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EIGHTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
TRUSTEES
OF THE
PUBLIC LIBRARY
OF THE
CITY OF BOSTON
938
BOSTON
PUBLISHED BY THE TRUSTEES
1941
THE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE CITY OF BOSTONt PRINTINC DEPARTMENT.
9.e.4t : ?5OO+60
TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
JOHN L. HALL, President
Term expires April 30, 1941
ROBERT H. LORD
Term expires A.pril 30, 1942
LOUIS E. KIRSTEIN FRANK W. BUXTON
Term expires April 30, 1939 Term expires April 30, 1940
ELLERY SEDGWICK
Term expires April 30, 1943
MILTON E. LORD
Director, and Librarian
FORM FOR GIFTS AND BEQUESTS
Gifts
/ give to The Trustees of the Public Library of the City of
Boston the sum of _
to be used at the discretion of the Trustees (or for a purpose to
be specified).
Bequests for General Uses
/ give and bequeath to The Trustees of the Public Library
of the City of Boston the sum of
for the general uses of the Library.
Bequests for Specified Uses
/ give and bequeath to The Trustees of the Public Library
of the City of Boston the sum of
for the purchase of books (for the
purchase of books on a specified subject if desired, or for some
other purpose to be specified).
ORGANIZATION OF THE LIBRARY DEPARTMENT.
The Library is a unit of the municipal government of the City of Boston and as
such is known as the Library Department of the City of Boston. It is governed by a
Board of Trustees.
The Trustees of the PubHc Library of the City of Boston were organized in 1852.
They are incorporated under the provisions of Chapter 114 of the Acts of 1878, as
amended. The Board for 1852 was a preliminary organization; thai for 1853 made
the first annual report.
The legal title is The Trustees of the Public Library of the Cit}) of Boston.
The Board of Trustees is made up of five citizens at large, appointed by the
Mayor of the City of Boston for five-year terms, the term of one member expiring each
year. The following citizens at large have been members of the Board since its
organization in 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.
Bowdilch, Henry Pickering, M.D.,
1894-1902.
Boyle, Thomas Francis, 1902-12.
Braman, Jarvis Dwighf, 1869-72.
Brett, John Andrew, LL.B., 1912-16.
Buxton, Frank W., A.B., 192^-
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, 1916-1932.
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., 1868-78.
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, 1876-77.
Kenney, William Francis, A.M.,
1908-1921.
Kirstein, Louis Edward, a.m., D.C.S., 1919-
Lewis. Weston, 1868-79.
Lewis, Winslow, M.D., 1867.
Lincoln, Solomon. A.M., 1897-1907.
Lord, Robert Howard, A.M., PH.D., 1936-
Mann, Alexander, DJ5., 1908-1923.
Morton, Ellis Wesley, 1870-73.
Murray, Michael Joseph, LL.B., 1921-26.
O'Connell. William Cardinal. 1932-36.
Pierce, Phineas, 1888-94.
Prince, Frederick Octavius. A.M., 1888-99.
Putnam, George, D.D., 1868-77.
Richards, William Reuben, A.M., 1889-95.
Sedgwick, Ellery, A.B., LITTJ)., 1930-
Shurtleff, Nathaniel Bradsfreet, LL.D.,
1852-^3
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.
PRESIDENTS OF THE TRUSTEES
Edward Everett, 1852-1864
George Ticknor, 1865
William \V. Greenough, 1866-88
Henry W. Haynes, May 7. 1888-May 12, 1888
Samuel A. B. Abbott, May 12, 1888-April 30, 1895
Frederick O. Prince, October 8, 1895-May 8, 1899
Solomon Lincoln. May 12, 1899-October 15. 1907
James De Normandie, January 31, I90&-May 8. 1908
Josiah H. Benton, May 8, 1 908-February 6, 1917
William F. Kenney, February 13, 1917-May 7, 1920
Alexander Mann. May 7, 1920-January 22, 1923
Arthur T. Connolly. April 13, 1923-June 13, 1924
May 2, 1927-June 22, 1928
Louis E. Kirstein. June 13. 1924-June 19, 1925
June 22, 1928-June 21, 1929
May 15, 1931 -May 20, 1932
May 6, 1936-May 7, 1937
Michael J. Murray, June 19, 1925-July 2, 1926
Guy W. Currier, July 2, 1926-May 2, 1927
Gordon Abbott, June 21, 1929-June 20, 1930
Frank W. Buxton, June 20, 1930-May 15, 1931
May 6, 1935-May 6, 1936
Ellery Sedgwick, May 20, 1932-May 5, 1933
May 7, 1937-May 6, 1938
John L. Hall, May 6, 1933-May 18, 1934
William Cardinal O'Connell, May 18, 1934-May 6. 1935
LIBRARIANS
From 1852 to 1858 the chief officer of the Library bore the title of Librarian;
from 1858 to 1877 Superinlendenl : from 1877 to 1923 Librarian; from 1923 to 1934
Director; since 1934 Director, and Librarian.
Capen, Edward, Librarian, May 13, 1832-December 16, 1874.
Jewett, Charles C, Supsrinlendent, 1858-January 9, 1868.
WiNSOR, Justin. LL.D., Superintendent, February 25, 1 868-September 30, 1877.
Green, Samuel A., M.D., Trustee, Acting Librarian, October 1, 1877-Septembei- 30,
1878.
Chamberlain. Mellen, ll.d., Librarian, October 1, 1 878-September 30, 1890.
DwiGHT, Theodore F., Librarian, April 13. 1892-April 30, 1894.
Putnam, Herbert, ll.d.. Librarian, February 11, 1895-April 3, 1899.
Whitney, James L., a.m.. Acting Librarian, March 31, 1 899-December 21, 1899;
Librarian, December 22, 1899-January 31, 1903.
WaDLIN, Horace G., LITT.d., Librarian, February 1, 1903-March 15, 1917; 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.
Lord, Milton E., a.B., Director and Librarian, since February I, 1932.
LIBRARY SYSTEM, JANUARY 1, 1938
Departments
^Central Library, Copley Square .
*East Boston Branch. Ilb-IBI Meridian St.
§South Boston Branch, 372 West Broadway .
llFellowes Athenesum Branch, 46 Millmont St.
*Charlestown Branch, 43 Monument Square
'Brighton Branch, 40 Academy Hill Road .
JDorchester Branch, Arcadia, cor. Adams St.
tLower Mills Branch, 1 110 Washington, cor. Richmond St
JSouth End Branch, 65 West Brookline St.
tJamaica Plain Branch, 12 Sedgwick, cor. South St
j:Ros!indale Branch, 4210 Washington St.
*West Roxbury Branch, 1961 Centre St.
*Mattapan Branch, 8-10 Hazleton St. .
*North End Branch, 3a North Bennet St.
§Neponset Branch, 362 Neponset Ave.
§Ml. Bowdoin Branch, 275 Washington St.
§Allston Branch, 161 Harvard Ave. .
JCodman Square Branch, Washington, cor. Norfolk St.
JMt. Pleasant Branch, 335 Dudley, cor Vine St
OJTyler Street Branch. 130 Tyler, cor. Oak St.
*We»t End Branch, 131 Cambridge St.
JUphjim's Corner Branch, 500 Columbia Rd.
^Memorial Branch, cor. Warren and Townsend Sti.
0§Roxbury Crossing Branch, 208 Ruggles, cor. Tremont St
*Boylston Branch, 433 Centre St
§Orient Heights Branch. 5 Butler Ave.
^City Point Branch, Municipal Bldg., Broadv/ay .
*Parker Hill Branch. 1497 Tremont St. .
*Hyde Park Branch, 35 Harvard Ave., cor. Winthrop St.
*Faneuil Branch, 419 Faneuil St. ... .
§ Andrew Square Branch, 394 Dorchester St.
*Jeffrie8 Point Branch, 222 Webster St. . . .
• Baker Library, Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration
*Kir8tein Memorial Library Building: 20 City Hall Ave.
Business Branch, first and second floors;
Kirstein Branch, third floor.
§PhiIIips Brooks Branch, 12 Hamilton St., Readville .
^School Department, 126 Tyler St
^In the case of the Central Library and some of the branches the opening was in a
different location from that now occupied. *In building owned by City and
controlled by Library Board, fin building owned by City, and exclusively devoted
to library uses. Jin City building, in part devoted to other municipal uses. §Occupie$
rented rooms. ||The lessee of the Feilowes Athenaeum, a private library tt^sociation.
lUnder agreement with Harvard. ^^Branch Library closed June 30. 1938.
^Ope
NED
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
June.
1877
Dec.
3,
1878
Jan.
6.
1880
Dec.
27,
1881
Oct..
1882
Jan.
1.
1883
Nov.
1,
1886
Mar.
11.
1889
Nov.
12,
1890
Nov.
12,
1890
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.
I.
1912
Mar.
4,
1914
Mar.
5.
1914
Oct.
15.
I92I
Jan.
15.
1927
May
7,
1930
May
18,
1931
July
1,
1938
CONTENTS
Report of the Trustees .
Financial Statement
Report of the Examining Committee
Report of the Director .
Appendix
1
18
24
36
49
To His Honor Maurice J. Tobin
Mayor 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 31,1 938, being the eighty-seventh an-
nual report.
ORGANIZATION OF THE BOARD
The Corporation organized at the annual meeting on May 6,
1 938 with the election of Mr. John L. Hall as President, the
Reverend Robert H. Lord as Vice President, and Miss Eliza-
beth B. Brockunier as Clerk.
Mr. Ellery Sedgwick, whose term as Trustee expired on
April 30, was reappointed for the term ending April 30, 1943.
BUDGET ESTIMATES
The estimates submitted as of November 1, 1937 for the
maintenance of the Library during the year 1 938 were later
amended and reduced. These estimates were as follows:
Item
A. — Per'sonal service
B. — Service other than personal
C. — Equipment
D. — Supplies
E. — Materials
H. — Emergency relief projects
Total
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 the City Council, and the income from Trust
Funds given to the institution and held and invested by the City
Estimate<l
Allowed
$1,105,207.03
. $1,039,175.00
122.553.50
76,298.10
168.937.30
81 ,952.00
42.505.00
35.149.73
20.685.00
18,946.47
124.250.56
68.950.00
$1,584,138.39
. $1,320.47130
[2]
Treasurer under the direction of the Trustees of the Library.
During the year 1 938 these receipts were :
Annual appropriation ........
Income from trust funds ........
Unexpended balance of trust funds income of previous years
Unexpended balance of special appropriations of previous years .
Unexpended balance of deposits in London of previous years
$1,320,471.30
296,214.26
48.785.57
12.276.57
72.73
Total . . . $1,677,820.45
Receipts which were accounted for and paid into the City
Treasury for general municipal purposes during the year were
as follows:
From fines $23,618.22
From sales of waste paper ......... 75.74
From sales of catalogs and other publications ...... 341.97
From commission on telephone pay stations ...... 52134
From payments for lost books ........ 657.95
Refunds, fees, etc. 47.41
Total . . . $25,262.63
EXPENDITURES OF THE LIBRARY
The total amount expended during 1938 was $1 ,383,860.59.
This was divided as follows :
From city appropriation ......... $1,285,269.91
From special appropriations ........ 12,251.72
From the income of trust funds ........ 86,338.96
ADDITIONS TO THE LIBRARY
The number of volumes added to the Library during the year
was 66,423, obtained chiefly by purchase, but in some part
also by gift and exchange.
Against the above-mentioned gain there was a total loss of
73,416 volumes, arising chiefly out of volumes reported lost or
missing, condemned copies not yet replaced, thus making the net
loss for the year 6,993. The total number of volumes in the
Library at the close of the year was 1 ,693,688.
The total amount for books, periodicals, newspapers, photo-
graphs, and other library material from the city appropriation
and the income of trust funds was $156,631 .89.
USE OF THE LIBRARY
The total number of books borrowed for home use during the
[3]
year was 3,979,850. The use of books and other hbrary ma-
terials within the Library's premises for reference and study is
for the most part unrestricted, and it is therefore impracticable
to record it.
In addition to the above noted use of the Central Library and
the thirty-two Branch Libraries, deposits of books were made
available to 1 ,356 agencies, including schools, institutions, and
engine houses.
. COMPARATIVE STATISTICS FOR 1937 AND 1938
A comparison of certain statistics for 1938 with those for
1937 is given below:
1937 1938
Total expenditures: city appropriation
and trust funds income . . $1,329,567.12 . . $1,383,860.59
Expended for books and other library
materials from ciiy appropriation
and trust funds income . . 131,164.30 , . 156,631.89
Number of volumes added . . . 67,582 . . 66,423
Number of volumes discarded . . 60,236 . . 73,416
Total number of volumes in the Library 1,700,681 . . 1,693,688
Number of volumes lent to borrowers . 4,531,378 . . 3,979,850
Number of card holders . . . 178,097 . . 175,950
BOOKS
The appropriations made by the City for the purchase of
books in the last ten years have been as follows :
1929 $140,000
1930 160.000
1931 175.000
1932 160,000
1933 75,000
1934 100,000
1935 100,000
1936 55,000
1937 75,000
1938 73,875
It is to be noted that the amount of the appropriation for 1 938
was intended to be $75,000, but that in the final steps of passing
the budget it was reduced sHghtly by an arbitrary amount, as
were all accounts in the budgets of all city departments. For
comparative purposes, however, the amount of the appropriation
may be said to have remained at substantially the same level as
that for 1937.
[4]
It is of prime importance to the Library that the amount of
the book appropriation continue to be maintained at the present
level at the very least, and that as early as possible it be returned
to the higher levels v^hich prevailed in the earlier years of the
decade. They represent amounts which years of experience in-
dicate to be those which are necessary if the Library is to work
to the best advantage
In 1938, however, the branch libraries discarded 58,314 vol-
umes as worn out as compared with 37,473 volumes added. In
other words, the branch libraries found themselves at the end
of 1 938 with 20,84 1 fewer volumes than they had at the begin-
ing of the year. Unfortunately 1 938 was not the first year in
which such a backward movement had taken place. In the three
preceding years of 1935, 1936, and 1937, the branch libraries
fell behind by almost as many more volumes again. Specifically,
on December 31, 1938 they had 38,1 19 fewer volumes than
on January 1 , 1935. This is the equivalent of the total book col-
lections of three entire branch libraries of the average size in the
Boston Public Library system.
From the above it would seem obvious that an adequate sup-
ply of books, and an adequate provision of funds for their pur-
chase, is necessary to the very existence of a library.
BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT
For nearly two years the West End Branch Library has had
to remain out of its quarters in the Old West Church building.
As pointed out in last year's report the Trustees requested year
by year the sum of $10,000 annually imtil the old building
should be put into good repair, only to have the item disallowed
each year. Finally in 1937 an emergency situation arose affect-
ing the safety of the building. The Library's decision to close
the building to public use was confirmed by a subsequent order
from the Building Commissioner of the City of Boston. To date
no provision has been made for the repair of the building. The
cost is estimated at $55,000 - $50,000. Meanwhile inadequate
substitute quarters are having to be rented across the street at a
substantial annual cost. Provision should be made to meet the
[5 1
needs of this unsatisfactory situation. The old church building
is an important esthetic and historical monument of the city. It
is highly unfortunate that for nearly two years it has had to
carry on its activities at increased cost in inadequate substitute
rented quarters.
Once again it has been necessary to make an expenditure of
considerable amount for the annual repairs upon the tile roofing
of the Central Library building. The cost of repairs during 1938
amounted to $16,033.42. In the latter part of 1937 the Li-
brary's consulting engineers, Messrs. J. R. Worcester and Com-
pany, recommended a program contemplating the reconstruction
of the roof as the only one likely to lead to a reasonably per-
manent solution of this vexing problem. In the spring of 1938
careful examination of the tile roofing was made also by a group
of the City's experts, including the Building Conmiissioner of
the City of Boston, the Superintendent of Public Buildings, the
Public Works Commissioner, the Boston W.P.A. Administra-
tor, the local W.P.A. Engineer, and others. This group also
expressed the opinion that only through reconstruction of the
roof could a solution of the problem be found. The Trustees
earnestly request therefore that careful consideration be given to
this possibility. It is highly desirable that action be taken to make
unnecessary the present uneconomical procedure of costly an-
nual patching and mending.
