lists and made bibliogra-
phies of their own. In the 66 class periods books of information,
inspiration, and recreation were reported on orally and discussed
[52]
and the principles of evaluation applicable to each type were
formulated. The Supervisor lectured on literary history and the
theoretical aspects of choosing books for a library. During the
course additional lectures were given by outsiders and members
of the staff.
BINDERY
The am.ount of work turned out by the Bindery was the
greatest in the history of the department. A total of 74,216
volumes were bound as compared with 65,860 in the previous
year. Eighty-three thousand two hundred and fifty-four library
publications were forwarded, stitched and trimmed. The total
number of pieces of work was 1 77,786.
MECHANICAL AND OTHER REPAIRS
The usual program of maintenance and repair work was
carried on and many needed improvements were made in the
system. The largest undertaking of the year was the recon-
struction of the platform in front of the building. This platform
was relaid and the space beneath it will afford the library a most
valuable storage space. Construction of shelving for bound
volumes of newspapers has already started. The walls and
ceiling of Bates Hall were cleaned and redecorated. While
this work was in progress, a new terazzo floor was laid and the
furniture — tables, bookcases, chairs and book shelving —
refinished. New desks were installed for the staff. Ornamental
iron gates were placed in two of the entrance doors.
Minor repairs were made to the roof. The power plant was
tested during the year and very excellent results obtained. Dur-
ing the year 474,559 kilowatt hours were generated and 1 ,582
tons of coal consumed, showing a marked saving over the previous
year. The boilers were all inspected and tests made on them
to the satisfaction of the State Boiler Inspector. Flow meters
were installed at the inlet and outlet to the boilers. The con-
dition shown was so satisfactory that the accuracy of the meters
[53]
was doubted. The meters were checked and cahbrated but still
the same excellent results were obtained. Boiler furnaces were
rebuilt and many grates installed. Elevators were inspected and
tested to conform to all existing laws, and all safety devices
operated satisfactorily. New cables were put on the Annex
freight elevator and the service elevator. The book railway
registered 154,702 round trips during the year.
The lighting system was improved in the Annex book stacks
and in the Statistical Department by the substitution of Holo-
phane units for drop cord lights. New electric fixtures were in-
stalled in the Patent Room, adding much to its appearance. Fire
prevention equipment was tested and proved to be in operating
order. Six new fire hose stations were established in the Annex
building, which, with the interconnection of the telephones on
the switchboard at night, makes the building safer from the under-
writers' point of view. The painting force accomplished much
during the year in the Central and in the branch libraries, reno-
vating walls, ceilings, and furniture in many rooms in the central
building and in 1 1 branches. About 400 chairs were repaired
and refinished during the year.
CONCLUSION
During the year only one person retired under the Boston Re-
tirem.ent Act, namely Grace L. Murray, librarian of the Hyde
Park Branch who retired voluntarily on October 31. Miss
Murray entered the service on January 1, 1895.
On October 24, 1 93 1 there occurred the sudden and untime-
ly death of the Director, Mr. Charles F. D. Belden, who had
served in that capacity since March 15, 191 7. His faithful and
loyal service was well described in the resolution adopted by the
Trustees at their meeting of December 4, 1931 and which is
printed in full at page 1 of this volume of reports.
This report is respectfully submitted in his stead by his suc-
cessor.
Milton E. Lord,
Director
APPENDIX
TABLES OF CENTRAL AND BRANCH CIRCULATION
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
Central Library
644,896
657,977
678.834
676,240
698,627
728,656
Business Branch
6,157
13.193
Allsfon
74.297
81,984
86,960
97,445
108,557
137.709
Andrew Square
89,662
92.926
104,563
110.225
116,196
128,337
Boylston Station
71,261
68.196
81,405
80,097
79,946
94,306
Brighton
101,286
98,907
96,586
92,223
103,145
121,032
Charlestown
107,562
110,069
105,659
100,483
100,914
119,637
City Point
51,154
54,232
56,686
83,558
97,264
122,619
Codman Square
145,001
1 56,559
157,498
153,372
158,881
186,386
Dorchester
100,188
101,957
109,553
99,255
102,790
115,810
East Boston
138,691
140,379
151,099
145.759
1 57,746
180,859
Faneuil
43,782
50,212
60,143
72,005
78,436
90,424
Fellowes Athen.
85,151
89,479
91,463
88,381
85,739
93,970
Hyde Park
98,147
107,168
110,679
108,512
120,878
127,888
Jamaica Plain
73,117
85,261
86.398
85,935
95,895
118,561
Jeffries Point
58,218
61 .893
63,185
62,111
70,768
75,459
Kirstein
18,020
43,196
Lower Mills
32,274
35,835
38,428
44,730
52,279
59,692
Mattapan
69,364
95,085
124,374
133,210
139,723
187.669
Memorial
147,263
171.034
178,142
180,344
1 78,467
213.320
Mt. Bowdoin
125,907
129,487
132,424
134,008
134,310
151.456
Mt. Pleasant
59,101
66,315
72,367
72,167
76,956
82,795
Neponset
43,349
48,331
48,639
51.228
57,043
60,986
North End
137,896
143,381
146,616
145,201
145,326
1 58.333
Orient Heights
58,913
55,625
49,01 5
42,571
56,954
60,512
Parker Hill
43.719
45,862
51,412
56,209
60,815
112.308
Phillips Brooks
*25,7I3
Roslindale
105,074
113,150
122,260
124,995
130,268
151,956
Roxbury Crossing
62,462
77,770
78,269
78,803
80,022
69,034
South Boston
169,625
170,911
181,376
171,805
163,266
161.244
South End
118,315
116,226
117,982
123,794
124,352
122,870
Tyler Street
43,421
39,868
42,875
46,058
51,195
59,163
Upham's Corner
126,010
152,140
171,260
169,027
184,595
201,701
West End
169,142
175,683
183,887
180,854
177,125
189,543
West Roxbury
104,889
111,754
119,249
3,899,286
119.463
3.930,068
120,804
4,133,459
136,595
Total 3,499,137 '
3,705,657 :
4,702,932
*For eight months. May through December,
[55]
The net gains in circulation are presented, apart from the
totals, in the following form:
VOLUMES
1926* gain over preceding year
(of 1 1 months) ,
. 369,356
1927 gain over preceding year
306,520
1928 gain over preceding year
193.629
1929 gain over preceding year
30,782
1930 gain over preceding year
203,391
1931 gain over preceding year
569,473
USE OF BOOKS
Circulation from Central by Months
January.