Careful consideration was given constantly during the year
to the water levels under the Central Library building during
the period of the construction of the adjacent Huntington Ave-
nue subway extension. Such regression of the water level as oc-
curred proved to be only of temporary duration. At the end of
the year they had returned to a point above the tops of the piles
upon which rest the foundations of the building.
During the year considerable study was given to the matter
of heating and lighting for the Central Library building. Since
1 895 the Library has made its own steam and generated its own
electricity. A capital replacement in the generating equipment
will be necessary in the three years immediately ahead. The
heating and the lighting plant occupies a considerable amount
[6]
of basement space which would be useful for book storage and
other library purposes. And estimates have been furnished which
indicate that steam and electricity can both be purchased from
the Boston Edison Company more economically than they can
now be manufactured by the Library itself. Confirmation of this
was obtained through independent engineering investigation. The
Trustees therefore concluded to discontinue the Library's heat-
ing and lighting plant in favor of purchasing steam and electri-
city from the Boston Edison Company. It is hoped to effect this
change as early as possible in 1 939.
CLOSING OF TWO BRANCH LIBRARIES
On July 1 there were discontinued the Roxbury Crossing and
the Tyler Street Branch Libraries. In each case a decreasing
population in the surrounding area had been accompanied by a
decreasing use of the branch library facilities, until finally in the
interests of economy it no longer seemed advisable to continue
their existence as individual units.
From their crowded location in the Central Library and into
the quarters previously occupied by the Tyler Street Branch Li-
brary there were moved the Library's activities in serving the
school children in the schools, with a formal designation of them
as the School Department of the Library.
CURTAILMENT OF LIBRARY SERVICE
As economy measures minor curtailment of the library service
had to be effected in both the Central Library and the Branch
Libraries. The Central Library was closed entirely on Sundays
from June 15th to September 15th. The Branch Libraries were
closed from April 15th on Friday evenings and on Saturday
afternoons and evenings.
The curtailments were effected only after a careful study
and census of actual use had been made to determine the periods
at which such curtailment of service would cause inconvenience
to readers to the least degree.
It is hoped that such curtailment of service may be necessary
only for a limited period.
[71
FEDERAL EMERGENCY RELIEF PROJECTS CARRIED ON
UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE LIBRARY
During 1 938 there were continued the three important work
relief projects which the Library had sponsored in earlier years
under the auspices of the Works Progress Administration of the
Federal Government.
The project for the reclassification of the scholarly book col-
lections of the Central Library along the lines of the classification
schedules of the Library of Congress progressed from the ex-
tensive preparatory stages of the preceding years to substantial
accomplishment in the actual reclassification of well over 42,000
volumes and the typing of 432,309 catalog and other cards.
The project for the recataloging and reclassification of the
book collections of the Branch Libraries along the lines of sim-
plified Library of Congress cataloging and a simplified and modi-
fied form of the Dewey decimal classification proceeded likevsrise
to substantial accomplishment with the actual cataloging of
some 24,000 volumes and the typing of 1,387,182 catalog and
other cards.
To the regret of all concerned there was finally terminated on
November 23rd the project for the cleaning of books. It had
been in operation for five years lacking ten days. Successive re-
newals had made possible its continued existence from the earliest
days of work relief projects under the so-called Civil Works Ad-
ministration beginning in early December 1933. An additional
renewal was finally not permitted by the authorities of the Works
Progress Administration on the ground that the work was really
"current maintenance work" which the sponsor should perform
itself. It is unfortunate that this had to be so. The Library has
never been, nor is ever likely to be, in a position to find the funds
for carrying on such a cleaning and refurbishing process. And
the project itself was an excellent one for providing work for a
type of individual for whom it is not easy to find suitable activity
upon work relief projects.
As in the past several hundred individuals were employed on
these several projects. The Federal Government provided the
salaries and wages. The City of Boston assumed responsibility
[8]
for the incidental expenses as its contribution as sponsor of the
projects.
GIFTS
As usual the Library received many important gifts of books
and other library materials during the year. A list of the more
important of these is to be found in the Appendix on pages
68-70.
CARE AND INVESTMENT OF TRUST FUNDS
From time to time as necessary during the year meetings were
held by the Finance Committee of the Trustees for the purpose
of directing the City Treasurer in the investment of the funds to
which the Trustees hold title and of which the City Treasurer
serves as custodian on behalf of the Trustees.
Also a certificate was obtained from Messrs Lybrand, Ross
Bros., and Montgomery, Certified Public Accountants, that in
their examination of the books and of the cash and securities held
by the City Treasurer as of the close of business on January 1 2,
1938 they had found all cash and securities of the Library as
listed on the City Treasurer's books to be actually in the City
Treasurer's custody and likewise the funds of the Benton Estate
although these had not yet been entered at that date on the books
of the City Treasurer.
ADMINISTRATION OF TRUST FUNDS ESTABLISHED
UNDER THE WILL OF THE LATE JOSIAH H. BENTON
Under the twelfth clause of the Will of the late Josiah H.
Benton, and as subsequently modified by an Agreement of Com-
promise dated January 15, 1935, the Trustees of the Public Li-
brary were designated as the residuary legatee of the Benton
Estate. The Will provided that the residuary estate should be
divided into two equal parts, to be designated as the Benton
Book Fund and the Benton Building Fund respectively. The
Trustees of the Public Library received also the Children's Fund,
established separately under another provision of the Will.
In 1936 the Trustees of the Public Library, having been
[9]
found to be legally competent to hold the above-mentioned funds,
received a first and second payment of the cash and securities
constituting the bulk of the Estate, and delivered them to the
City Treasurer as the official custodian of all funds and securities
to which the Trustees of the Public Library hold title.
In 1937 the Trustees of the Public Library engaged the
services of Messrs. Stewart, Watts and Bollong, Public Ac-
countants and Auditors, to carry through an auditing and an ac-
counting of the Estate, with a view to being able thereafter to
set up the Benton Book Fund and the Benton Building Fund as
required under the terms of the Will.
In 1 938 the Trustees of the PubHc Library proceeded to the
division of the residuary estate into the two equal parts provided
for under the terms of the Will and set them up as the Benton
Book Fund and the Benton Building Fund respectively. Messrs.
Stewart, Watts and Bollong reported that, if the residuary es-
tate had been divided as of December 27, 1927, the date at
which it became divisible under the terms of the Will, the two
equal parts would have been as follows:
Benton Building Fund
Principal Amount, as of December 27. 1927 . . . $1,156,839.75
Benton Book Fund
Principal Amount, as of December 27, 1927 . . . $1,156,839.75
BENTON BUILDING FUND
December 27, 1927 - January 21, 1936
From December 27, 1927 to January 21, 1936, inclusive,
that half of the residuary estate which was apportionable to the
principal amount of the Benton Building Fund increased by the
net amount of $384,304.76. The net income from the Ben-
ton Building Fund for the period has been in the amount of
$402,455.30, and had been added to the principal amount as
required by the Will, which provides that the Benton Building
Fund be kept as an accumulating fund until it reaches the sum of
$2,000,000. During this same period, however, there had also
to be deducted from the principal amount the sum of $1 8, 1 50.74,
arising chiefly out of revaluation of securities, losses and gains
[101
on securities disposed of, and administrative expenses. When
the Surviving Trustee under the Will delivered the bulk of the
residuary estate to the Trustees of the Public Library on January
22, 1936, the portion representing the principal amount of the
Benton Building Fund had then become $1 ,541 ,144.51 . It was
made up as f ollow^s :
Benlon Building Fund
Principal Amount, as of January 22, 1936
Delivered to Trustees of the Public Library . . . $1,541,094.51
Retained by Surviving Trustee under the Will . . 50.00
$1,541,144.51
BENTON BOOK FUND
December 27, 1927 - January 21. 1936
From December 27, 1927 to January 21, 1936, inclusive,
that half of the residuary estate which was apportionable to the
principal amount of the Benton Book Fund decreased by the net
amount of $18,150.75, arising chiefly out of revaluation of se-
curities, losses and gains on securities disposed of, and admin-
istrative expenses. When the Surviving Trustee under the Will
delivered the bulk of the residuary estate to the Trustees of the
Public Library on January 22, 1936, the portion representing
the principal amount of the Benton Book Fund had then become
$1,138,689.00. It was made up as follows:
Benton Book Fund
Principal Amount, as of January 22, 1936
Delivered to Trustees of the Public Library . . . $1,138,639.00
Retained by Surviving Trustee under the Will . . 50.00
$1,138,689.00
For the period of December 27, 1927 to January 21 , 1936,
inclusive, the net income from the Benton Book Fund had been
in the amount of $402,455.50, and was available on January
22, 1936 for eventual distribution, in accordance with the terms
of the Will, as subsequently modified by the Agreement of Com-
promise dated January 15, 1935, to the Trustees of the Public
Library of the City of Boston and to the Rector of Trinity
Church in the City of Boston in the proportion of 60% and 40%
respectively.
[H]
BENTON BUILDING FUND
January 22, 1936 - January 21, 1937
In the principal amount of the Benton Building Fund there
was a net gain in the amount of $52,861,87, representing in-
come from investments to the amount of $53,445.62 and losses
from securities matured to the amount of $583.75. As of January
21, 1937 the principal amount of the Benton Building Fund
was $1,594,006.38.*
BENTON BOOK FUND
January 22, 1936 - January 21, 1937
In the principal amount of the Benton Book Fund there oc-
curred a net loss in the amount of $150.00, representing losses
from securities matured. As of January 21, 1937 the principal
amount of the Benton Book Fund was $1,138,539.00.
The net income from the Benton Book Fund for the period
was in the amount of $53,01 1.88, representing income from in-
vestments to the amount of $53,445.63 and losses from income
securities matured to the amount of $433.75.
BENTON BUILDING FUND
January 22, 1937 - January 21, 1938
In the principal amount of the Benton Building Fund there
was a net gain in the amount of $50, 112.19, representing income
from investments to the amount of $53,444.68 and losses from
securities matured to the amount of $3,332.49. As of January
21, 1 938 the principal amount of the Benton Building Fund
was $1.644.1 18.57.
BENTON BOOK FUND
January 22, 1937 - January 21. 1938
In the principal amount of the Benton Book Fund there oc-
curred a net loss in the amount of $2,058.75, representing losses
from securities matured. As of January 21,1 938 the principal
amount of the Benton Book Fund was $1,136,480.25.
The net income from the Benton Book Fund for the period
was in the amount of $49,670.93, representing income from in-
[12]
vestments to the amount of $53,444.69, losses from income se-
curities disposed of to the amount of $1 ,273.76, and an auditing
and accounting charge to the amount of $2,500.00.
THIRD AND FINAL PAYMENT
OF ASSETS OF BENTON ESTATE
On June 9 and 10, 1 938 a third and final payment of the as-
sets of the Benton Estate was made to the Trustees of the Public
Library by the Surviving Trustee under the Will. This was
made up as follows:
Benfon Building Fund, Principal Amount .... $24,382.76
Benton Book Fund, Principal Amount ..... 24,382.75
Benton Building Fund, Income 9,604.77
Benton Book Fund, Income 9,604.77
PAYMENT OF UNDISTRIBUTED INCOME
OF BENTON BOOK FUND
As of January 22, 1 938 the Trustees of the Public Library
made a payment of all undistributed income from the Benton
Book Fund up through the close of business on January 21,
1938. This undistributed income was in the total amount of
$451,157.99. It was made up of undistributed income as such
in the amount of $445,830.38, plus the sum of $5,327.61 as
profits on securities sold, said securities representing income which
had been invested by the Surviving 1 rustee under the Will
pending the eventual distribution of the Estate. In accordance
with the terms of the Will, as subsequently modified by the
Agreement of Compromise of January 15, 1935, this total sum
of $451,157.99 was distributable in the proportions of 60% to
the Trustees of the Public Library of the City of Boston and
40% to the Rector of Trinity Church in the City of Boston. It
was distributed as follows:
To the Trustees of the Public Library $270,694.79
To the Rector of Trinity Church 180,463.20
$451,157.99
In 1 937 partial advance payments from the income of the Benton
Book Fund for the period of January 22, 1936 to March 31,
1937, inclusive, had already been made to the Trustees of the
[13]
Public Library in the amount of $35,584.76 and to the Rector
of Trinity Church in the amount of $23,723.1 7.
In recapitulation, the total distribution of income from the
Benton Book Fund made to date to the Trustees of the Public
Library and to the Rector of Trinity Church, covering the period
from December 27, 1927 to January 21, 1938, inclusive, has
been as follows:
To the Trustees of the Public Library $306,279.55
To the Rector of Trinity Church 204.186.37
$510,465.92
USE OF INCOME FROM BENTON BOOK FUND
BY THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
That portion of the income from the Benton Book Fund
which is payable to the Trustees of the Public Library is to be
applied by them "for the purchase of books, maps and other li-
brary material of permanent value and benefit for said Library ;
meaning and intending hereby that such income shall be applied
for books desirable for scholarly research and use." In accord-
ance with this provision the Trustees of the Public Library ex-
pended the sum of $57,41 5.39 for this purpose during the calen-
dar year 1 938.
USE OF INCOME FROM BENTON BUILDING FUND
BY THE TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY
As provided by the terms of the Will the Benton Building
Fund is held "as an accumulating fund, the income and interest
to be added to the principal and reinvested as principal, until the
total amount thereof shall be two million dollars ($2,000,000)
. . . such total sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000) to be
applied to the enlargement of the present central library building
in Boston, or to the construction of another central library build-
ing in such part of the City as may be then most desirable for the
accommodation of the people of said City . . ." As set forth with
detailed figures above, the Benton Building Fund has been held
as such an accumulating fund, and the income therefrom has
been reinvested and added to the principal amount.
[14]
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE WILL
The Will requests that, in addition to publishing statements
setting forth the payments of income from the Benton Book
Fund and the investments in and accumulations of the Benton
Building Fund, the Trustees publish "a certificate that said in-
come is expended and said fund accumulated in accordance with
the directions of said will, according to their best examination
and judgment in the premises".
In accordance with this request the Trustees of the Public
Library hereby certify that according to their best examination
and judgment ( 1 ) the income of the Benton Book Fund has
been expended by them in accordance v/ith the directions of the
aforesaid Will, as modified by the Agreement of Compromise of
January 15, 1935, and (2) the principal amount of and the in-
come from the Benton Building Fund have been invested and
accumulated in accordance with the directions of said Will.
THE children's FUND
In accordance with the terms of another provision of the Will
the Trustees of the Public Library paid in 1937 to the Rector
of Trinity Church the sum of $1 870.61 , representing the income
from the Children's Fund for the period of January 1 to June
30, 1937, and in 1938 the sum of $1840.61, representing the
income for the period of July 1 to December 31, 1937. The
Children's Fund was given to the Trustees of the Public Li-
brary under the Will, with the provision that the annual income
therefrom should be available to the Library in any year only
if certain conditions should be met in that year. Inasmuch as
these conditions could not be met for the year ending December
31, 1937, payment of the income for that year was therefore
made to the Rector of Trinity Church as required by the Will.
OTHER TRUST FUNDS
The following payments were received during the course of
the year and funded in accordamce with the provisions under
[15]
which they were made available to the Library :
Helen Lambert Fund in memory of Frederic and Louise Lambert —
An additional payment in the amount of $9.00, under the Will of
the late Helen Lambert, of which the income is to be expended for
books and other library material ;
Ainsley Fund — The sum of $84,000 as a first payment, the sum of
$73,000 as a second payment, and the sum of $15,750 as a third
payment, under the Will of the late Emily L. Ainsley, of which the
income is to be expended for books.
The Trustees welcome bequests of money or books and hope
that generous testators may remember the Library. It is from
such sources only that they can make purchases of rare and other
important books which give value and prestige to a great edu-
cational institution such as the Boston Public Library.
As a matter of interest to the citizens of Boston the Board has
pleasure in Ksting the present trust funds of the Library, with ex-
planatory notes. The list will be found on pages 71—83.
[16]
EXAMINING COMMITTEE
The Trustees acknowledge gratefully the assistance given by
the Examining Committee of 1938. Its members were the fol-
lowing :
Mrs. Gordon Abbott
Mr. Clinton P. Biddle
Mr. Philip J. Bond
Mr. Henry T. Claus
Mrs. William H. Dewart
Dr. Albert Ehrenfried
Mr. H. B. Elliston
Mr. Henry E. Foley
Mr. Allan Forbes
Miss Susan J. Ginn
Mr. Arthur L. Gould
Mr. Burnelle G. Hawkins
Mr. Herman H. Henkle
Mr. M. A. DeWolfe Howe
Dr. Henry Jackson
Rev. John S. Keating
Rev. Arthur L. Kinsolving
Mrs. Augustus P. Loring, Jr.
Mr. A. Lawrence Lowell
Mr. John W, Lowes
Mr. Keyes D. Metcalf
Mr. George N. Northrop
Rev. Phillips E. Osgood
Rev. Charles E. Park
Mrs. Charles B. Perkins
Mrs. Edward M. Pickman
Mr. Gabriel F. Piemonte
Hon. Abraham E. Pinanski
Rev. Richard J. Quinlan
Mr. William K. Richardson
Mr. B. M. Selekman
Mrs. Arthur A. Shurcliff
Mrs. Francis E, Slattery
Rev. Russell H. Stafford
Mrs. Donald C. Starr
Miss Ruth Tiffany
Mrs. Joseph A. Tomasello
Mr. John P. Vaccaro
Dr. Henry Viets
Mr. Laurence Winship
Mrs. Frederick Winslow
Mr. Charles E. Wyzanski, Jr.
It is gratifying to have the generous and helpful assistance of
citizens who give so freely of their time and interest to the ac-
tivities of the Library. Special attention is called to the interesting
report of the Committee, which appears on pages 24-35 im-
mediately following.
CONCLUSION
Attention is called to the report of the Director of the Library
as found on pages 36-48 below. It presents the more important
developments in the Library during the year.
The Trustees have pleasure in expressing their appreciation
of the efforts of the library staff throughout the year to meet the
reading needs of the citizens of Boston.
Frank W. Buxton
John L. Hall
Louis E. Kirstein
Robert H. Lord
Ellery Sedgwick
BALANCE SHEET
[18]
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES
Expenditures for Personnel:
Permanent and Probationary-
employees
(ex-
elusive of Printing and Binding Department
employees)
. $857,940.53
Sundays and Evenings, extra and
other serv
R Than 1
ice . . 93,145.82 $951,086.35
Expenditures for Service Othe
'ersonal:
Printing and binding .
35.00
Advertising
25.75
Transportation of persons
1.999.51
Cartage and freight
7.837.56
Light, heat and power .
17.161.58
Rent, taxes and water
20.508.48
Bond and insurance premiums
1.584.33
Communication
4,696.49
Cleaning
1.863.44
Removal of ashes
24.60
Expert ....
1.516.95
Stenographic and copying .
. . . 1335.91
Fees ■ . . . .
147.70
Photographic and blueprinting
114.76
General plant
19.068.28
Miscellaneous services .
182.70 78,103.04
Expenditures for Equipment:
Machinery
185.28
Electrical ....
580.20
Motorless vehicles
95.00
Furniture and fittings .
1,048.08
Office ....
3.298.60
Books :
City appropriation
$59,698.49
Trust funds income
76,374.02
136.072.51
Newspapers:
City appropriation
4,590.81
Trust funds income
1,412.80
6.003.61
Music :
City appropriation
21.00
Trust funds income
2,548.08
2.569.08
Lantern slides:
City appropriation
36.90
Trust fimds income
107.00
143.90
Periodicals:
City appropriation
9,110.78
Trust funds income
820.50
9.93128
Photostats:
City appropriation
312.25
Trust funds income
368.50
680.75
Posters, prints and maps:
City appropriation
104.70
Trust funds income
2
21.43
326.13
Phonograph records :
Trust funds income
Manuscripts :
Trust funds income
Tools and instruments
Wearing apparel
General plant
Carried forward
14.85
889.78
914.02
2 50
267!97 163.023.54
$1,192,212.93
[19]
AND RECEIPTS, DECEMBER 31, 1938
Receipts From :
City Appropriation, 1938 $1,310,290.63
Income from Trust Funds ...... 295,514.26
James L. Whitney Bibliographic Account . . . 700.00
Income from Children's Fund ..... 3,636.22
$1,610,141.11
Carried forivarJ
$1,610,141.11
[20]
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES
fJro.-.'j;/!' forrvar-J
ExPENDJrLRES KCU SupPLICi
Office
Fuel
Forage and animal
Medical . . _.
: aundry, cleaning, loiict
Educational and recreationa
A.gricuit>!ral
Chemicals and disinfectant:
$1,192,212.93
r„
plant
ExPENDITLnKS FOP. MATERIAL
Building
Eleclrical
General plant
Pensions and Annuities
W. P. A. Library Projects
Special Items:
J. L. Whitney Bibliographic Account .
A. L. Whitney Fund, Sick beneht
Trust Funds Income, Salary .
Children's Fund, Trinity Church .
EXPENDITLRFS FOR BlNDING DEPARTMENT:
Salaries ......
Transportation of persons
Gas .......
Repairs ......
Equipment .....
Supplies ......
Material
Stock
$9,319.98
14,087.38
7.10
19.40
1,631.18
16.48
235.00
344.42
2,942.24
4.507.02
2,473.60
1.622.36
1 ,626.00
456.00
1 ,500.00
1,8^4.22
59,594.35
.40
73.74
154.27
52.63
5.14
2.68
6,900.14
28,603.18
8,602.98
834.78
53.991.39
5,426.22
66,783.35
EXFENDITUFXS FOR PRINTING DEPARTMENT:
Salaries ......
Gas ......
Photographic and blueprinting
P.epairs ......
Supplies ......
Stock
Outside work .....
Expenditures from Special Appropriation for FireprooSng,
Improvements, etc. .......
Transfer to Hospital Department of the City of Boston
Carried forvjard ......
12.544.71
49.16
184.55
257.75
.45
3,912.76
48.88
16.998 26
12.251.72
24.85
$1,385,729.66
:2i]
AND RECEIPTS, DECEMBER 31, 1938
Brought foTTvard ....
Balancls Bp.ouGttr Forward From 1937:
Tru?{ funds income, City Treasur)'
Josiaii H. Benton Book Fund Income .
City appropriation on deposit in London
James L. Whitney Bibliographic Arcount .
Library Building, FircprooBng, ImnrovemenfE, ct<
H. C. Bentley Gift "
Judaica Bookshelf .....
Children's Fund ......
$1,6!O.I41.1i
$25,794.10
20,758.74
72.75
2,232.73
12,276.57
13.70
159.17
1,340.61
63,148.37
Carried fci Kara
$1,673,289.48
[22]
STATEMENT OF EXPENDITURES
Drought forward
Amounts Paid Into City Treasury:
Fines ....
Sales of catalogues, bulletins
Commission on telephone stations
Refunds, fees, etc.
Sales of waste paper .
Payments for lost books
Balance, December 31, 1938:
Trust Funds Income, City Treasury
James L. Whitney Bibliographic Account
H. C. Bentley Gift .
Judaica Bookshelf ....
Children's Fund .....
City appropriation on deposit in London
$1,385,729.66
Balance Unexpended, December 31, 1938
General appropriation ....
$23,618.22
341 .97
521.34
47.41
75.74
657.95
257,354.14
1 ,306.73
13.70
159.17
3,632.61
72.75
25,262.63
262,539.10
25.020.72
To Balance
$1,698,552.11
[23]
AND RECEIPTS, DECEMBER 31, 1938
Brought forrvard
Receipts From:
Fines .....
Sales of catalogues, bulletins and lists
Commission on telephone stations .
Payments for lost books
Refunds, fees, etc.
Sales of waste paper .
$1 .673,289.48
$23,618.22
341.97
521.34
657.95
47.4 i
75.74
25,262.63
To Balance
$1,698,552.1
[24]
REPORT OF THE EXAMINING COMMITTEE
To The Trustees of the Public Library
OF THE City of Boston.
Gentlemen : —
The Examining Committee for the year 1938 respectfully
submits its report.
The Committee met for organization on May 23, 1938.
Shortl}"^ thereafter the following sub-committees v/ere appointed :
A.dministration and Finance, Books, Buildings and Equipment,
Catalogs, Children's Work and Work with Schools, Publicity,
Staff and Staff Facilities, Use of the Library, Branch Libraries
and Special Departments, and the General Committee. Re-
ports from these sub-committees were submitted to the Vice
Chairman early in November, These reports, with their de-
tailed findings, observations and recommendations, have been
filed with the Library for reference, examination, and study.
The Report herewith submitted is intended to be a summary of
the more important features in the reports of the sub-committees.
The Committee is again indebted to the Director and the
members of his staff for their helpful and generous cooperation,
and takes this means of expressing its appreciation. We are
aware of the wise and efficient direction under which the Library
functions. We desire again to record that the sei'vice of the
Director and his administrative associates, the heads of the
various departments and branch libraries, and their respective
staffs, has been loyal, admirable, competent, and efficient.
The Committee renews the recommendations of its prede-
cessors that the appropriations for books be brought back to a
level which will be sufficient to provide for norm.al demands as
well as to replace worn out and discarded books. No library,
public or private, can long endure, unless it provides books as
needed. The imperative need of the Library arises out of the
cumulative results of drastic cuts in appropriations for books for
the last five years. The depleted book stocks should be brought
back to more nearly standard levels by the addition of new items
necessary to supply the demands of readers and by the repairing
or replacing of material which has been used up.
[25]
In spite of the acute necessity of economy your Comraittee is
of the opinion that in considering the cutting down of expenses
the municipal authorities and the Trustees should regarcl the
purchase of books for the branch Hbraries as a matter of the
greatest importance.
Total expenditures of the Library Department from funds
appropriated by the City aggregated $1,096,816.48, in 1928.
Expenditures for 1938 presumably will approximate the appro-
priations for the Library Department which this year aggregated
$1,320,471.30.
The following table reflects the allocation of these expendi-
tures and appropriations:
A. Pi
Budget Items
al Sen
1928 (Expendilures)
$744,990.87
143,655.50
144,655.01
36,482.81
26.168.79
863.50
938 (Approrsriaticns)
$1,039,175.00
76,298.10
81.952.00
35,149.73
18,946.47
68.950.00
B. Contractual Ser
C. Equipment
D. Supplies .
E. Materials
r . Pensions
H. W.P.A. Relief Projects
It is clear from an examination of the above figures that sub-
stantially increased appropriations have been made for personal
service and substantially decreased appropriations for equip-
ment. Except for contractual services and W.P.A. projects, the
major variances occur in these items.
We have not examined in detail the causes of the very large
increase in the personal service item. We do know, however,
that in part the increase represents salary adjustments to a jnore
equitable base. This part seems warranted, under all the ciicum-
stances, notwithstanding the present financial burdens of the Ciiy.
V/e are concerned, however, over the decrease in the ap-
propriation for equipment because in this item is incliided the
appropriation for the purchase of books. Of the sum appropri-
ated in 1928 for equipment, $125,000 was allocated io the
purchase of books. Of the $31,952.00 appropriated in 1938
for equipment, only $73,875.00 was allowed for book purchases.
A relatively small allotment for book purchases was similarly
made in 1933, and in 1936 and 1937.
[26]
Books must be purchased, not only to keep the hbrary cur-
rent, but also to replace volumes worn out, lost or stolen. The
wear on books is great, due to heavy use. That use is substan-
tially greater now than it was in 1928, although the funds for
replacement are substantially less.
We suggest a possible survey by the Law Department of the
City of Boston of the Library Trusts to determine whether or
not they are being construed too restrictively, and whether or
not greater latitude than is supposed may exist for the purchase
of books.
Now that the income of the Benton Book Fund is available
for the purchase of scholarly works for the Central Library,
may we suggest that consideration be given to the fields of
knowledge which are to be cultivated with the new funds. If
new fields are to be covered, this should be done only after the
proper authorities have studied the matter carefully, keeping in
mind the avoidance of undue duplication with other research
institutions in the neighborhood of Boston. The Sub-Committee
recommends, therefore, that a study be made of a possible divi-
sion of field between the libraries in the region, and that ex-
tensive purchases of books and serials which are available for
use in other libraries be made only when it is felt that copies
elsewhere will not supply the demand, and that additional ones
are required in the Boston Public Library.
It should be made clear that the above statement does not
mean that the Sub-Committee opposes duplication .within the
Boston area when it is necessary. Indeed it is felt that the pres-
ent occasion should be used to consider the needs of duplication
within the central building of the Library itself; and we hope
that this problem can be studied. There must be many cases
where in the past one copy of an important work was all that
could be afforded. Now it might be well to have two, one for
reference work within the building and one for circulation.
It is difficult to make any new suggestions for the reason that
reports have been made every year and the improvements that
might be made are quite obvious. Your Committee is aware of
the fact that the Trustees are familiar with the conditions which
need improvement and correction and of the defects which
[271
should be remedied. It is, however, important that certain mat-
ters be emphasized in the hope that reference to them will serve
as the impetus to further constructive action.
The Committee again reports in the main the same things in
regard to the Central Library which previous committees have
suggested. Those of us who come newly to the knowledge of
our Library are staggered by the discrepancy between the noble,
serene and spacious public appearance and the overcrowded, in-
adequate, inflexible, and private aspect "behind the scenes".
Your committee cannot but feel most keenly the human problem
of employees under such conditions as our apparently spacious
but really wedged-beyond-capacity Library has necessitated.
Already overcrowded by departmental needs, growing book-
stacks, and employees' facilities (if they can be so called) , the
puzzle of adjustment has been intensified by the addition of 125
W.P.A. workers to be quartered in the main building.
Specifically, this sub-committee hopes that the main items of
previous reports will be seriously reconsidered. We emphasize
three of these.
Although a number of things could be done to alleviate the
crowded condition of the Central Library we realize that it
may be possible to make only a few major changes during the
next few years owing to the inability to procure the necessary
funds. We feel that there is one improvement that must be made
in the immediate future.
( 1 ) The basement of the Library should receive first considera-
tion. The Boston Edison Company, without cost to the Library
for s\\"itching over Lo its service, vv^il) provide heat and light for the
Library at a somewhat lower annual figure than is now involved in
the Library's own contained plant. The deterioration of the Li-
brary's own engines will bring within three years the necessity of
drastic expenditures for replacement according to the engineers'
prophesy. A new engine to replace the 1 895 engine will alone
cost $25,000. If such arrangements are made, space will be made
available for extra staff rooms, toilets, rest rooms and locker space,
as well as a restaurant perhaps. It seems to us that the present
facilities for the staff are, to say the least, distressing and these
facilities have become even more noticeably inadequate since the
staff of the Boston Public Library has been recently augmented by
128]
federal relief workers. This change should be made as soon as it
is possible to provide employment for the six or more employees
now serving in the engineering department. We believe the Trus-
tees should use every effort at once to induce the City of Boston or
the Boston Edison Company to take on these men.
(2) If the above project can be perfected we believe the next
important question is the Branch Library Departm.ent. Several
yearly committees have recommended that this work be carried on
outside the Main Building. The Branch Dep;irtment is for the
most part unrelated to the work of the Central Library as such. It
could be located at any central point in the city where the busy
trucks could reach it. At present it takes up too much and too val-
uable space at the Central Library. Almost any kind of buildmg
of reasonable size could house it just as well or belter, — a store,
an unused school, a good-sized house. Is it not possible, with so
many properties takeji over by the City for unpaid taxes, with some
school houses not u?ed, with the possibility of the gift of some house
whose owners find it a burden to carry, that quarters could be found
which, with a minimum of expenditure, except for light and heat,
could be occupied by this Department?