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September '
October
November '
December '
1931
Totals
HOME USE
SCHOOLS AND
HOME USE
INSTITUTIONS
THROUGH
TOTALS
DIRECT
THROUGH
BRANCH DEPT.
BRANCH DEPT.
34,382
8,894
31.365
74,641
32.433
7,998
32,180
72,61 1
36.859
9,166
32,917
78,942
31,105
7,605
33,596
72,306
27,777
6,751
32,542
67,070
21,483
5,701
33,770
60.954
20,576
5,061
6,660
32,297
20,116
4,713
6.454
31,283
22,778
5,661
6.525
34,964
32,749
8,591
14,349
55,689
35,612
8,473
27,587
71,672
34,805
8,915
32,507
76.227
350.675
87.529
290.452
728.656
Distribution of Total Circulation
Central Library:
a. Direct ....
h. Through Branches
1. Deposit Collections .
2. General Collections .
c. Schools and Institutions through
Branch Department
Business Branch
Branches:
Allston
Andrew Square
.Boylston Station . . .
Carried forward 360,352
Gain over an approximation of preceding twelve months 233,279.
HOME
USE
schools AND
INSTITUTIONS
TOTALS
350.675
63,804
23,725
290.452
728,656
13.193
137.709
128,337
94,306
....
137.709
128.337
94.306
360,352
[56]
Brought forjvard
360,352
360,352
Brighton .... 104,710
l'6!322
121.032
Charlestown
108.767
10,870
119.637
City Point
122.619
....
122,619
Codman Square
174.770
11,616
186,386
Dorchester
112.335
3,475
115,810
East Boston
160,206
20,653
180.859
Faneuil
90,424
....
90,424
Fellowes Athenaeum
80.590
13,380
93,970
Hyde Park
120.687
7,201
127.888
Jamaica Plain
104.390
14,171
118,561
Jeffries Point
75,459
• • • •
75,459
Kirstein
43,196
■ • • •
43.196
Lower Mills
59,692
• • • >
59,692
Mattapan
187,669
187,669
Memorial
212,976
' 344
213,320
Mount Bowdoin
151.456
• • • «
151.456
Mount Pleasant
82.795
* • • •
82,795
Neponset
60,986
• . • .
60.986
North End
157.281
1,052
1 58.333
Orient Heights
60,512
• • ■ •
60,512
Parker Hill
112,308
• • • •
112,308
Phillips Brooks
25.713
• • > •
25,713
Roslindale
142.894
9,062
151.956
Roxbury Crossing
69,034
69,034
South Boston
137,782
23^462
161.244
South End
119.092
3.778
122,870
Tyler Street
59.163
59.163
Upham's Corner
201,435
' 266
201.701
West End
1 57.950
31,593
189,543
West Roxbury
117,778
18,817
136,595
3,775,021
186,062
3,961 .083
These figures are condensed into the following:
Books Lent for Home Use, including Circulalion through
Schools and Institutions
From Central Library (including Central Library books issued through
the branches) .........
From Business Branch ..........
From branches (excluding books received from Central Library) .
728,656
13.193
3.961.083
Total 4.702,932
Comparative 1 930
Central Library circulation (excluding
schools and institutions)
Direct home use .... 334,320
Through branches . . . 87,347
Carried forward 421.667
350,675
87.529
1931
438,204
[57]
Comparative 1930 1931
Drought forward 421.667 438.204
Business Branch 6,157 13,193
Branch libraries circulation (ex-
cluding schools and institutions) . . . 3,218,102 3,775,021
Schools and institutions circulation (in-
cluding books from Central through
the Branch system) 487,533 476.514
4.133.459 4,702.932
Under the inter-library loan system with other Hbraries the
following use of books for the purpose of serious research is
shown for two successive years:
Volumes lent from this Library to other libraries in Massachusetts
Lent to libraries outside of Massachusetts .....
Total
1930
; 2.250
525
1931
2,389
428
2.775
2,817
711
159
692
178
Applications refused:
From libraries in Massachusetts ....
From libraries outside of Massachusetts
Total 870 870
The classified direct circulation of the branches was as follows,
for two successive years :
1930
1931
VOLUMES
PERCENTAGE
VOLUMES
PERCENTAGE
Fiction for adults .
1,187,898
36.9
1.503.842
39.8
Non-fiction for adults
346,959
10.7
423.081
11.2
Juvenile fiction
1,151,244
35.4
1,255,640
33.3
Juvenile non-fiction
532.001
17.0
592,458
15.7
At the Central Library the classified direct circulation shows
the following percentages:
1930 1931
PERCENTAGE
PERCENTAGE
45.2
43.7
54.8
56.3
Fiction ......
Non-fiction ......