(3) If these changes and adju.'.tm.ents are made and m.ore space
is still necessary for the different departments, we renew the recom-
mendations made by several former commiltees, that the Newspaper
Room might v/ell be removed to another building equally well
located. Your committee doubts whether prior reports have suffi-
ciently emphasized the fact that a proper situs for the newspaper
room is not necessarily a proper situs for the Central Department
for Branch Libraries. The Newspaper Room is a perennial prob-
lem. It occupies disproportionate space in comparison with its im-
portance in a central library. There is no lack of sympathy to be
implied for the homeless or the forlorn who utilize the room along
with those who are really making use of the newspapers for their
intended purpose when we query whether the Newspaper Room
should not be moved to some near-by building, or provided with
its own entrance (as in many libraries).
The special problem which will be created within the next
months by an expected important gift to the Rare Book Depart-
ment seems to us to deserve special mention for it shov, s clearly
why more space is needed in the central building.
At the present we can make no further recommendation as to
open shelves. The steady diminution of the number of lost
books is most satisfactory, and after all, one suspects the ma-
129]
jority of lost books is not from the open shelves bul from some
of the stacks open to passers by.
Parts of the building need painting very badly, especially the
West Gallery, the Fine Arts Department, and the Science and
Technolog}'^ Department on the top floor.
As for the Branch Libraries the outstanding problem is the
West End Branch, now housed in a rented store because ot the
necessary removal from the old church which was its home. We
hope that some day funds may be forthcoming with which to
erect a new building. This church building is a public monu-
ment, architecturally representative of an era of which the relics
ought not to be destroyed. There has been an annual item of
$10,000 in the Library budget toward the $50,000 it will take
to put the old church into proper condition. Annualiy this
item has been blue-pencilled and the church stands empty and
unsafe. Meanwhile the store costs $3,000 per year, with its
pinched space in a section where readers have been the most
numerous of the whole city, pro rata. By any chance can the
annual budget item be left in this year?
The yearly repairs on the tiled roof in the central library
building run into ver}'^ high figures but we presume nothing just
at present can be done to obviate this expense.
We express our admiring amazement at the ingenuity and
morale of the Director and Staff under the stress of these and
many other urgent problems and difficulties. We regret the situ-
ation behind the scenes and urge as prompt action as possible to
improve conditions.
The tremendous work which has been in progress for the last
few years, in revising our classification of books in the Central
Library to conform with that of the Library of Congress, has
made great headway this year. With the indispensable help of
the Federal Government in the largest of the library projects,
the employment of several hundred workers has been efficiently
overseen by the members of our regular staff. The changing
over of many of our old cards, by cutting them down to standard
size, has been accomplished and the insertion of a nnrrov/ strip
of wood along the side of each tray has made it possible to con-
tinue the use of our present cases. It has been suggested that as
[301
there is great need of table space by those using the trays, that
in the event of changing the present cabinets the extra space
made available, by the reduction in the size of the cards, be used
for these tables.
Another recommendation is the possibility of printing in
"More Books", or as a supplementary list, titles of books on
various subjects to serve as "self starters" to present a subject
not from the profound students', but from a general readers'
point of view, which might help to open new fields for those
readers who find themselves overwhelmed by the size of the
catalog.
In addition to the work being accomplished upon the classifi-
cation of books in the Central Library, we are glad to note also
the progress achieved in connection with another of the Library's
large federal projects, namely, that of revising the catalogs and
the classification of books in the branch libraries in accordance
with the Dewey classification scheme. The results of this pro-
ject are already becoming evident as of first importance for the
administration of the branch libraries.
It is hoped that the project for closer cooperation between the
schools and the branch libraries will receive added stimulus this
year by the appointment in certain junior high schools of teachers
to act as liaison library officers to collect the advance information
so important for the most effective use of the library in supply-
ing needed materials at the appropriate times.
Teachers can be of great service to the branch libraries if they
will acquaint themselves with the material available in the li-
braries and give the branch librarians preliminary outlines of
the assignments they plan to make during the j'^ear.
We are confident of the assistance of the Superintendent of
Schools in bringing about closer cooperation between the Li-
brary and the Public Schools. Publicity for the Library and its
services, and instruction in the proper care of books and the use
of library privileges, is in large measure necessarily tied up with
the School Department. Such cooperation with the schools is
invaluable in the attempt to minimize delinquencies, thefts, and
mutilations. Constructive work with school children with a view
to educating them in the care of books and in the use of reference
[31]
material will do much toward the prevention of such mutilations
and thefts. It is suggested that an attractive pamphlet with an
appeal to the practical sense and sentiments of youngsters might
be effective in the campaign to reduce loss and mutilation of
books.
The Committee is genuinely alarmed by the fact that the total
num.ber of volumes in the branch library system is diminishing
yearly. Old books in spite of rebinding and frequent repairs
eventually wear out. Last year 44,346 volumes were in so dis-
reputable a condition that they had to be discarded while only
40,41 6 could be purchased to offset the loss. Thus 3,930 fewer
books were available at the end of the year than at the beginning.
The thoroughly worn out books are generally the good stand-
ard books and must be replaced. The budget for the purchase
of books for the last three years has been so small that it was not
practical to replace the discarded and missing books.
During the last three years there has been a steady decrease
in the total number of books borrowed from the libraries and we
feel that the lack of books may be responsible for the reduced
demand. We realize that under present conditions it may be
difficult to increase the total library budget but we feel that a re-
allocation of funds so as to allow a larger appropriation for re-
placements and the purchase of new books might be practical.
The Boston Public Library must not lower its standard of books
available to the Public.
The Committee regrets the necessity for the closing of branch
libraries and hopes that they may be reopened. If branch li-
braries must be closed we urge that those in the regions of the
poorer population be kept open.
The Committee of 1937 suggested that some of the branch
libraries in the crowded sections of the City be opened for two
or three hours Sunday afternoons. We favor their recommenda-
tion but advise trying this first in the winter months. Then if the
amount of use justifies the effort we suggest extending the service.
We hope that soon the space in the Central Library may be
re-allocated so that the Open Shelf Department may have bet-
ter quarters, on the ground floor. At present the rooms of the
Open Shelf Department are inadequate, with insufficient light-
ing and almost no chairs.
[321
It is suggested that our books he made more available by
having special shelves in which are grouped books devoted to
such subjects as Parenthood, Occupational Information, Handi-
craft Work, and related subjects.
The Sub-Committee on Publicity has reviewed the many ac-
tivities which are being used to attract the favorable attention
of the public to the various services ar.d needs of the Library and
recommends that the policies of the past year be continued with
no change in emphasis. The continuance of nev/spaper publicity
of the dignified type which has heretofore obtained, the further
issuance of pamphlets, a greater number of radio talks, and the
continuance of exhibits and lectures in the Library are earnestly
urged.
This sub-committee has done a thorough and painstaking job.
Its complete findings are on file and can be consulted for the
details of the observations and recommendations of the sub-
committee and its individual members. We understand that the
Trustees make a careful survey of the individual reports sub-
mitted by the members of this sub-committee as a result of visits
to branch libraries and special departments and that the recom-
mendations contained therein are studied and carried out by the
Hbrary authorities to the extent which conditions and appropria-
tions peiTTiit. It is difficult, if not impossible, to summarize the
detailed reports on each of the branch libraries, and therefore
the reports of the mxembers of this sub-com.mittee are herewith
incorporated by reference. The two branches which need most
attention are Neponset and West End. The important repairs
and changes which are suggested should be made as soon as
appropriations permit.
It should be reiterated that the problem of the special de-
partments is tied up definitely with the problem of re-allocation
of space within the Central Library building. The following
suggestions although important are not as vital as this greater
need.
1 . Rare Book Deparlmeni. Although the physical equipment of
this department is far from filling the needs of a section devoted
entirely to rare books, nevertheless, the department is extremely
well conducted and the books are kept in fairly good condition.
[33]
When compared, however, with a Rare Book Department such as
is found in a more modern building, this department lacks a good
many facilities. The care of older books, broadsides, manuscripts,
letters, and books in vellum and leather bindings offers a particular
problem that can only be solved by air conditioning, so far as the
preservation of the material is concerned in its present form. Micro-
photography, however, allov/s for the permanent recording of printed
or written matter in a compact and usable form. It is being exten-
sively used in many libraries and should find its chief use in the Rare
Book Department of the Boston Public Library. The scholarly
writings of the editor of "More Books" have served to make this
department known throughout the world. Every encouragement
should be given to his work.
2. Fine Arts Department. As has been pointed out many times
before, as long as this department is shared with the Science and
Technology Department it is impossible to suggest any improvements.
The rare art books might be used more for e?-chibition purposes, but
they should be in a case that cannot be opened by the public. There
is a lack of help in keeping up the picture files used by m.any stu-
dents. An additional attendant is needed for this work.
3. Music Department. The need for sound-proof rooms, where
piano and instrumental music and victrola records could be played,
is again emphasized in the present report. It is unfortunate that the
department is so arranged that a good deal of dirt and smoke comes
in from outside. The books are suffering definitely. It is worth
noting that there is a general increase in the use of this department,
particularly by young students from the Boston conservatories and
from Harvard.
4. Periodical and Newspaper Department. It is, perhaps, un-
fortunate that the newspapers are housed in a part of the library
where the lighting is at all times inadequate. News print is hardest
of all to read, particularly if the paper has aged. Every effort should
be made to give adequate lighting and special attention should be
paid to this by lighting engineers. The readers in the newspaper
room are a noisy group, but there seems to be no solution of this
problem. The subscription list to newspapers is very large and it
appears that the present endowment does not cover it. It is sug-
gested that the subscription list be cut and that if some money v/ere
saved in this manner, it could be well u?ed to enlarge the periodical
subscription list. In general, it is felt that the periodical room is
more important to the library than the newspaper room.
The comprehensive and excellent report of this sub-committee
is herewith incorporated by reference with the knowledge that
[34]
the library authorities will give its details the careful considera-
tion which it deserves. We quote from the cover letter accom-
panying the report of this sub-committee.
"... the report is couched in much more restrained language than
the members of the committee would like to express. We were as-
tounded and, in some respects, even shocked to see the lack of
elementary facilities for so large a staff as works in the central li-
brary building. It is only our knowledge that the administration and
trustees are conscious of all the problems and are doing their best
to remedy them that led us to be as conservative as we are in describ-
ing what we found and in making our recommendations. It is cer-
tainly to be hoped that much more rapid progress may be made in
the near future than has been made in the past in carrying out some
of the improvements."
Without going into the details which are covered by the re-
port of this sub-committee it m.ust be said that the inadequate
rest and recreation rooms crowded with workers, unattractive
lunch rooms, lack of proper drinking water particularly in the
summer months, and an impossible condition of overcrowding
in the toilets must effect the comfort and mental health of the
staff.
In respect to possible changes which might be made to im-
prove the present facilities available for use by the staff attention
is called to the possibility of using the top floor of the annex for
development of such facilities. These quarters are now occupied
by the printing and binding departments, whose functional ac-
tivities seem to the Committee not to require them to be kept in
this space, especially if quarters could be provided outside the
library building. Connections for necessary plumbing are al-
ready available in this space in the lavatory and toilet facilities
now being used by the printing and binding departments. It is
recognized that the problem of approach to this part of the
building is one which would represent some difficulty in making
this change.
The Committee is impressed with the commendable efforts
which have been made in the direction of setting up standards
of personnel and salary scales which offer definite opportunity
for advancement within the permanent staff of the library. The
[35]
Committee recommends that the efforts of the Trustees and the
Director toward putting this salary scale into effect be continued.
The need of increased appropriations for buying books and
the im.perative necessity of obtaining rehef from the overcrowd-
ing of the Central Library building stand out more than ever and
cannot be over-emphasized. With a relatively small expendi-
ture, some of the activities now functioning in the main building
can be housed elsewhere. If this is accomplished in the coming
year, then a long step will have been taken toward the solution
of the vexing and paramount problem of overcrowding, and its
many consequences. Even with the necessit}'^ for rigid economy,
some progress with respect to books and overcrowding ought to
be possible.
Adopted as the report of the Examining Committee, Novem-
ber 2i. 1938.
Abraham E. Pinanski, Vice Chairman
Katharine Abbott
Clinton P. Biddle
Philip J. Bond
Henry T. Glaus
Elizabeth H. Dewart
Albert Ehrenfried
H. B. Elliston
Henry E. Foley
Allan Forbes
Susan J. Ginn
Arthur L. Gould
Burnelle G. Hawkins
Herman H. Henkle
M. A. DeWoIfe Howe
Henry Jackson
John S. Keating
Arthur L. Kinsolving
Rosamond B. Loring
A. Lawrence Lowell
John W. Lowes
Keyes D. Metcalf
George N. Northrop
Phillips E. Osgood
Charles E. Park
Elizabeth W. Perkins
Hester Pickman
Gabriel F. Piemonte
Richard J. Quinlan
William K. Richardson
B. M. Selekman
Margaret H. Shurcliff
Lillian C. Slattery
Russell H. Stafford
Polly T. Starr
Ruth Tiffany
Frances Tomasello
John P. Vaccaro
Henry R. Viets
Laurence Winship
Mary W. Winslow
Charles E. Wyzanski, Jr.
[36]
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR
To THE Trustees of the Public Library
OF the City of Boston :
I submit herewith the report of the Director of the Library
for the year ending December 31,1 938.
appropriations for the support of the library
The City appropriated for the use of the Library during
1938 the sum of $1,320,471.30. This was $30,042.30 greater
than the amount appropriated in 1937.
The total appropriation included an amount of $68,950.00
for the necessary expenditures incidental to the unemployment
relief projects which the Library sponsored on behalf of the
City. By excluding this amount for extraordinary expenditures
the appropriation for the ordinary operating expenses of the
Library was $1 ,25 1 ,521 .30. This was $39,842.30 greater than
the amount appropriated for the ordinary operating expenses in
1937.
The appropriation for the purchase of books was $73,875.
In the original instance the amount was intended to be $75,000.
In the final steps of passing the appropriations for 1938 it was
reduced slightly by an arbitrary percentage, as were the bud-
get estimates for all accounts for all city departments. For com-
parative purposes, however, the amount of the appropriation for
books may be said to have remained at substantially the same
level as that for 1937.
The inadequacy of the amount appropriated for books for
1 938 is to be seen from the following table showing the heavily
increased use of the Library during the preceding decade :
[371
AMOUNT APPROPRIATED
NO. OF BOOKS
YEAR FOR THE LENT TO
PURCHASE OF BOOKS BORROWERS
1928 .... $125,000 . , . 3,899,286
1929
140,000
3.930,068
1930
160,000
4,133,459
1931
175.000
4,702,932
1932
160,000
5.567,681
1933
75,000
5,548,283
1934
100.000
5,194,351
1935
100.000
4.949,701
1936
55.000
4,806,737
1937
75.000
4,531,378
1938
73,875
4,354.044
In other places in this report there will be found more de-
tailed presentation setting forth the need of additional provision
for the purchase of books.
USE OF THE LIBRARY
During 1 938 there were lent to borrowers 4,354,044 volumes.
This figure represents an increase of 1 1 % over that for 1 929,
the last of the pre-depression years.
The following table shows the use of the Library during the
period from 1929 to 1938, inclusive:
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
NO. OF BOOKS
LENT TO
BORROWERS
3,930,063
4.133,459
4,702,932
5,567,681
5,548,283
5.194.351
4,949,701
4,806,737
4,531,378
4354,044
PERCENTAGE OF PERCENTAGE OF
INCREASE OR DECREASE INCREASE
OVER PRECEDING YEAR OVER 1929
+5%
+ 13%
+18%
-0.3%
-6%
-5%
-3%
-6%
-4%
+5%
+20%
+42%
+41%
+32%
+26%
+22%
+15%
+ 11%
The above figures show clearly that a peak of increasing use
was reached in 1932 and in 1933, that since then there has
followed a steadily declining use.
Several factors have been contributing to this declining use.
Unemployment obviously has not been as great in extent in
1938 as in 1932 and 1933. There have been consequently
[38]
fewer and fewer individuals with time on their hands in which
to turn to Hbraries to make use of books. On the other hand the
number of unemployed in 1938 was even so sufficiently great
that a satisfactory explanation of declining use is not to be
found in that direction alone.
A far greater contributing factor appears to have been the
increasingly inadequate supply of books with which to meet
the needs of readers. Experience shows that for most persons
the habit of reading persists steadily only when books and other
reading materials are readily and easily available. Unfortunately
that is exactly what has been becoming less and less possible for
the Library in recent years. Up through 1932 appropriations
for the purchase of books were reasonably adequate, with
amounts averaging approximately $150,000 a year. Since then
the annual appropriations have been no more than $55,000 in
1936, $73,875 in 1938, $75,000 in 1933 and 1937, and
$100,000 in 1934 and 1935. Obviously with such reduced
amounts substantial curtailment has had to take place in the
purchasing of books. And while fewer and fewer books have
been purchased because of inadequate funds, more and more
books have had to be discarded because of becoming worn out
from heavy use in preceding years. As a result there have been
year after year for the last four years actually fewer and fewer
books available for readers in the branch libraries, in which in-
cidentally 90% of the borrowing of books for home use takes
place.
Without an adequate supply of books readily at hand it is
not easy to keep the reading habit alive. Like all other habits it
flourishes with use, declines with disuse.
THE NEED OF BOOKS
In 1938 the branch libraries discarded 66,180 volumes as
compared with 45,339 volumes added. In other v/ords the
branch libraries had at the end of 1938 20,841 fewer volumes
than at the beginning of the year.
Unfortunately 1 938 was not the first year in which such a
backward movement had taken place. In 1935 the branch li-
[39]
braries had to discard as worn out 4,257 volumes more than
they could add; in 1936 they fell short by 9,091 volumes; in
1937, by 3,930 volumes. In other words, in 1935 they discarded
53,996 books and added only 49,739; in 1936, they discarded
41,859 volumes and added only 32,768; in 1937, they dis-
carded 44,346 books and added only 40,416,
Specifically, on December 31,1 938 the branch libraries had
38,1 19 fewer volumes than on January 1, 1935. This number
is equivalent to the total books collections of three entire branch
libraries of the average size in the Boston Public Library system.
In the central library the situation has been entirely the op-
posite. Its book collections have been maintained and developed
in entirely normal fashion. For this purpose there exist numerous
trust funds. In 1 938 these were even increased, with the becom-
ing available of a substantial portion of the Benton Book Fund
after the many years required for the settlement of the Benton
Estate. For the most part these funds must be used, in accordance
with the tenns of their establishment, for the special collections
belonging to the central library. They are not available for the
purchase of books for the branch libraries.
The branch libraries have to depend therefore almost en-
tirely upon the city appropriations for the purchase of books.
There have now occuiTed six lean years during which these ap-
propriations have been in the aggregate $406, 1 25 less than they
were in the preceding six years. The following tables show their
amounts year by year:
1927-1932
1933-1938
1927
$125,000
1933 . . . . $75,000
1928
125,000
1934 . . . . 100,000
1929
140,000
1935 . . . . 100.000
1930
160,000
1936 .... 55,000
1931
175,000
1937 . . . . 75,000
1932 ...
160.000
1938 . . . . 73,875
Total of city appro
Jriations for books,
1927-1932 . . $885,000
Total of city appro
priations for books.
1933-1938 . . 478.875
Average of anni
jal city appropriations for books
1927-1932
$147,500
1933-1938
79.812
[40]
It is of prime importance that the amount of the annual city
appropriation be returned to the higher levels which prevailed
prior to 1933. They represent amounts which years of ex-
perience indicate to be those which are necessarj'^ if the Library
is to carry on its work to the advantage of the citizens of Boston.
MISUSE OF BOOKS
With inadequate funds for the purchase of books, particular-
ly for the branch libraries, every effort was made during 1938
to make the most of the existing book stock, especially through
preventing the misuse of books.
In the matter of books unrecoverable from borrowers from
the branch libraries it proved to be possible to reduce by 24%
even the very small number of 979 volumes so unrecoverable in
1937. The number in 1938 was 742. It is interesting to compare
this with the average of the number of volumes unrecoverable year
by year from 1930 to 1934 inclusive. This was 2,322. In 1931
the number had been as high as 2,598. The figure for 1938
represents a reduction of 68% from the average of 2,322 vol-
umes annually unrecoverable from 1930 to 1934 inclusive. It
is a loss of only one-fiftieth of 1 % of the nearly 3,500,000 vol-
umes lent from the branch libraries in the course of the year.
The following table shows the results of unremitting efforts
in this direction over the last four years, during which particular
attention has been directed to the problem :
NO. OF VOLUMES
CHANGE
% OF CHANGE
YEAR
UNRECOVERABLE
FROM 1934
FROM 1934
1934
. 2,262
1935
. 1,399
'. -863 '.
'. -38%
1936
. 953
. -1309
. -58%
1937
. 979
. -1283
. -57%
1938
. . 742 .
. -1520
. -67%
Similarly, in the matter of missing books in the branch li-
braries, continuing close attention throughout 1938 resulted in
marked reduction of the number of volumes found missing at
the time of the annual inventory. During the ten year period
ending in 1 934 the average number of books so missing annually
[41]
from the shelves of the branch hbraries had been as high as
12,000. In 1935 it was 12,769. In 1938 it was reduced to
6,931. This figure for 1938 represents a reduction of 45%
from the figure for 1935.
The following table shows the results achieved in this direc-
tion over the last four years, during which special attention has
been given to the problem:
NO. OF VOLUMES
DECREASE
DECREASE
YEAR
MISSING
FROM 1935
FROM 1935
1935
. 12,769
,
1936
. 11,012
.■ -1757 ;
'. . -14%
1937
. 8,786
. -3983
. -31%
1938
. 6,931
. -5838
. -45%
In recapitulation, the combined figures for these two sources
of losses have been as follows:
MISSING FROM
UNRECOVERABLE
TOTAL OF
THE SHELVES
FROM BORROWERS
COMBINED LOSSES
12,769
1 ,399
14,168
11,012
953
11.965
8,786
979
9,765
6,931
742
7,673
YEAR
1935
1936
1937
1938
At an average of $1 .50 per volume the value of these books so
lost each year has been as follows:
1935 ... $21,252.00
1936 ... 17,947.50
1937 ... 14,647.50
1938 ... 11,509.50
It is to be pointed out that, considerable as these figures are
for book losses in a year, they are the gross figures for the en-
tire system of branch libraries. Each of the 31 branch libraries
is open approximately 300 days in the course of a year. The
daily loss in 1 938 was thus approximately only 25 volumes for
the entire group of branch libraries. Such a loss of less than
one volume per day for each branch library on the average does
not indicate careless administration.
The accomplishment of the last three years in reducing the
loss of books has been substantial. During the year to come it
is hoped to carry the reduction still further.
[42]
CLOSING OF TWO BRANCH LIBRARIES
On July 1 , 1 938 there were discontinued the Roxbury Cross-
ing and the Tyler Street Branch Libraries, In each instance a
decreasing population in the surrounding area had set in in the
preceding years. It has been accompanied by a decreasing use
of the branch library facilities. Finally in the interests of econo-
my it no longer seemed advisable to continue their existence as
individual units.
UNEMPLOYMENT RELIEF PROJECTS
During 1938 there were continued the three work relief pro-
jects which the Library had sponsored in earlier years under
the auspices of the Works Progress Administration of the
Federal Government.
The project for the reclassification of the scholarly book col-
lections of the Central Library along the lines of the classifica-
tion schedules of the Library of Congress progressed substan-
tially from the extensive preparatory stages of the preceding
years. During the course of the year there was accomplished
the actual reclassification of well over 42,000 volumes and the
typing of 432,309 catalog cind other cards.
The project for the recataloging and reclassification of the
book collections of the Branch Libraries along the lines of
simplified Library of Congress cataloging and a simplified and
modified form of the Dewey decimal classification proceeded
likewise to substantial accomplishment. During the year there
were reclassified and recataloged some 24,000 volumes, and
there were typed 1,387,182 catalog and other cards.
To the regret of all concerned there was finally terminated
on November 23rd the project for the cleaning of books. It had
been in operation for five years lacking ten days. Successive re-
newals had made possible its continued existence from the earli-
est days of work relief projects under the Civil Works Admin-
istration beginning in early December 1933. An additional re-
newal was finally not permitted by the authorities of the Works
[43]
Progress Administration on the ground that the work was really
"current maintenance work" which the sponsor should perform
itself. It is unfortunate that this had to be so. The Library has
never been, nor is ever likely to be, in a position to find the funds
for carrying on such a cleaning and refurbishing process. And
the project itself was an excellent one for providing work for a
type of individual for whom it is not easy to find suitable ac-
tivity upon work relief projects.
These three projects provided employment for several hun-
dred individuals. The Federal Government provided the sal-
aries and wages. The City of Boston assumed responsibility for
the incidental expenses as its contribution as sponsor of the
projects.
BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT
Limited funds permitted no action during 1938 except for
such minor repairs throughout the library system as were im-
mediately pressing. For several years now a similar policy has
been in effect. The result will be soon or late that major expen-
ditures will become necessary because of inability year by year
to keep buildings and equipment in constant repair.
An example of the way in which this is likely to work out is
to be seen in what has happened at the West End Branch Li-
brary. The branch library is housed in the Old West Church.
When it was taken over for library uses in 1896, it was put
into good condition. Naturally over the intervening forty years
there eventually came about a need for repairs. Year by year
from 1930 onward the annual budget estimates of the Library
included a sum in the amount of $10,000 annually until the
old building should be put into good repair once again, only to
have the item disallowed each year. Finally in 1937 an emer-
gency situation arose affecting the safety of the building, and
by order of the Building Commissioner of the City of Boston it
was closed to public use. Now the necessary repairs will cost
from $55,000 to $60,000. Such a situation need not have oc-
curred if funds had been made available in relatively small
[44]
amounts year by year, particularly in recent years before the
need for repairs had reached an emergency stage.
It is highly desirable that there be resumed the practice of
earlier years whereby each year a substantial appropriation was
made for maintaining buildings and equipment in constant re-
pair.
There will be found above in the Report of the Trustees
(pp. 4—6) a presentation of other important needs in the mat-
ter of buildings and equipment.
SALARY INCREASES
In 1938 provision was made and action was taken, as in
!937, for the granting of salary increases on a step rate basis
to a sufficiently wide extent to take care of all individuals who
had not reached the maximum of remuneration for their posi-
tions, with the exception of those who were already receiving
m.ore than $40.00 per week or $2100 per annum. To 391 in-
dividuals there were granted increases of $2.00 per week or
$100 per annum up to the maximum of their positions.
That this action was once again, as for the first time in years
in 1937, on a widespread basis is to be seen from the following
table showing the number of individuals receiving step rate in-
creases in pay in recent years:
YEAR NO. OF INDIVIDUALS
1932 None
1933 None
1934 203
1935 173
1936 149
1937 441
1938 391
STAFF EXAMINATIONS
As of January 1 , 1 938 there were put into effect the new
arrangements for the classification of personnel and for the ex-
tensive series of staff examinations announced on June 1, 1937.
For individuals entering the library service beginning January
1, 1938 these examinations became obligatory. For those al-
[45]
ready in the library ser\ace prior to that date, the taking of the
new examinations was on a voluntary basis, except in the case
of qualifying for promotion to positions in the upper levels of
the graded service.
The first of the new Qualifying Examinations and Promo-
tional Examinations were given in May and June 1938, From
among the individuals who had entered the library service since
January 1 , 1 938 there were 1 8 registrations for Qualifying Ex-
aminations. From among those who were already in the library
service before January 1 , 1 938 there were 1 86 registrations for
Qualifying Examinations and 197 registrations for Promotional
Examinations. There were also 13 registrations for Qualifying
Examinations by properly qualified individuals not in the li-
brary service who wished to establish advanced standing as can-
didates for appointment to the Probationary Service.
The results obtained in the Qualifying Examinations and
Promotional Examinations given in May and June 1938 were
as follows:
QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS
INDIVIDUALS INDIVIDUALS
TITLE OF EXAMINATION
General Book Selection (Q) ....
Cataloging and Classification (Q)
General Reference Work (Q)
Boston Public Library — Central Library (Q) .
Boston Public Library — Branch Libraries (Q)
PROMOTIONAL EXAMINATIONS
INDIVIDUALS INDIVIDUALS
WHO WHO
TITLE OF EXAMINATION PASSED FAILED TOTAL
Advanced Languages— French (II) . . 32(89%) 4(11%) 36(100%)
Advanced Languages— German (II) . . 4(44%) 5(56%) 9(100%)
Advanced Languages— Italian (II) . . . 5(50%) 5(50%) 10(100%)
Advanced Languages— Spanish (II) . . 3 (60%) 2 (40%) 5 (100%)
Boston as a Community (IV) ..........
Boston Public Library— History (III) . . 4(44%) 5(56%) 9(100%)
Business— General Field (III) . . . 4(80%) 1(20%) 5(100%)
Cataloging (IV or V) ............
Children's Literature (IV) ...........
Children's Work (V)
Classification (IV or V) ...........
WHO
WHO
PASSED
FAILED
TOTAL
33 (79%)
24 (83%)
34 (76%)
28 (76%)
47 (73%)
9(21%)
5(17%)
1 1 (24%)
9 (24%)
17(27%)
42 (100%)
29 (100%)
45(100%)
37 (100%)
64 (1007c)
[46]
Documents— General Field (III) . . . 2(100%) 0 (0%) 2(100%)
Educalion— General Field (III) ... 1 (100%) 0 (0%) I (lOO'/o)
Extension Work (V)
Fine Arts— General Field (III) . . . 2(100%) 0 (0%) 2(100%)
Foreign Government Documents (V) .........
History of the Book (III) .... 3(100%) 0 (0%) 3(100%)
Library Administration (V) ...........
Library Records (IV) ..........#.
Literature— General Field (III) . . . 14(58%) 10(42%) 24(100%)
Music— General Field (III) .... 9(90%) 1(10%) 10(100%)
National and Trade Bibliography (III) . . 3 (75%) 1 (25%) 4 (100%)
Newspapers — Special Field (IV) ..........
Periodicals — Special Field (V) ..........
Periodicals and Newspaoers — General
Field (III) . . . . .4 (100%) 0 (0%) 4 (100%)
Philosophy, Psychology, Religion — General
Field (III) 1 (100%) 0 (0%) 1 (100%)
Public Library as an Institution (I) . .31 (52%) 29 (48%) 60 (100%)
Science and Technology — General
Field (III) 5(100%) 0 (0%) 5(100%)
Social Sciences and History — General
Field (II or III) 4 (57%) 3 (43%) 7 (100%)
United Slates Government Documents (IV) ........
Work with Schools (V)
Special Field — Subject Knowledge (IV) .........
Special Field — Bibliographical Knowledge (V) .
The individuals who passed the Qualifying Examinations
and the Promotional Examinations appropriate to the particular
fields of library activity in which they are employed will be
eligible for promotional increases (grade increases) in remuner-
ation in 1 939 up to the maximums for their positions insofar as
funds are available for the purpose.
The several papers set for the above examinations in 1938
were issued in printed form by the Library in the latter part of
the year under the titles of Qualif^^ing Examinations Offered in
May end June 1938 and Promotional Examinations Offered
in May and June 1938.
TRAINING OF PERSONNEL
The extended program of training courses instituted in 1 933
entered upon its fifth year in October 1937. During the academic
year 1937-38 there were 173 members of the library staff en-
rolled in eleven full courses (three terms of ten weeks each) and
five one-term courses. These individuals took 197 courses, of
which 169 were completed satisfactorily.
[47]
Comparative figures for the five years follow:
1933-34
1934-35
1935-36
1936-37
1937-38
Individuals taking courses 261
192
194
151
173
Total enrollment in all courses 268
260
207
166
197
Courses completed satisfactorily 202
217
154
133
169
Percentage of courses completed 11%
83%
747o
80%
79%
During the five years 485 different individuals have been en-
rolled in these courses. It will be recalled that in 1933 there
was effected a recasting along enlarged lines of the activities of
the Library's Training Class which had existed since 1927. In
place of the single class affording instruction to a limited group
of fifteen or so individuals throughout the year, there was then
instituted the present extensive and wide program of single
courses open to all full-time members of the library staff.