BOOK ACCESSIONS
BOOKS ACQUIRED BY PURCHASE
For the Central Library 1930 1931
From City appropriation . . . 12.484 15,309
From trust funds income . . • 4,511 2,962
Carried forward 16,995 18,271
[58]
Brought forji>ard
T branches:
From City appropriation
From trust funds income
80.529
308
16.995
80.837
97.832
100.124
1,120
18.271
101.244
119.515
The following statement includes the accessions by purchase
combined with books received by gift or otherwise :
CENTRAL BRANCHES
Accessions by purchase
Accessions by gift
Accessions by exchange
Accessions by periodicals bound
Accessions by newspapers bound
Accessions by serials bound
Totals
18,271
6,866
18
2,001
268
1,524
28,948
101,244
1,166
53
43
102.506
VOLUMES
TOTAL
119,515
8,032
71
2,044
268
1.524
131,454
THE CATALOGUE
1930
VOLS. AND TITLES
PARTS
Catalogued (new) :
Central Library Catalogue
Serials
Branches
Recatalogued
Totals
30,108
6.004
86,319
9,213
21,508
76.127
6,247
VOLS
PARTS
28,764
7.361
88,331
12,836
1931
AND TITLES
22,640
78383
7,083
131.644 103,882 137,292 108,106
SHELJ DEPARTMENT
The number of volumes shelved and thus made available for
public use, taken from the report of the Shelf Department, is :
Placed on the Central Library shelves during the year:
General collection, new books (including continuations) . . . 26,555
Special collections, new books and transfers ...... 3.585
Books reported lost or missing in previous years but now found, transfers
from branches, etc ......... 2.245
32,385
Removed. from Central l^ibrary shelves during the year:
Books reported lost or missing, condemned copies not yet replaced, trans-
fers, etc. 14,026
Net gain at Central Library ........ 18,359
Net gain at Branches .......... 25,774
Placed in Business Branch . . . . . . . . . 1,718
Net gain entire library system .,......, 45,851
[59]
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
J 853-54
1854-55
1855-56
1856-57
1857-58
185&-59
1859-60
1860-61
1861 62
1862-63
1863^64
1864-65
1865^6
1866-67
1867-68
1868-69
1869-70
1870-71
1871-72
1872-73
1873-74
1874-75
1875-76
1876-77
1877-78
1878-79
1879-80
1880-81
1881-82
1882^3
1883-84
1884-85
1885
1886
1887
1888
1889
1890
1891
9,688
1892
16,221
1893
22,617
1894
28,080
1895
34,896
1896-97
70,851
1897-98
78,043
1898-99
85,031
1899-1900
97,386
1900-01
105,034
1901-02
110,563
1902-03
116,934
1903-04
123,016
1904-05
130,678
1905-06
136,080
1906-07
144,092
1907-08
152,796
1908-09
160.573
1909-10
179,250
1910-11
192,958
1911-12
209,456
1912-13
260,550
1913-14
276,918
1914-15
297,873
1915-16
321,010
191^17
345,734
1917-18
360,963
1918-19
377,225
1919-20
390,982
1920-21
404,221
1921-22
422,116
1922-23
438,594
1923-24
453,947
1924-25
460,993
1925
479,421
1926
492,956
1927
505,872
1928
520,508
1929
536,027
1930
556,283
193!
576.237
597,152
610,375
628,297
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 ,098,702
1,121,747
1,139,682
1.157.326
1,173,695
1,197,498
1,224,510
1,258,211
1.284,094
1.308,041
1.333,264
1,363,515
1 ,388,439
1,418.489
1 ,442,802
1.475.743
1,526.951
1 ,572,802
Volumes in entire library system ........ ' .572,802
Volumes in the Business Branch ....... 9./2o
Volumes in th'e branches .......•• 465,54/
These volumes are located as follows :
Central Library .
. 1,097.529
Charlestown
Business Branch .
9.726
City Point .
Allston
10,320
Codman Square
Andrew Square .
9,214
Dorchester
Boylston Station .
9,422
East Boston
Brighton
21,340
Faneuil
16,122
10,659
15,991
15,361
23,512
9,728
[60]
Fellowes Athenaeum
39.769
Orient Heights .
7,554
Hyde Park .
30,973
Parker Hill
10.907
Jamaica Plain
18,320
Phillips Brooks .
2,594
Jeffries Point
6,909
Roslindale
13,224
Kirstein
5,300
Roxbury Crossing
5,324
Lower Mills
6,478
South Boston
22,342
Mattapan
14,136
South End .
12,672
Memorial
20.126
Tyler Street
6.907
Mt. Bowdoin
12,665
Upham's Corner
15,913
Mt. Pleasant
7,514
West End .
24.027
Neponset
6.522
West Roxbury
20,725
North End
12,977
THE BINDERY
Number of volumes bound in various styles
Magazines stitched ....
Volumes repaired . ....
Volumes guarded ....
Maps mounted .....
Photographs and engravings, etc. mounted
Library publications folded, stitched and trimmed
THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT
Requisitions received and filled ....
Card Catalogue (Central Library) :
Titles (Printing Department count) .
Cards finished .......
Card Catalogue (Branches) :
Titles (Printing Department count) .
Cards finished ......
Signs .......
Blank forms (numbered series) ....
Forms, circulars, and sundries (outside numbered series)
Catalogues, pamphlets, and bibliographical programmes
1930
1931
65,860
74,216
121
106
1,262
1,949
358
674
126
281
7,534
6,433
111,086
83,254
1930
1931
163
166
8.670
6,924
91.597
100,492
688
792
67,974
75,765
213
237
2,923,150
2,421,334
50,420
67,750
103,836
79.550
LECTURES — CONCERTS
Under the auspices of the Library 1 32 free concerts, lectures,
and entertainments were given in the Lecture Hall of the Cen-
tral Library. A noteworthy contribution to our musical programs
of the year was the series of six concerts given by the Gordon
String Quartet through the generosity of Mrs. Elizabeth Sprague
Coolidge. These concerts were given afternoons and evenings
on the 3rd, 10th, and 1 7th of May, the afternoon concerts being
given in the South End Branch Library and the evening concerts
in the Central Library Lecture Hall.
[61]
THE LECTURES OF 1931
All lectures, except those marked with an asterisk (*), were
illustrated with lantern slides or motion pictures.
Jan. 4. "The Passing of the Third Floor Back", by Jerome K.
Jerome. A reading by Grover C. Shaw, A.M.