The courses are offered in all five of the fields which are
covered by the new Qualifying Examinations and also in cer-
tain of the fields covered by the new Promotional Examinations.
To the Library there is much promise in the fact that 1 50 or
more members of its staff are engaged each year in courses of
study and training such as these.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
The following appointments to titular positions were made
during the year: Beatrice M. Flanagan, to be Chief of the
School Department; Margaret I. McGovem, to be Branch Li-
brarian, Memorial Branch Library; Elizabeth B. Boudreau, to
be Branch Librarian, Neponset Branch Library; Grace B.
Loughlin, to be Chief of the Branch Issue Department; Dorothy
F. Nourse, to be Branch Librarian, Kirstein Branch Library;
Catherine Loughman, to be Branch Librarian, Mt. Bowdoin
Branch Library; and Muriel E. Cann, to be Branch Librarian,
Lower Mills Branch Library.
Under the provisions of the Boston Retirement Act the fol-
lowing individuals retired from the library service: Harry W.
Mathews, First Assistant, after 18 years service; Alice V.
Stevens, Chief of the Branch Issue Department, after 39 years
[48]
service; and Isabel E. Wetherald, Branch Librarian, Lower
Mills Branch Library, after 37 years service.
As of the date of retirement the honorary title of Chief of
the Branch Issue Department, Emeritus was bestowed upon
Alice V. Stevens and the honorary title of Branch Librarian,
Emeritus upon Isabel E. Wetherald.
By death the Library lost the services of Jerome G. Sullivan,
Janitor.
CONCLUSION
Many of the accompHshments of the year 1938 cannot be
set forth here. They are however known and recognized by the
countless users of the Library who have profited from them.
Such of them as can be presented statistically are set forth in
the Appendix which follows immediately after this Report.
The Director is deeply conscious of the constant aid and co-
operation received from the members of the library staff in
carrying on the work of the Library. To them he offers warm
thanks. And for them and for himself he expresses grateful ap-
preciation to the Trustees for continuing friendly understanding
and support.
Respectfully submitted,
Milton E. Lord
Director, and Librarian
[491
APPENDIX
USE OF BOOKS
Comparative Circulation Statistics. 1934-1938
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
Central Library
756.018
737396
757,363
748.211
376,837
Business Branch
18.410
17.921
1 7,822
18309
18,603
Young People's Room,
Central Library
56,042*
School Department
9.018*
Branch Issue DepartmenI
t
48,392*
Deposit Circulation
(estimated)
—
374.194*
Branch Libraries:
Allston
186,413
182,203
172,835
160,973
1 55,666
Andrew Square
138.638
130,777
127,827
128,590
119,587
Boylston
138.595
137.179
138.532
124.069
124,118
Brighton
134388
130.741
121,152
113,169
109.720
Charlestown
127,866
117,525
116,034
110,377
102.532
City Point
144,762
140.006
129,289
124,505
119.279
Codman Square
185.451
168.412
164.553
157,174
142.898
Dorchester
132,104
135.821
137.759
130,130
124,554
East Boston
188,819
161,227
1 50,340
130,570
125,585
Faneuil
138,234
138,561
133,787
120,908
108,817
Fellowes Athenaeum
98,118
89,857
91,436
84,090
67.402
Hyde Park
144,011
141,763
129,807
126,043
117,678
Jamaica Plain
126,702
119.760
116,604
118,819
109,793
Jeffries Point
80,460
76,500
73.593
71,440
68,626
Kirstein
63,388
64,045
56,536
46,204
48,097
Lower Mills
74,990
70,928
64371
60,635
57.098
Mattapan
205,498
196311
188382
177,013
174.567
Memorial
222,975
211.971
192.100
173,279
168.243
Mt. Bowdoin
149.341
143.823
137.889
128,668
119.133
Mt. Pleasant
94,640
89.924
84.102
80,752
77.635
Neponset
69,638
64.409
60,117
59.535
58.215
North End
143351
123,174
125.656
121,927
103.079
Orient Heights
92,801
81.189
68.932
60,255
55,529
Parker Hill
119,139
112,165
108,933
102314
97.016
Phillips Brooks
46,258
45,397
44,859
40,387
39.168
Roslindale
167.562
1 54.640
151.971
146,992
132,852
Roxbury Crossing
75.062
72,839
71.037
44,576
16,205**
South Boston
141,046
128.979
124.228
117,161
99,734
South End
154,604
1 53,478
1 50.728
138,298
124314
Tyler Street
52,578
47,979
51,364
53,301
25,397**
Upham's Corner
211.399
199,564
188,437
175,918
169,078
West End
208,003
201373
200,444
181.642
165,631
West Roxbury
163,089
161,864
157.918
155.144
143.712
5,19435! 4,949,701 4,806,737 4,531378 4354.044
* Prior to 1938 included under Central Library
** Branch Library closed July 1. 1938
[50]
Gains and Losses
The net gains and losses in total circulation over a five year
period are as follow^s:
VOLUMES
353,932
1934 loss from preceding year
1935 loss from preceding year
1936 loss from preceding year
1937 loss from preceding year
1938 loss from preceding year
244.650
142.964
275.359
177.334
Distribution of Total Circulation in 1938
from deposits in schools.
institutions and
home use engine houses* totals
Central Library (Reference Division)
Direct lending to borrowers
351.756
351.756
Central Library volumes circulated through
Branch Issue Dept. & Branch Libraries
Business Brajich
25,081
18,603
25,081
18.603
Young People's Room, Central Library
56,042
56.042
School Department
9.018
90.656
99,674
Branch Issue Department
48.392
196,366
244,758
Branch Libraries:
Allston
155.666
1 55,666
Andrew Square
119.587
1,382
120.969
Boylston
124,118
124,118
Brighton
109,720
927
110.647
Charlestown
102.532
9.536
112.068
City Point
119.279
119.279
Codman Square
142.898
7,145
150.043
Dorchester
124,554
1.497
126.051
East Boston
125,585
2.491
128.076
Faneuil
108,817
315
109.132
Fellowes Athenaeum
67.402
14.672
82,074
Hyde Park
1 1 7.678
1,687
119.365
Jamaica Plain
109,793
2.354
112,147
Jeffries Point
68,626
68,626
Kirstein
48.097
48.097
Lower Mills
57,098
57.098
Mattapan
174,567
50
174.617
Memorial
168,243
350
168.593
Mt. Bowdoin
119.133
116
119.249
Mt. Pleasant
77.635
77.635
Neponset
58.215
58.215
North End
103.079
1,331
104.410
Orient Heights
55.529
55.529
Parker Hill
Phillips Brooks
97.016
39,168
97.016
39.168
Roslindale
132,852
6360
139.212
[511
Roxbury Crossing 16,205*
South Boston 99,734
South End 124.314
Tyler Street 25,397*
Upham's Corner 169,078
West End 165.631
West Roxbury 143,712
3.979.850
* Estimated
** Branch Library closed July I. 1938
6.694
3.335
596
19.205
7.129
16,205**
106,428
127.649
25.397**
169.674
184.836
150.841
374.194 4.354.044
Summary of Circulation by Division in 1938
BOOKS LENT FOR HOME USE
Reference Division:
Central Library (including Central Library Books
issued through the Branch Libraries) . . 376.837
Business Branch ........ 18.603
Circulation Division:
Young People's Room, Central Library . . . 56.042
School Department 9,018
Branch Issue Department ...... 48,392
Branch Libraries 3.470,958
395,440
3,584,410
3.979,850
Total Circulation in 1938
Books Lent for Home Use:
Reference Division 395,440
Circulation Division 3,584,410
Deposits of books (estimated) . 374,194
4,354,044
Under the inter-library loan system with other libraries the
following lending of books for the puipose of serious research
is shown for two successive years:
1937 1938
Volumes lent from this Library to other libraries in Massachusetts 1,436 1.721
Volumes lent to libraries outside of Massachusetts .... 342 471
1.778 2,192
Applications not granted:
From libraries in Massachusetts ...... 843 838
From libraries outside of Massachusetts ..... 205 220
1.048 1.058
[52]
In the Circulation Division the classified direct circulation
shows the following percentages:
PERCENTAGE
Fiction for adults 46.4%
Non-fiction for adults 16.0%
Juvenile fiction ...... 25.97»
Juvenile non-fiction . . . . . 1 • -7%
In the Reference Division the classified direct circulation
shows the following percentages:
PERCENTAGE
Fiction 40.77o
Non-fiction 59.3%
ACCESSIONS
Books Acquired by Purchase
1937 1938
Reference Division:
From City appropriation . . . 4,938 3,257
From trust funds income . . . 9.026 13.964 15.254 18.511
Circulation Division:
From City appropriation . . . 42,204 38.475
From trust funds income . . . 1.699 43.903 1.837 40.312
57.867 58.823
Volumes accessioned during the year were as follows:
accessions volumes
Purchase 58.823
Gift 4.283
Exchange ....... 1
Newspapers bound ..... 87
Serials bound ...... 5,088
Expenditures for Books and Other Library Material
1937 1938
For Reference Division:
From City appropriation $20,196.65 $17,558.67
From trust funds income 47,075.43 $67^72.08 80,117.94 $97,676.61
For Circulation Division:
From City appropriation $61,325.84 $56,367.03
From trust funds income 2,566.38 $63,892.22 2,588.25 $58,955.28
$131,164.30 $156,631.89
[531
THE CATALOGS
Reference Division:
Cataloged
Central Library
Business Branch
Serials added
Central Library
Central
ent
Library
VOLS. AND
PARTS
23,706
2,006
7,258
TITLES
21,852
Circulation Division:
Cataloged
Young People's Room,
School Department
Branch Issue Departm
Branch Libraries
32.970
986
L528
2,422
37.958
21,852
42.894
The number of volumes shelved and thus made available
for public use is:
Reference Division :
Central Library (including continuations) 20,880
Business Branch 2,006
Books reported lost or missing in previous years but
now found, etc. 1,062 23.948
Circulation Division:
Young People's Room, Central Library -,
School Department ( ai qjj
Branch Issue Department j
Branch Libraries
Books reported lost or missing in previous years but
now found, etc. 598 42.475
66.423
The number of volumes removed from collections during the
year (books reported lost or missing, condemned copies not yet
replaced, etc.) :
Reference Division:
Central Library 3.256
Business Branch 83 3.339
Circulation Division:
Young People's Room, Central Library ,
School Department ( yQ Qn-j jq fyjn
Branch Issue Department f
Branch Libraries
73,416
[54]
BOOK STOCK
The total number of volumes in the Hbrary at the end of each
year since its formation is shown in the following statement:
1852-53
1853-54
1854-55
1855-56
1856-57
1857-58
1858-59
1859-60
1860-61
1861-62
1862-63
1863-64
1864-65
1865-66
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
1882-83
1883-84
1884-85
1885
1886
1887
1888
1889
1890
1891
1892
1893
1894
1895
9.688
1896-97
16.221
1897-98
22.617
1898-99
28,080
1899-1900
34.8%
1900-01
70.851
1901-02
78,043
1902-03
85,031
1903-04
97,386
1904-05
105,034
1905-06
110,563
1906-07
116,934
1907-08
123.016
1908*09
130,678
1909-10
136.080
1910-11
144.092
1911-12
152.796
1912-13
160.573
1913-14
179.250
1914-15
192.958
1915-16
209.456
1916-17
260,550
1917-18
276,918
1918-19
297,873
1919-20
321,010
1920-21
345,734
1921-22
360,963
1922-23
377,225
1923-24
390,982
1924-25
404,221
1925
422,116
1926
438,594
1927
453.947
1928
460.993
1929
479.421
1930
492,956
1931
505,872
1932
520.508
1933
536.027
1934
556,283
1935
576,237
1936
597.152
1937
610.375
1938
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
1.157326
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
1,631.422
1.654,017
1.673.609
1,682,848
1,693,335
1.700.681
1 .693,688
[55]
The total book stock of the Library is distributed as follows ;
Reference Division:
Central Library .
. ,
, , , . .
1,114,414
Business Branch .
•
22,618
Circulation Division:
Young People's Room, Central Library
.
9.727
School Department
.
42,396
Branch Issue Department .
41.092
Branch Libraries:
Allston
13.747
Mattapan
16,237
Andrew Square
12.016
Memorial
16.380
Boylston
12.110
Ml. Bowdoin .
12,191
Brighton
19.763
Mt. Pleasant .
8,836
Charlesfown
1 7.679
Neponset
6.906
City Point
11,652
North End .
11,380
Codmein Square
16.161
Orient Heights
9,439
Dorchester
16.132
Parker Hill .
13,721
East Boston
17,441
Phillips Brooks
5,851
Faneuil
14.840
Roslindale
15.247
Fellowes Athenaeum .
42,089
South Boston .
10,742
Hyde Park .
30.377
South End
12,769
Jamaica Plain .
15.392
Uphams Corner
18,308
Jeffries Point
8.202
West End .
21,761
Kirstein
7.754
West Roxbury
19.422
Lower Mills
8.8%
THE BINDING DEPARTMENT
1937 1938
Number of volumes bound in various styles .... 65.822 63.554
Magazines stitched ......... 66 75
Volumes repaired 2,502 1 ,058
Volumes guarded ......... 537 550
Maps mounted 62 160
Photographs and engravings mounted ..... 3,209 4,755
Library publications folded, stitched and trimmed . . . 151.990 140,938
THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT
Requisitions received and filled .....
Card Catalog (Central Library) :
Titles (Printing Department count) ....
Cards finished (exclusive of "extras")
Card Catalog (Branch Libraries):
Titles (Printing Department count) ....
Cards finished (exclusive of "extras")
Signs ..........
Blank Forms (numbered series) .....
Forms, circulars and sundries (outside the numbered series)
Catalogs, pamphlets, bibliographical programs .
1937
494
1938
596
15,637 14,854
124.609 222.810
932 888
81,240 88,972
944 1,025
4,250,440 9.902,555
169,826 1.266,009
162.799 194,025
[56]
NOTABLE PURCHASES, 1938
Printed Books — Manuscripts — Reproductions
Adams, John Quincy.
Autograph letter signed. To James Barbour. August 17, 1825.
Adams, Samuel.
Letter, signed. To Elbridge Gerry. Boston, July 29, 1 789.
Addington, Isaac.
Autograph document signed. Deposition of Thomas Pound, pirate.
October 19, 1689.
[Adis, Henry].
A Spie sent out of the Tower-Chamber. London, 1 648.
Albertus de Brudzewo.
Commentum in theoricas planetarum Georgii Purbachii. Milan,
1495.
Aiken, Henry.
Illustrations of Don Quixote. London, 1831—2.
Illustrations to Popular Songs. London, 1825.
Almanach Royal. Paris, 1 772. Heraldic binding.
Ambrosius, St.
Hexameron seu de principiis rerum. Augsburg, 1 472.
American Revolutionary Orderly Book, 1 778. Manuscript account
of Providence Campaign, June 6 — August 28, 1778,
Annibal et Scipion ou Les Grands Capitaines. Le Haye, 1675.
Thouvenin binding.
Antidote against Melancholy. London, 1661. Pratt binding.
Antiphonary. Illuminated manuscript, single leaf with miniature.
Fifteenth century.
Antolinus.
Tesaurum artis pistoriae. Part I. Rome, 1635. Binding with the
arms of Pope Urban VIII.
An Apology for a late resignation. London, 1 748.
Appianus
Des guerres des Rommains. Lyon, 1 544. Binding of Thomas
Wotton type.
Arnold, Benedict.
Autograoh letter, signed. To General Gates. Isle Mott, September
9, 1776.
L'art de juger du caractere des Hommes sur leur ecriture. Paris, 1816.
Ausonius.
Epigrammata. Venice, 1 494.
Opera. [With other works.] Venice, 1488.
[57]
Notable Purchases, 1938 (continued)
Balzac, Honore de.