Song Recital. Roland E. Partridge, tenor. Lewis M. Stark,
accompanist.
Lake Placid Club — An Experiment in Intelligence. H. W.
Hicks, Vice-President, Lake Placid Club. (Field and
Forest Club Course.)
The Theatre in England. Frank W. C. Hersey, A.M.
(Drama League Course.)
Concert. Orchestra of the Lincoln House Association.
Jacques Hoffman, Conductor.
^Memories of Ruskin. May Smith Dean. Music. (Ruskin
Club.)
Illustrations in Art of the Twelve Feasts. Edward W. Forbes.
Music of the World. Carolyn King Hunt.
Songs and Legends of the Hebrides. Clara Sias-Davis.
Frances Murray, accompanist.
Pamphlet Binding. George Washer and Hubert Gardiner,
Jr. (Boston Club of Printing House Craftsmen Course.)
Picturesque Viking Land. Rev. Alwyn Worman. (Auspices
of Old Blake House Chapter, D.A.R.)
The Indian Comes to America. Col. Philip A. Moore. (Con-
tributed by the Bureau of Commercial Economics, Wash-
ington, D.C.)
*Your Voice and All It Can Mean to You. Alicia Starratt.
With music.
*Opera Talk, with musical illustrations. "Boris Godounov. '
Mme Suza Doane.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Walter Rowlands.
(Ruskin Club.)
Jan. 26. ^Industrial Trends in Bookbinding. Elbridge W. Palmer.
(Boston Club of Printing House Craftsmen Course.)
Jan. 29. Picturesque Switzerland. Arthur R. Davies.
Jan. 31. Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Grand Canyon National Parks,
Kaibab National Forest and Cedar Breaks. Randall L.
Jones.
Feb. 1 . Modern Art. Mrs. Everett W. Varney.
Feb. 1. Concert. German Singing Society, A.L.Y. P. S. Under the
direction of Erdine T. Oedel.
Jan.
, 4.
Jan.
8.
Jan
. 11.
Jan.
11.
Jan.
. 12.
Jan.
15.
Jan.
18.
Jan.
18.
Jan.
19.
Jan.
21.
Jan.
22.
Jan.
25.
Jan.
25.
Jan.
26.
Feb.
5.
Feb.
8.
Feb.
8.
Feb.
9.
162]
Feb. 2. *BIank Book Binding. R. M. Weiser. (Boston Club of
Printing House Craftsmen Course.)
Bewitching France. Professor William Sandoz.
*The Season's Best Play. Robert E. Rogers, A.M. (Drama
League Course.)
Chamber Concert. Hoffmann String Quartet.
^Observance of John Ruskin's Birth Anniversary. Agnes
Knox Black, A.M. (Ruskin Club.)
Feb. 9. ^Edition Binding. Roy F. Baker. Unusual Binding. Mrs.
Katherine Osborn. (Boston Club of Printing House
Craftsmen Course.)
Feb. 1 0. The Theatre of Yesterday and Tomorrow. Frank Chouteau
Brown. (Drama League Course.)
Feb. 12. Exploration of Mt. Fairweather, Alaska. Bradford Wash-
burn. (Field and Forest Club Course.)
Feb. 15. "The Twilight Hour of Yang Kuei Fei", by A. E. Grant-
ham. A reading by Susan Bartlett.
Feb. 1 6. Italy ; Beloved of Ruskin. Mrs. Arthur Dudley Ropes.
(Ruskin Club.)
Feb. 1 6. *Superflnish and Embossed Cover. Paul A. H. Shults. Trade
Customs. C. A. Mershon. (Boston Club of Printing
House Craftsmen Course.)
Feb. 1 9. The Land of Lorna Doone ; A Part of Storied England. Mrs.
James Frederick Hopkins.
Feb. 22. *The Speed Limit. Nellie Crie Haynes.
Feb. 22. Concert. Trio Instrumental de Paris.
Feb. 26. Spain; Patios and People. Fletcher Briggs.
Mar. I . The Chateaus of Old Touraine. Marie Ware Laughton.
Mar. 1 . Concert. Choral Society of the Massachusetts Federated
Women's Clubs. George Sawyer Dunham, Conductor.
Mar. 8. *The Theatre Is Dead. Albert R. Lovejoy. (Drama
League Course.)
Mar. 8. Piano Recital. Elizabeth Siedoff.
Mar. 9. Animals — Wild and Domestic. L. Raymond Talbot,
S.P.C.A. (Ruskin Club.)
Mar. 12. America's Alphabet of Beauty — from Alaska to Zion.
Rev. Charles W. Casson. (Field and Forest Club
Course.)
Mar. 15. An Afternoon of Miscellaneous Readings. Henry Law-
rence South wick, Litt.D.
Mar. 15. Concert. Orchestra of the Lincoln House Association.
Jacques Hoffman, Conductor.
Mar. 19. America from Sea to Shining Sea. Mrs. Arthur Dudley
Ropes.
[63]
Mar. 22. An Afternoon of Interpretative Readings from Shakespeare
and Modern Authors. George J. D. Currie.
Mar. 22. *Drama and the Little Theatre. Fannie Barnett Linsky. With
a one-act play by the Ford Hall Little Theatre Players.
Mar. 23. ^Reading as a Medicine. Mrs. Herbert J. Guerny. (Ruskin
Club.)
Mar. 26. Seeing America First. Rev. Jason G. Miller.
Mar. 29. *Your Home — Its Beauty and Peace. Burritt S. D. Martin.
Mar. 29. Concert. Boston Civic Symphony Orchestra. Joseph F.
Wagner, Conductor.
Mar. 30. A Greek and Byzantine Pilgrimage. Ralph Adams Cram,
Litt.D., LL.D.
Apr. 2. The American Country House and its Grounds. Katherine
Brooks Norcross.
Apr. 5. ^Through Syrian Streets and Doorways. Mary Parker Dun-
ning. In Costume.
Apr. 5. Viola Concert. Joseph Pulvino, violist. Dorthy Stallworth,
accompanist.
Apr. 9. Literary Excursions in England and Scotland. Charles S.
Olcott.
Apr. 12. Concert. Chamber music compositions of Joseph F. Wagner.
Apr. 13. *The Meaning of Social Service. John C. S. Andrew, A.M.,
S.T.B. Problems of the Day. Rev. Robert Walker.
(Ruskin Club.)
Apr. 1 3. New England Hawks and Owls. Dr. John B. May. (Brook-
line Bird Club Course.)
Apr. 16. California the Golden. Henry Warren Poor, A.M.
Apr. 19. ^Lexington and April 19, 1775. Edwin B. Worthen.
Apr. 1 9. Lecture about Jewish Music. Professor S. Braslavsky. Part
II. Sacred (Synagogal) music. Soloists. Boston Jewish
Choral Society.
Apr. 23. Lonely Australia. Edward S. Harrison.
Apr. 26. The Lure of Alaska. Mrs. Adelbert Fernald.
Apr. 27. *TTie Ethical Message of the Victorian Poets. Joseph P.
MacCarthy, Ph.D., D.D. (Ruskin Club.)
Apr. 30. Finding the Rainbow at the End of the Trail. DeWitt G.
Wilcox, M.D.
May 3. Chamber Concert. Gordon String Quartet. Generosity of
Mrs. Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge.
May 4. Annual Meeting. (Ruskin Club.)
May 10. Chamber Concert. Gordon String Quartet. Generosity of
Mrs. Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge.
May 1 7. Chamber Concert. Gordon String Quartet. Generosity of
Mrs. Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge.
[64]
Oct. 1 . Program by the Copley Club Singers and Entertainers, under
the direction of Pauline Hammond Clark.
Oct. 4. ^Gilbert Stuart; His Life and Paintings. Mrs. Washburn
Davenport
Oct. 4. The Colorful Orient. Alice Maynard Field Newkirk.
Oct. 5. ^Creating One's Life. Lilian Whiting. (Ruskin Club.)
Oct. 8. Changing China. Walter W. Allerton. In costume.
Oct. I 1 . *The Care of the Human Body. George B. Alexander.
Oct. 1 1 . Concert. Jenny Lind Chorus. J. Fritz Hartz, Director.
Oct. 1 5. Theremin Concert. Micha Tulin, artist, William A. Marr,
pianist. (Courtesy of M. Steinert and Sons.)
Oct. 18. ^Literary Reformers of Europe. Robert Merrill Bartlett.
Oct. 1 8. Voice Development. Nilo Trolli. Josephine Cincatta, dra-
matic soprano, and assisting artists.
Oct. 1 9. "What Every Woman Knows", by J. M. Barrie. A read-
ing by Edith Barnes Grey. Music. (Ruskin Club.)
Oct. 22. Your Home — Its Beauty and Peace. Burritt S. D. Martin.
Oct. 25. *High Grade Reading for Children. Charles S. Olcott.
Oct. 25. Beethoven; the Man, the Musician. Carolyn King Hunt and
assisting artists.
Oct. 29. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Walter Rowlands.
Nov. 1 . Beauties and History of Niagara Falls. Virginia Wainwright,
Nov. 1 . Recital. Groups of Italian and Old English Songs. Ethel
Sleeper Russell. Bertha G. Denny, accompanist.
Nov. 5. Wonderland of the Far North; Alaska and the Yukon Terri-
tory. Arthur H. Merritt.
Nov. 8. The English Theatre. Frank W. C. Hersey. (Drama
League Course.)
Nov. 8. Song Recital. Helen True, soprano. Marion C. Whiton,
accompanist,
Nov. 9. *The Influence of Poetry, and Original Poems. Jessie Eld-
ridge Southwick, B.L.I. (Ruskin Club.)
Nov. 9. South America and some of its Birds. Dr. Charles W. Town-
send. (Brookline Bird Club Course.)
Nov. 12. The Canadian Rockies; a Natural Art Gallery. Rev.
Charles W, Casson. (Field and Forest Club Course.)
Nov. 15. *Art in Industry. Grace Carlelon Mansfield.
Nov. 15. Concert. Sulzen String Quartet. Assisting artist, Olga Cur-
rier, pianist.
Nov. 1 9. Everlasting Egypt. Walter W. Allerton. In costume.
Nov. 22. Peter Faneuil, the Jolly Bachelor. Martha A. S. Shannon.
Nov. 22. Hispano-American Songs. Mme Bertha Hebert. In cos-
tume. Gladys Pitcher, pianist.
[65]
Nov. 23. Some Landmarks in the Shenandoah and Tennessee Valleys.
Andrew Oliver. Ph.D. (Ruskin Club.)
Nov. 23. Germany Today. John George Bucher, F.R.G.S.
Nov. 29. *Why Some People Write and How. Louise Hubert Guyol.
Nov. 29. Violin Recital. Joseph Pulvino.
Dec. 3. A Trip to Lake Titicaca. Arthur L. Sweetser.
Dec. 6. "Disraeli", by Louis N. Parker. A reading by Edward
Abner Thompson.
Dec. 6. Concert. Harvard Pierian Alumni Orchestra. Jacques Hoff-
mann, conductor.
Dec. 7. The Passion Play at Oberammergau. Mrs. Louise Ruscoe.
(Ruskin Club.)
Dec. 7. Germany, Her Culture and Beauty. John A. Walz. Ph.D.
(Auspices of the Inter-racial Citizens' Committee of
Massachusetts, Mrs. WiUiam Lowell Putnam, Chairman.)
Dec. 10. Provincetown ; Tip O' the Cape. Percy A. Brigham. (Field
and Forest Club Course.)
Dec. 1 3. *The Pulitzer Prize Plays ; a Decade's Record. Robert E.