La Cousine Bette. Paris, 1885. Ruban binding.
La maison du chat-qui-pelote. Paris, 1 899. Cuzin binding.
Bandellus, Vincentius.
Regulae. Milan, 1505.
Barbaras.
Castigationes Plinianae. Rome, 1492—3.
Barclay, David, and others.
Autograph letter signed by a group of English sympathizers with
the American Revolutionists. To John Reynell and others. March
8, 1782.
[Barham, Richard Harris].
The Ingoldsby Legends. 3 vols. London, 1840—42—47.
Bartol, Charles A.
Three autograph letters, signed. To J. H. Benton. April 27, May
13, and May 15, 1882.
Basan, P. F.
Collection de Cent-Vingt Estampes . . . Paris, 1 78 1 . Hardy-
Mennil binding.
Beauregard, Pierre G. T.
Autograph document, signed, giving report of prisoners. September
29, 1861.
Autograph letter, signed. To Jefferson Davis. December 6,
1864.
Bede, The Venerable.
Historiae ecclesiasticae. Cambridge, 1 643. Little Gidding bind-
ing.
Bellarmin, Robert, Cardinal.
Traite de I'eternelle Felicite des Saints. Paris, 1656. Le Gascon
binding (?).
Benezet, Anthony.
Autograph letter signed. To Samuel Huntington. November 26,
1783.
Benjamin, Judah P.
Autograph letter signed. To President Franklin Pierce. January
29, 1856.
Bennett, Arnold.
Clayhaneer; Hilda Lessways; These Tw^ain. 3 vols. London,
1910-1916.
Beranger, Pierre Jean de.
Oeuvres completes. 3 vols. Paris, 1837.
Bergomensis.
De claris selectisque mulieribus. Ferrara, 1497.
[58]
Notable Purchases, 1938 (continued)
Bernhardt, Sarah.
Autograph letter, signed. To Mme. E. Furst. 1892.
Berquin, Arnaud.
Idylles. Paris, 1775. Chambolle-Duru binding.
Bible in French. Old Testament.
L'Histoire de la Bible en Francois. English manuscript written in
Norman French, c. 1 430.
Bible in German. New Testament. Strassburg, 1527. In dated bind-
ing of 1571.
Bible in Greek. New Testament. Basle, 1524.
Bible in Greek. New Testament. Paris, E^tienne, 1 546.
Bible in Latin. Antwerp, 1631. Le Gascon binding (?).
Bloody Newes from Dover. [London?] 1647.
Boccaccio.
Die gantz Romisch histori. Augsburg, 1 542.
Bonaventura, St.
Instructio novitiorum. Montserrate, 1499.
Book of Common Prayer [and] the Holy Bible. 2 vols, in 1. Cam-
bridge, I 668-8. Samuel Mearne type binding.
Book of Hours, Flemish. Paris, Widow of Thielman Kerver, 1534.
Book of Hours, Latin. Paris, Regnauld and Claude Chaudiere,
1549. Three of the woodcuts bear the mark of Geofroy Tory.
Grolieresque binding.
Book of Hours, Spanish. Lyon, Mathias Bonhomme for Guillaume
Roville, 1551. Le Gascon binding (?).
Bordone, Benedetto.
Isolario. Venice, 1534. Grolieresque binding.
Bornman, Z.
Astra, bound with Astrolabium tetragonum. Breslau, 1 595-6.
Borrell, Peter.
A New Treatise, proving the Multiplicity of Worlds. London,
1658.
Boyle, Hon. Robert.
Some considerations touching experimental natural philosophy. Ox-
ford, 1663.
Bradford, Thomas Lindsley.
The Bibliographer's Manual of American History. 5 vols. 1907—
1910.
Brathwaite, Richard.
Canterburies dreame. London, 1641.
Bridges, Robert.
Eros and Psyche. Gregynog Press, 1935.
[59]
Notable Purchases. 1938 (continued)
Brown, Sir Thomas.
Pseudodoxia. London, 1 646.
Browning, Robert.
Autograph letter, signed. To Phoebe G. Smalley. March 10,
1885.
Men and Women. 2 vols. Doves Press, 1908. Cobden-
Sanderson binding.
Burns, Robert.
Poems, chiefly in the Scottish dialect. Edinburgh, 1 787. Stike-
man binding.
Burroughs, John.
Three stories, in manuscript. 1912—1913.
Byron, Lord.
Autograph letter, signed. To Mr. Miller, London bookseller.
Athens, July 19, 1810.
Campbell, Archibald.
A voyage around the world. Edinburgh, 1816.
Caulaincourt, A. A., Duke of Vincenze.
Autograph letter, signed. Addressee unknown. December 1 1 ,
1813.
Cavendish, George.
The negotiations of Thomas Woolsey. London, 1641.
Caxton, William.
Polycronicon. [Single leaf.] Westminster, 1482.
[Chevigne, Comte Louis M. J. de] .
Les Contes Remois. Paris, 1858. Ritter binding.
Chinese map of the world. [19—?]
Clemens, Samuel L.
Autograph letter signed. To Edward House. February 14,
[1881].
Colonna, Francesco.
Le tableau de riches inventions. Paris, 1 600. Chambolle-Duru
binding.
Hypnerotomachia Poliphili. Venice, Aldus, 1 499.
[Combe, William.]
The English Dance of Death [and] The Dance of Life. 3 vols.
London, 1815—16—17. With Rowlandson aquatints.
The History of Johnny Quae Genus. London, 1822. With
Rowlandson aquatints.
The Tour of Dr. Syntax through London, 1 820. Ramage
binding.
[Cotton, Charles.]
Scarronides. London, 1 664. Bedford binding.
[601
Notable Purchases, 1938 (continued)
Crane, Stephen.
Autograph letter signed. Addressee unknown. January 30, 1 894.
With photograph.
Cultificis.
Declaratio privilegiorum fratrum, ReutHngen, Otmar, 1 492.
Darley, FeHx.
Scenes in Indian Life. Philadelphia, 1 843.
[Davenant, Sir William.]
History of Sir Francis Drake. London, 1 659.
Declaration of the Causes of War. Westminster, 1813.
Declaration of Independence of the State of South Carolina. Broad-
side. December 20, 1 860.
De La Mare, Walter.
Songs of Childhood, 1902.
Delphinus, Federicus.
De flexu et reflexu aquae maris. Venice, 1559.
Demeny, Georges.
Les origines du cinematographe. Paris, 1895.
[Denton, William.]
Jus regiminis: Being a justification . . . London, 1689.
De Quincey, Thomas.
Autograph letter signed. To Thomas Benson. April 5, 1833.
[Dickinson, John.]
A Declaration by his Representatives of the United Colonies of
North America. . . . Philadelphia, 1775. Pratt binding.
Digby, Everard.
De arte natandi. London, 1587.
Digges, Thomas.
Nova corpora regularia. London, 1 634.
Dobson, Henry Austin.
Carmina votiva and occasional verses. London, 1 90 1 . Bradstreet
binding.
Doni, Antoine Francois.
Les mondes celestes. . . . Lyon, 1580. Trautz-Bauzonnet binding.
A Dreame, or News from Hell. Sicilia, 1641.
Dryander, J.
Annulorum trium diversi generis . . . Marburg, 1537.
[Dryden, John.]
The Hind and the Panther. London, 1687. Bradstreet binding.
[Du Bellay, Joachim.]
Recueil de Poesie . . . Paris, 1553. Trautz-Bauzonnet binding.
[61]
Notable Purchases, 1938 (continued)
Dunsany, Edward, Lord.
Autograph letter signed. To Mr. Markham. November 5, 1926.
The book of wonder. London, 1912.
Durel, John.
Sanctae Ecclesiae Anglicanae Adversus Iniquas . . . London, 1 669.
Heraldic binding.
Edwards, Samuel E.
The Ohio Hunter. Battle Creek, 1 866.
Eliot, George.
Daniel Deronda. 4 vols. London, 1 876.
Eliot, Samuel.
Autograph letter signed. To [Boston business associates^]. March
17, 1770.
Elucidarius.
Ein newer M. Elucidarius. Strassburg, c. 1539.
Emerson, Ralph Waldo.
Autograph letter signed. To Mr. A. W. Smalley. May 8.
Erasmus.
Colloquia. Franckfurt am Mayn, 1561. German XVIth century
binding.
Fabyan, Robert.
The Chronicle of Fabian. London, 1559. Charles Lewis binding.
Fernel, J.
Monalosphaerium. Paris, 1 526—7.
Fine, O.
Quadratura circuli. Paris, 1 544.
Flaubert, Gustave.
La tentation de Saint Antoine. Paris, 1907. Chevallier binding.
Fox, George.
Caesar's due. London, 1 679.
Foyer, Archibald.
Scotland's present duty. Edinburgh, 1 700.
Free thoughts on the American War. London, 1 79 1 .
Fuchs, Leonhard.
New Kreiiterbuch. Basel, 1543.
G., W.
Memento to the World. London, 1 680.
Garfield, James.
Autograph letter signed. To O. Morgan. April 23, 1874.
Gassarus.
Grolieresque binding made for Thomas Maioli.
Epitome Historiarum et Chronicorum Mundi. Lugduni, [1538].
[62]
Notable Purchases, 1938 (continued)
Goncourt, Edmond and Jules de.
A Venise. . . Paris, 1913. Marius Michel binding.
Graffigny, Mme. de.
Lettres d'une Peruvienne. Paris, 1 797. Simier binding.
Great Bastard, Protector of the Little One. London, 1 689. San-
gorski and Sutcliffe binding.
Haberly, Loyd.
Daneway, a Fairy Play. Seven Acres Press, 1929.
Hardy, Thomas.
The Dynasts. 3 vols. London. 1904-1908.
Jude the Obscure. London, 1 896.
Wessex Poems. London, 1 898.
The Woodlanders. 3 vols. London, 1 887.
Hariot, Thomas.
Artis analyticae praxis. London, 1 63 1 .
Hayes, Margaret Howell (Jefferson Davis).
Autograph letter signed. Addressee unknown. February 9, 1905.
Hedin, Sven.
Autograph letter signed. To Mr. Young. June 4, 1903.
Hervieu, Paul.
Flirt. Paris, 1890. M. Ritter binding.
Hieron, Samuel.
A Helpe unto Devotion. London, 1 630.
Histoire du Vieux et du Nouveau Testament. . . 2 vols. Anvers, 1 700.
Hobbes, Thomas.
Decameron physiologicum. London, 1678.
Holmes, Oliver Wendell.
Autograph letter signed. To Bram Stoker. April 4, 1 886.
Holmes, Richard R.
Queen Victoria. London, 1897. Durvand binding.
Homer.
Opera omnia. [In Greek.] Florence, 1488.
Horem, Nicolas.
Tractatus de latitudinibus formarum. Padua, 1 486.
Huxley, Aldous.
Brave New World. London, 1932.
Isolanus, Isidorus.
De regum principumque omnium institutis. Milan, 1500—1508.
Jackson, Andrew.
Autograph letter signed. To Col. Robert Butler. September 4,
1814.
Jacob, Simon.
Ein new und wolgegriindt rechenbuch. Frankfurt, 1612.
[63]
Notable Purchases. 1938 (continued)
Jefferys, Thomas.
A general typography of North America. London, I 768.
Jerome, St.
De viris illustribus. [With other works.] French manuscript,
written in the 1 2th century.
Index in tomos omnes operum divi Hieronymi. . . Basle,
1538. Heraldic binding.
Johnson, Samuel.
Letters to and from the late Samuel Johnson. 2 vols. London, 1 788.
Keleti, Arthur.
Pax Vobiscum. Budapest, 1923.
Keyes, Erasmus D.
Autograph letter signed. To Brig. Gen. M. C. Meigs. July 2 1 ,
1862.
Kipling, Rudyard.
Soldier Tales. London, 1896.
Kosma, Lajos.
Balladak. Budapest, 1921.
Lautreamont, Comte de.
Les Chants de Maldoror. With illustrations by Dali. Paris, 1934.
Lawrence, Samuel B.
Autograph letter signed. To Benson Johnson Lossing. July 1 2,
1866.
Two autograph manuscripts, giving account of battle. July
9, 1864.
[Leslie, Charles.]
A new and exact account of Jamaica. Edinburgh, 1 740.
A Letter from Rhoan in France. London, 1641.
Leybourn, William.
The art of dialling. London, 1 669.
London, George, and Henry Wise.
The Retir'd Gardener. London, 1717.
Machen, Arthur.
The Three Impostors. London, 1 895.
Maius.
De priscorum proprietate verborum. Venice, 1490.
Marsh, James B.
Four Years in the Rockies. New Castle, Pa., 1884.
Marvell, Andrew.
Poems. London, 1 689.
Mather, Cotton. Autograph letter signed. To John Cotton. October
20. 1692.
[64]
Notable Purchases, 1938 (continued)
Autograph letter signed. To Nathaniel Cotton. January 1 0,
1721.
Autograph manuscript sermon, delivered March 28 and May
2, 1682. (Part I.)
Autograph manuscript sermon, delivered March 28, 1 682.
(Part II.)
Mather, Increase.
Autograph ecclesiastical manuscript, undated.
Meerwein, Charles Frederick.
L'art de voler. Basle, 1 784. Champs-Stroobants binding.
Merchants, Slave Trade, and Adventure.
82 autograph manuscripts and autograph letters signed, relating
to English and American merchants, slavery, and adventure, c.
1762-1845.
Meserve, F. H.
The Photographs of Lincoln. 1911.
Mesmes, Jean Pierre de.
Les institutions astronomiques. Paris, 1557.
Mill-Pond, The. Broadside. Boston, 1805.
Monardes, Nicolas.
Libro que trata de la nieue. Seville, 1571.
Moore, George.
Autograph letter signed. To Mr. Smith. June 16, [1919].
The Brook Kerith. London, 1916.
Morris, William.
Story of the Glittering Plain. Hammersmith, 1 89 1 .
Muller, G. F.
Voyages from Asia to America. London, 1 764.
Myers, Capt. John.
Life, voyages, and travels. London, 1817.
Nauclerus, Joannes.
Memorabilium omnis aetatis. Tubingen, 1516. In contemporary
binding, possibly for Jean Grolier.
Newton, Isaac.
Analysis per quantitatum series. London, 1711.
Orrery, Roger Boyle, Lord.
Poems. London, 1681.
Ovid.
Festivalls. Cambridge, 1 640.
Metamorphoses. With etchings by Picasso. Lausanne, 1931.
Paine, Thomas.
Common Sense. Boston, 1 776.
[65]
Notable Purchases, 1938 (continued)
Panormitanus.
Disceptationes et allegationes. Venice, 1 490.
Paulus de Middelburgo.
De recta Paschae celebratione. Fossombrone, 1513.
Peletier, J.
De occulta parte numerorum. Paris, 1560.
Peucer, Caspar.
De circulis coelestibus et primo motu. Wittemberg, 1553.
Phelps, Elizabeth Stuart (Ward).
Autograph letter signed. To Mr. Gilder. 1889.
Autograph manuscript of a story, signed, [1889.]
Pike, Zebulon M.
Autograph letter signed. To Capt. White Youngs. January 22,
1813.
Pinder, Ulrich.
Speculum passionis domini nostri. Nuremberg, 1507.
Platina.
De honesta voluptate. Cividale, 1480.
Pomet, Pierre.
Histoire generale des drogues. Paris, 1 694.
Regiomontanus.
Natiirlicher kunst der astronomey. Frankfurt, c. 1560.
Regola degli frati . . . del Terzo Ordine di Sancto Francesco. Italian
manuscript, fifteenth century.
Regola della Monache di S. Chiara. Italian manuscript, fifteenth
century.
Reiter, Laszlo.
Konyokultura. Budapest, 1928.
Relacion del espantable terremoto ... en las Yndias en una ciudad
llamada Guatimala. [Madrid. 1542?]
Repplier, Agnes.
Essays in miniature. Boston, 1892.
Richardson, Samuel.
Complete works. Shakespeare Head Press.
Ringmann.
Passio domini nostri. Strassburg, 1508.