Rogers, A.M. (Drama League Course.)
Dec. 1 3. Concert. Dalma Carli, soprano, Annetta Biagi, soprano,
and Alfredo Fondacaro. pianist.
Dec. 14. Christmas Carols. Mme Luisa Tosi, director of program.
(Ruskin Club.)
Dec. 1 4. ^Italy's New Role in World Politics. Harold Lord Varney.
(Ausgices of the Massachusetts Italian Historical Society.)
Dec. 1 7. Crossing the Andes on Skis. Rupert Maclaurin.
Dec. 20. Dickens' "Christmas Carol." Edward F. Payne.
Dec. 20. The Human Voice and its Adaptability. A lecture-recital.
Alicia Starratt.
Dec. 27. *Mazzini and Mussolini, the Two Greatest Figures of Modern
Italy. William A. Frayer.
Dec. 27. Concert. Lincoln Symphony Orchestra. Jacques Hoffmann,
conductor.
Dec. 31. Off the Beaten Path. Henry Warren Poor, A.M.
PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS OF 1931
In Exhibition Room
Installation
date
Jan. 3. Samoan handicrafts. Textiles, jewelry, costumes, fans, etc.,
lent by the owTier, Omer Lassonde. Supplemented by
mounted plates and books illustrating Samoan life and
arts, from the Library collections.
[66]
Jan. 3. Original pen and ink drawings by Thornton Oakley. Lent by
the American Federation of Arts.
Feb. 1 6. Thrift posters. Original work of school children of Massa-
chusetts. Lent by the Savings Bank Association.
Feb. 23. Original sketches of musicians and dancers lent by the artist,
Virginia Lee Burton.
Mar. 9. Travel posters and booklets. Lent by the Railway & Loco-
motive Historical Society, Cambridge, Mass.
Mar. 23. Advertising illustration. Examples of commercial art, ex-
ecuted in various media; lent by the School of Practical
Arts, Boston.
Mar. 30. The Pre-Raphaelite School of Painting. Books and re-
productions from the collections of the Division of Fine
Arts.
Apr. 6. Original paintings in water-color, lent by the artist, Charles
W. Hudson. Supplemented by books and plates on water-
color from the collections of the Division of Fine Arts.
Apr. 20. "Be Kind to Animals" posters by school children. Lent by
the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals.
Apr. 27. Original oil paintings of landscapes, lent by the artist. Bertha
I. Barrett.
May 2. Jewish Book Week. Books and plates from the Library
collections.
May n. Fifty Books of 1931 ; Fifty British Books of 1930; Print-
ing for Commerce, 1930. Lent by the American Institute
of Graphic Arts.
June I . Direct Mall Leaders Exhibit. Fifty direct mall advertising
campaigns, selected from those submitted to the Education-
al Committee of the Direct Mail Advertising Association.
Lent by the Dickie-Raymond Company, Inc.
June 1 5. Health posters, by school children of Norfolk County. Lent
by the Norfolk County Health Association.
June 29. Books and plates of representative material from the collec-
tions of the Division of Fine Arts.
Aug. 3. "Sculpture in Soap," Soap sculpture submitted to the Na-
tional Soap Sculpture Committee in the competition spon-
sored by the Proctor and Gamble Company. Lent by the
Committee.
Aug. 17. Reproductions of British Old Masters; Watercolor repro-
ductions of old bridges in France; Portraits of Musicians;
Pen sketches of Isadora Duncan. Material from the col-
lections of the Division of Fine Arts and the Music Room.
1671
Sep. 15. Original posters submitted for the "House Beautiful" cover
design competition. Lent by the House Beautiful Pub-
Hshing Company.
Sep. 28. Photographs of Shakespearian plays lent by the Stratford-on-
Avon Festival Company ; Supplemented by prints from the
Library collections.
Oct. 1 9. Ceramics made by students at the Paul Revere Pottery. Sup-
plemented by books and plates on ceramics from the col-
lections in the Division of Fine Arts.
Nov. 2. Prize winning notebooks submitted by children from 6—15
years of age attending Philharmonic Children's Concerts
conducted by Ernest Schelling, 1924—1931, in New
York, Philadelphia and Boston.
Nov. 30. Reproductions of prints illustrating the early history of flying
machines and aviation, from the Library collections. Sup-
plemented by photographs lent by American Airways, Inc.
Dec. 1 8. Christmas. Prints, books and music from the Library collec-
tions. Small Nativity scene lent by the Children's Room.
Christmas tree decorated in the "old fashioned style."
Scrap books of early greeting cards published by the Louis
Prang Company, 1875-1896.
SELECTED LIST OF GIFTS AND GIVERS
American Brotherhood of Free Reading for the Blind, Los Angeles,
California. Seven volumes, printed in Braille, Grade 1 '/2, includ-
ing: The conquest of Antarctica by air, by Richard E. Byrd; More
than conquerors, by Ariadne Gilbert (3 volumes) ; A daughter of
the Seine, by Jeanette Eaton (2 volumes) ; and Babbitt, by Sin-
clair Lewis.
Blacker Library of Zoology, Montreal, Canada. An introduction to the
literature of vertebrate zoology, based chiefly on the titles in the
Blacker Library of Zoology, the Emma Shearer Wood Library of
Ornithology, the Bibliotheca Osleriana and other libraries of McGill
University. Compiled and edited by Casey A. Wood. London.
1931.
Bolton, Charles K., Boston. Sarah K. Bolton: pages from an intimate
autobiography, edited by her son. Privately printed, Boston, 1 923.
On the wooing of Martha Pitkin. By Charles Knowles Bolton,
Boston, 1895. (Both for the West End Branch Library Author
Collection.)
Boston Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Nineteen pieces from the collec-
tions of the Museum of Fine Arts, including eleven plaster casts of
[68]
animals from the originals by Antoine Louis Barye; replicas of a
sixteenth-century Jamnitzer Cup, an early seventeenth-century Pyx,
and other objects of art.
Brunswick Radio Distributing Company, New York City, New York.
Seven phonograph records, including the Bach-Schoenberg two
chorale prelude, and an album (6 records) of Brahms Symphony
Number 4.
Carpenter, Annie L., St. Paul, Minnesota. Carpenter and allied families,
genealogical and biographical. Prepared and printed for Miss
Annie L. Carpenter by the American Historical Society, Inc., N.Y.
1 930. Bound in crushed blue levant, elaborately tooled and deco-
rated, with inlaid coats of arms of families. Hand-decorated title
page and initials.
Chase, Mrs. Frank H., Hingham. Poems by Emily Dickinson. Edited
by two of her friends, T. \V. Higginson and Mabel Loomis Todd.
Second series, Boston. 1 892. Given by Mrs. Frank H. Chase in
memory of her husband.
Comstock, Ada L., Cambridge. Reports of the United States National
Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement. 6 vols. Wash-
ington. 1931.
French, Hollis. Boston. A framed picture of the Bulfinch front of the
central feature of the Tontine Crescent, the building which housed
the Boston Library in 1 794, and after which the Business Branch
is modelled. (To be located in the Kirstein Business Library.)
Great Britain Patent Office, London, England. Six hundred and eighty-
one volumes of specifications for inventions, issued by the Great
Britain Patent Office.
Hoover, Herbert, Washington, D.C. (Through Lawrence Richey, Secre-
tary to the President.) The autograph of Herbert Hoover, Presi-
dent of the United States, upon his photograph, together with a
letter of transmittal (January 2, 1931) from Lawrence Richey,
Secretary to the President, to Charles F. D. Belden. The auto-
graph of the President of the United States upon his proclamation
for Thanksgiving Day, 1 930, together with a letter of transmittal
(December 22, 1930) from Lawrence Richey to Frank W.
Buxton.
Kaiser, Mrs. Benjamin A., Boston. A reproduction of the statuette
"Michelangelo fanciullo" representing the youth, Michelangelo, at
work, by Emilio Zocchi, an Italian sculptor of the nineteenth cen-
tury. (The statuette is now located in the Mattapan Branch
Library.)
King Praja Dhipok, Siam. Phra Tripitaka. Translated from Bali into
Siamese by the Mahamonghut Academy. Presented as a memorial
in honor of the late King Phra Mongkut Klao.
[691
Morgan, John Pierpont, New York City, New York. The Book of
Common Prayer, and administration of the sacraments and other
rites and ceremonies of the Church, according to the use of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America, to-
gether with a PsaUer of the Psalms of David. Printed by D. B.
Updike, at the Merrymount Press, Boston. 1 930.
Newton City Clerk, Newton. Tercentenary history of Newton, 1 630—
1930. By Henry K. Rowe, Newton. 1930. Two copies.
Palmer, George Herbert, Cambridge. The autobiography of a philos-
opher. By George Herbert Palmer. Boston. 1931.
Phillips, Mary E. An etched portrait of Edgar Allan Poe, autographed
by the artist, A. Garfield Learned, and inscribed "To my dear
friend, Mary E. Phillips."
Shibusawa, Viscount Eiichi, Tokyo, Japan. A collotype reproduction,
in ten volumes of the original set of the Commentary on the Rongo,
of the" Sung edition, now preserved in the Library of the Imperial
Household. Tokyo. 1930. One of an edition of three hundred
copies reproduced by special permission for Sei-en Shibusawa
Eiichi.
Storer, Dr. Malcolm, Boston. Medicina in nummis: a descriptive list of
coins, medals, jetons, relating to medicine, surgery and allied sci-
ences. By Horatio Robinson Storer. Edited by Malcolm Storer,
M.D. Boston. 1931.
Sweet, Henry N. An autographed letter, dated June 6, 1922, from
Warren G. Harding, then President of the United States, to Mr.
Henry N. Sweet.
OFFICERS OF THE LIBRARY
Director, Milton E. Lord
Assistant Librarian, Theodore D. Money
Assistant to the Director, Richard G. Hensley
Bates Hall Centre Desk, Newspaper and Patent Department: Pierce E.
Buckley, Chief.
Bates Hall Reference Department: Harry W. Mathews, First assistant,
in Charge.
Bindery Department: James W. Kenney, Chief.
Branch Department: Edith Guerrier, Supervisor of Branches.
Catalogue Department: Samuel A. Chevalier, Chief.
Children's Department: Alice M. Jordan, Supervisor of Work with
Children.
Editor: Zoltan Haraszti.
Engineer and Janitor Department: William F. Quinn, Supt. of Buildings.
[70]
Information Office: John H. Reardon, Assistant in Charge.
Issue Department: Thomas F. Brennan, Chief.
Library Training Class: Bertha V. Hartzell, Supervisor.
Ordering Department: Louis FeHx Ranlett, Chief.
Periodical Room: Francis J. Hannigan, Assistant in Charge.
Printing Department: Francis Watts Lee, Chief.
Registration Department: A. Frances Rogers, Chief.
Special Libraries Department : George S. Maynard, Chief.
Statistical Department: Margaret C. Lappen, Assistant in Charge.
Stock Room: Timothy J. Mackin, Custodian.
Branch Librarians:
Allston, Katherine F. Muldoon.
Andrew Square, Elizabeth H. McShane.
Boylston, Margaret A. Calnan.
Brighton, Katrina M. Sather.
Business Branch, Mary W. Dietrichson.
Charlestown, Katherine S. Rogan.
City Point, Helen I. Morrisey.
Codman Square, Elizabeth P. Ross.
Dorchester, Marion C. Kingman.
East Boston, Theodora B. Scoff.
Faneuil, Gertrude L. Connell.
Fellowes Athenaeum, Mary E. Ames.
Hyde Park, Sara A. Lyon.
Jamaica Plain, Katie F. Albert.
Jeffries Point, Mary U. Nichols, Assistant in Charge.
Kirstein, Grace C. Brady.
Lower Mills, Isabel E. Wetherald.
Mattapan, Ada Aserkoff.
Memorial, Beatrice M. Flanagan.
Mount Bowdoin, Pearl B. Smart.
Mount Pleasant, Margaret H. Reid.
Neponset, Margaret I. McGovern.
North End, Mary F. Curley.
Orient Heights, Catherine F. Flannery.
Parker Hill, Mary M. Sullivan.
Roslindale, Annie M. Donovan.
Roxbury Crossing, Edith R. Nickerson.
South Boston, M. Florence Cufflin.
South End, Clara L. Maxwell.
Tyler Street, Caroline Keene, Acting Assistant in Charge.
Uphams Corner, Beatrice Maguire.
West End, Fanny Goldstein.
West Roxbury, Carrie L. Morse.
INDEX.
Abbott, Gordon, term as trustee ex-
pires, 1 .
Accessions, (5ee Books).
Balance Sheet, 22-27.
Bates Hall, repairs, 4; work of, 39-
40.
Belden, Charles F. D., death, reso-
lutions on, 1—2, 53.
Bindery, 30. 52, 60.
Books, accessions, 2, 33, 57, 58; circu-
lation. 3, 38, 39. 47, 54-57; ex-
penditures, 2, 33; gifts. 67-69;
number and location, 59—60; special
purchases. 34—36.
Borrowers, (See Registration).
Boylston Branch, new building for,
4.
Branch system, 47; new buildings, 4.
Examining Committee report on, 28,
31.
Budget estimates. 3-4.
Business Branch. 49.
Catalogue and Shelf Department. 37,
58.
Central Library, platform reconstruc-
tion and other repairs. 4.
Charter of Corporation, amended, 2.
Children's Department, 46.
Circulation, 3, 3&-39, 47, 54-57.
Deposits, 48.
Director's report, 33.
Examining Committee, 5. 32; report
of, 28-32.
Exhibitions, 65-67.
Faneuil Branch, new building for. 4.
Finance, balance sheet, 22-27; ex-
pended for books, 3, 33; receipts.
2. 3; trust funds. 6-20; state of
trust funds. 30.
Gifts, 4, 5. 33. 67-69.
Hall, John L.. appointed a trustee, 1.
Inter-library loans. 48. 57.
Information Office, 42.
Issue Department, 38.
Jeffries Point Branch, new building
for. 4.
Kaiser, Mrs. Benjamin A., gift of
statue, 5.
Kirstein, Louis E., elected President,
I.
Lambert, Helen, bequest of. 4.
Lord, Milton E., appointed Director,
2.
Lectures and Concerts, 5, 60-65.
McKim, Charles F., memorial tablet,
5.
Mattapan Branch, new building for,
4 ; opening. 49.
Newspaper Room, 43.
Open Shelf Room, 42.
Parker Hill Branch, new building for,
4; opening, 49.
Patent Room, 43.
Periodical Room, 43.
Personnel, grading of positions and
salaries, recommended by Examin-
ing Committee. 28; officers, 69.
Phillips Brooks Branch, reopened. 4,
48.
Printing Department. 30, 60.
Publications, 41.
Registration Department. 38.
Repairs and improvements, 4, 50; rec-
ommended by Examining Committee,
28-29.
Retirements, 53.
Sargent, John S., sisters of, give o-
riginal sketch to Library. 5.
Sedgwick, Ellery. elected Vice Presi-
dent. 1.
Special Libraries. 31, 44.
Staff, (See Personnel).
Statistical Department. 31. 44.
Teachers' Room, collection, 29.
Training Class, 50.
Trustees, organization. I.
Trust Funds, list of, 6-20; state of, 30.
Central Library, Copley Square. 1
Branch Libraries, December 31, 1931.
City Proper.
Kirstein Memorial Library, 20 City Hall Ave.
North End Branch, 3a North Bennel St.
South End Branch, Shawmut Ave. and West Brookiine St
West End Branch, Cambridge, cor. Lynde St.
Tyler Street Branch, Tyler, cor. Oak St.
Brighton.
Brighton Branch, Academy Hill Road
Allston Branch, 161 Harvard Ave.
Faneuil Branch, 100 Brooks St. .
Charlestown.
Charlestown Branch, 43 Monument Square .
Dorchester.
Dorchester Branch, Arcadia, cor. Adams St. .
Codman Square Branch. Washington, cor. Norfolk St.
Upham's Corner Branch, 500 Columbia Road
Lower Mills Branch. Washington, cor. Richmond St.
Mallapan Branch. 8-10 Hazleton St.
Mount Bowdoin Branch, 275 Washington St
Neponset Branch, 362 Neponset Ave. .
East Boston.
East Boston Branch, 276-282 Meridian St. .
Jeffries Point Branch, 222 Webster St. .
Orient Heights Branch, 5 Butler St.
Hyde Park.
Hyde Park Branch, Harvard Ave., cor. Winthrop Si,
Jamaica Plain.
Jamaica Plain Branch. Sedgwick, cor. South St. .
Boylslon Station .Branch, 433 Centre St. .
ROXBURY.
Fellowes AthenKum Branch, 46 Milmont St.
Memorial Branch, Townsend. cor. Warren St. .
Mount Pleasant Branch. Dudley, cor. Vine St. .
Parker Hill Branch, 1497 Tremont St. .
Roxbury Crossing Branch, 208 Ruggles St. .
South Boston.
South Boston Branch, 372 W. Broadway .
Andrew Square Branch, 394 Dorchester St. .
City Point Branch. Broadway, near H St.
West Roxbury.
West Roxbury Branch. Centre, near Ml. Vernon St.
Roslindale Branch, 4210 Washington St. .
Area of City (Land only) 45.60 Square mile
Population (Census of 1930). 781,188
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