Rumford, Count.
Recherches sur la chaleur. Paris, 1813.
Ruskin, John.
Autograph letter signed. To Lady Af flick. November 10.
Sacrobusco.
Opusculum sphericum. Leipzig, c. 1498.
[66]
Notable Purchases, 1938 (continued)
Salerno, Bishop of Constance.
Glossae. Augsburg, 1474.
Santayana, George.
Scepticism and animal faith. London, 1923.
Soliloquies in England. London, 1 922.
Sarsius, Lothar.
Ratio ponderum librae et simbellae. Naples, 1627.
Seager, Francis.
Certayne psalmes. London, 1553.
Seneca.
Opera hispanice. Toledo, 1510.
Shakespeare.
The Tragedie of Anthony and Cleopatra. Doves Press, 1912.
Cobden-Sanderson binding.
Snellius, Willebrordus.
Descriptio cometae. Leyden, 1619.
Spinoza.
Opera posthuma. Amsterdam, 1677.
Tractatus theologico-politicus. Hamburg, 1 670.
Steele, Zadock.
The Indian Captive. Montpelier, 1818.
Suevus, S.
Arithmetica historica. Breslau, 1 629.
Synge, J. M.
In Wicklow, West Kerry, and Connem.ara. Dublin, 1911.
The Tinker's Wedding. Dublin, 1907.
Tacitus.
De vita et moribus lulii Agricolae liber. Doves Press, 1 900. Cob-
den Sanderson binding,
Tennyson, Alfred, Lord.
Seven Poems and Two Translations. Doves Press, 1902. Cobden-
Sanderson binding.
Terence.
Le grant Therence. [Works, in French.] Paris, 1539.
Thomas, Earl of Pembroke.
Autograph letter signed. To Captain Smith. July 28, 1 709.
Thomas, Isaiah.
Autograph letter signed. Addressee unknov>Ti, August 22, 1 792,
Tomhnson, H, M.
Between the lines, Cambridge, 1930.
Old June. London, 1918.
[67]
Notable Purchases, 1938 (continued)
[Trenchard, John, and Walter Moyle.]
An argument shewing that a standing army is inconsistent with
a free government. London, 1697.
Trollope, Anthony.
Can you forgive her? 1864.
Trumbull, John.
Autograph letter signed. To David Trumbull. January 15,
[1776].
Trutvetter.
Summa in totam physicen. Erfurt, 1514.
Vergil.
Eclogues. With illustrations by Maillol. Weimar, 1926.
Vergil, Polydore.
English History. Basle, 1534. In Thomas Wotton binding.
Waller, Edmund.
Poems. London, 1 682.
Walpole, Robert.
Report from the Committee of Secrecy. London, 1715.
Washington, George.
Bios Georgei Ouasinktonos. (Biography, in Greek.) Athens,
1856.
Whitefield, George.
Autograph letter signed. To Thomas Prince. Bermuda, March 25,
1748.
Wieland, Christopher Martin.
Autograph letter signed. To Mr. Archenholz. August 1 0, I 787.
Withers, Alexander.
Chronicles of Border Warfare. Clarksburg, Va. 1831.
Woolf, Virginia.
Mrs. Dalloway. London, 1925.
Bang, Mrs. A. C.
A collection of eleven Danish books, to supplement the volumes given
the Library in 1937.
Bentley, Harry C.
A collection of eighty-one books on bookkeeping, seventy-six of which
are included in the Harry C. Bentley Collection.
Binney, Mrs. Horace
A collection of thirty-three volumes, five pictures and sixty-eight
pamphlets and newspaper articles, mainly concerning the World War.
Blashfield, Mrs. Grace Hall
The works of Edwin Howland Blashfield, with an introduction by
Royal Cortissoz. New York, Scribner, 1937.
[681
A SELECTION OF INTERESTING GIFTS OF BOOKS IN 1938
Blumenthal, Miss L.
A collection of forty-three volumes and three hundred and seven pieces
of music, including classical and jazz music.
Boston Athenaeum
A catalogue of the books of John Quincy Adams deposited in the
Boston Athenaeum, with notes on books, Adams seals and book-
plates by Henry Adams. With an introduction by Worthington C.
Ford. Boston, The Athenaeum, 1 938.
Brewer, George E., Jr.
Nine volumes of the works of William Kenrick, published in London
between 1751 and 1778, and a typed volume "The Black Sheep
of Grub Street: William Kenrick, L.L.D.," by George E. Brewer.
British Museum, Trustees of
Six volumes published by the Trustees of the British Museum during
1938, including Volume 6 of the Catalogue of Political and Personal
Satires; and Subject Index of Modern Works added to the Library
in 1931—1935 (in two volumes).
Coolidge, Mrs. Elizabeth S.
Eight volumes of the Complete Works of J. B. Lully for the Music
Room, the joint gift of Mrs. Coolidge and the late Miss Gertrude
Watson.
Corr, The Misses Mary and Maud
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volumes 1 — 15, Supplement and Index.
New York, Universal Knowledge Foundation, Inc., 1913—1922.
Daughters of the American Revolution, Paul Revere Chapter.
Four thousand and eighty-one copies of the D.A.R. Manual for
Citizenship, issued by the National Society, Daughters of the Ameri-
can Revolution. (Editions in seventeen languages, for use in the branch
libraries.)
d'Aulby, Countess Francesca
Fifty autograph letters by Thomas William Parsons, 1848— 1880's.
East, Mrs. Edward M.
A collection of fifty-one volumes, including a set of "The Official
Records of the LInion and Confederate Navies in the War of the
Rebellion" in 31 volumes, and seven volumes of "The Army and
Navy Chronicle, 1836-1842."
Gaines, Samuel R.
A collection of thirty-six volumes of fiction and non-fiction, principally
works of contemporary authors.
Goldstein, Fanny.
Sixty-eight volumes, mainly works by Jewish authors on Judaism, for
the Fanny Goldstein Judaica Book Shelf, and a portfolio of twenty
photographs of scenes from "The Brothers Ashkenazi."
[69]
Hitchcock, Mrs. Ella A.
David Blair's Grammar of Natural and Experimental Philosophw
Hartford, 1824.
Hollander, Dr. Jacob H.
The economic library of Jacob H. Hollander, Ph.D. Compiled by
Elsie A. G. Marsh. Privately printed, Baltimore, 1937. Number
495 of 500 copies printed.
Hoyt, Henry Sears and J. King Hoyt, Jr.
The Crusoes of Pitcairn's Island: being an account of the wreck of
the "Wild Wave" of Boston on Oeno Island in the Pacific and the
subsequent adventures of her master and crew on Pitcairn's Island,
as related in the diary of Captain Josiah Nickerson Knowles of
Brewster. Number 42 of an edition of 1 00 copies privately printed
for Henry Sears Hoyt and J. King Hoyt, Jr.
The Jones Library, Amherst, Massachusetts.
William Williams's Divine Warnings to be Received with Faith and
Fear, 1728. (Incomplete copy.)
Leadbetter, Florence
A collection of sixteen volumes for the Roslindale Branch Library.
McMurtrie, Douglas C.
Nine pamphlets on various phases of typography and the history of
printing in the United States.
Quincy, Mrs. J. H.
A collection of fifty-nine volumes, mainly of or relating to the works
of William Shakespeare. Fifty-four volumes were used in the West
Roxbury Branch Library, and five in the Central Library.
Reed, Mrs. Caroline K.
A collection of forty-one volumes and twenty-one numbers of musical
works by various composers.
Souther, Marguerite
A collection of one hundred and twenty volumes, principally children's
books and fiction. Ninety-five volumes were used in Jamaica Plain
Branch Library.
Thayer, Laurel.
Autobiography of William Wilde Thayer. Typev^itten manuscript.
Underbill, Francis J.
Charles L. Slattery's sermons, 1910—1923.
Van Wyck, Frederick
Three volumes of the works of Frederick Van Wyck; a copy of
"The Centennial History of the Harvard Law School, 181 7—191 7";
and thirteen issues of the New England Historical and Genealogical
Register, 1936-1938.
Vandelli, Signora Giuseppe
In memoria de Giuseppe Vandelli, Societa Dantesca Italiana 1 865—
1937.
[70]
LECTURES — CONCERTS
In the Central Library Lecture Hall the Library presented 1 0 1 pro-
grams in its annual series of free concerts, lectures, and entertainments.
PUBLIC EXHIBITIONS OF 1938
Exhibitions arranged by the Library were on view in the Exhibition
Room, the Treasure Room, and the Children's Room throughout the year.
[71]
LIST OF TRUST FUNDS AS OF DECEMBER 31. 1938
The figures listed are for the hook values of investments as of December
31 , 1938, except in the cases of the Benton Book Fund and the Benton
Building Fund, in which the figures given represent the book values as of
January 21, 1938 the anniversary date of those funds.
Ainsley Fund — Bequest of EmilY L. AinslEY, under Article 1 2 of
her will for the purchase of books. Received in 1 938. $1 58,843. 1 0
Ariz Fund — Donation from Victoria Thomas Artz, of Chicago:
the income of this sum to be employed in the purchase of valuable,
rare editions of the v/ritings, either in verse or prose of American
and foreign authors. These books are to be known as the "Long-
fellow Memorial Collection." Received in 1896. $10,000.00
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." $50,000.00
Benton Book Fund — Extract from the will of JosiAH H. BentoN:
"Twelfth: All the rest and residue of my property and estate I give
and devise ... to the TRUSTEES OF THE Public Library of
THE City of Boston . . . and I Direct that the same be held
and used in the manner following . . .
"First: — One-half of the net income of such residue and remainder
to be applied by the Trustees of the Public Library of the City of
Boston for the purchase of books, maps and other library material
of permanent value and benefit for said Library; meaning and in-
tending hereby that such income shall be applied for books desirable
for scholarly research and use . . .
". . . It is my desire that . . . the income given by the Twelfth Clause
of my will for the purchase of books, maps and other library material
of permanent value and benefit, shall be in addition to the sums
appropriated by the City for the maintenance of the Boston Public
Library, and that the same shall not be taken into account in any
appropriation by the City for that purpose.
"I, therefore, hereby provide that . . . such income as is given by
the Twelfth Clause of my will for the purchase of books . . . shall be
applied for those purposes only in years when the City appropriates
for the maintenance of the Boston Public Library at least three per
cent (3 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 (3 per cent) of the amount available for department ex-
penses 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
[72]
Church in the City of Boston to be by him disbursed in relieving the
necessities of the poor."
By an Agreement of Compromise entered in the Probate Court
of Suffolk County on January 15, 1935. the Benton Book
Fund was established" ... as a permanent fund, the income and
interest thereon to be applied annually by the Library Trustees,
without regard to the amounts appropriated by the City of Boston
for the maintenance of the Boston Public Library in any year, as
follov/s: — (a) Six-tenths (6/10) of such income is to be applied an-
nually by the Library Trustees for the purchase of books, maps and
other library material of permanent value and benefit for said li-
brary; meaning and intending hereby that such income shall be
applied for books desirable for scholarly research and use ; (b) The
remaining four-tenths (4/10) of such income Is to be paid over an-
nually to the Rector of Trinity Church to be by him disbursed, either
directly, or in his discretion, through charitable organizations or
agencies, whether incorporated or unincorporated, in relieving the
necessities of the poor." Received in 1936. $1,136,480.25
Benton Building Fund — Extract from the will of JosiAH H. Benton:
"Twelfth: All the rest and residue of my property and estate I give
and devise ... to the TRUSTEES OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY OF
THE City of Boston . . . and I Direct that the same be held
and used in the manner following . . .
". . . Second: — To hold the other one-half of said residue and
remainder as an accumulating fund, the Income and interest to be
added to the principal and reinvested as principal, until the total
amount thereof shall be two million dollars ($2,000,000). And
then I Direct such total sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000)
to be applied to the enlargement of the present central library build-
ing in Boston, or to the construction of another central library build-
ing in such part of the City as may be then most desirable for the
accommodation of the people of said City ; such new building to be
constructed under the advice of the Librarian of the Library at that
time in such manner as may be most desirable for efficient practical
working of a library therein." Received In 1936.
$1,644,118.57
Charles H. L. N. Bernard Fund — Bequest of Charles H. L. N.
Bernard. Received in 1930. To be used for general purposes
unless otherwise ordered by the Board. $2,000.00
Bigelow Fund — Donation made by the HoN. John P. BiGELOV/ in
August, 1850, 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. $1,000.00
Robert Charles Billings Fund — Bequest of RoBERT Charles Bil-
LINGS.
"The sum to constitute a permanent fund for said library, to be
[73]
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 1903. $99,786.84
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. $10,000.00
Bradlee Fund — Bequest of the Rev. Caleb David Bradlee to the
Boston Public Library. Received in 1 897. $1,000.00
Joseph H. Center Fund — Bequest of JOSEPH H. CENTER. To be
used for general purposes unless otherw^ise ordered by the Board.
Received in 1905. $39,520.39
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
$150.00
Children's Fund — Bequest of JosiAH H. Benton of $100,000, to be
held as "1 he Children's F"und," 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
for the young shall be paid to the Rector of Trinity Church in the
City of Boston to be by him dispensed in relieving the necessities of
the poor. $100,000.00
Clement Fund — Bequest of FRANK CLEMENT, of Newton, to be known
as the 'Trank Clement Fund," the income to be applied to the pur-
chase of books. Received in 1915. $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.
$2,854.41
[741
Cutter Fund — Bequest of ABRAHAM E. CuTTER of four thousand dol-
lars and his liiarary of books, the Income of the fund to be expended
for the purchase of books, and for binding. Received in 1 90 1 .
$4,270.00
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-
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." $25,000.00
Daniel Sharp Ford Fund — Bequest of Daniel Sharp Ford to the
Public Library of the City of Boston, to be used for general
purposes unless otherwise ordered by the Board. Received in 1 900.
$6,000.00
Daniel Sharp Ford Trust Fund — Bequest of Daniel Sharp Ford
to the Public Library of the City of Boston, to be used for general
purposes. Received in 1935. $5,017.65
Franklin Club Fund — Donation made in June, 1 863, 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. $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.
$5,000.00
Morris Gest Fund — Donation made by 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. $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. $2,000.00
[75]
Charlotte Harris Fund — Bequest of CHARLOTTE HARRIS, 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 on 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 li-
brary and the portrait of my grandfather, Richard Devens." Be-
quests accepted by City Council, July 31, 1877. $10,000.00
Thomas B. Harris Fund — Bequest of THOMAS B. Harris, of Charles-
town, for the benefit of the Charlestown Public Library. Received
in 1884. $1,089.38
Alfred Hemenway Fund — Bequest of Alfred Hemenway. To be
used for general purposes unless otherwise ordered by the Board.
Received in 1928. $5,000.00
Heloise E. Hersey Fund — Bequest of Heloise E. Hersey, the in-
come to be expended for the purchase of books, preferably those of
recent issue that have real literary value. Received in 1936.
$3,542.00
Hyde Fund — Bequest of Franklin P. Hyde. to be known as the
"Franklin P. Hyde Fund." To be used for general purposes un-
less otherwise ordered by the Board. Received in 1915.
$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.
$10,000.00
Louis E. Kirstein Fund — Donations of $1 ,000 each made by Louis E.
KiRSTEiN, "to be used for any purpose of the Library that the
Trustees see fit to put it to."
October, 1925 $1,000.00
October, 1926
November, 1927
October, 1928
October, 1929
1 ,000.00
1 .000.00
1,000.00
1,000.00
$5,000.00
Arthur Mason Knapp Fund — Extract from the will of Katherine
Knapp: "io 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 v%'hich 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.
$10,000.00
Helen Lambert Fund — Bequest of Helen Lambert, in memory of
Frederic and Louise Lambert. The income of this fund to be used
for general purposes unless otherwise ordered by the Board.
$1,403.57
[76]
Abbott Lawrence Fund — Bequest of Abbott La WHENCE. The in-
terest on this fund to be exclusively appropriated for the purchase of
books having permanent value. Received in 1860. $10,000.00
Edward Lawrence Fund — Bequest of Edward Lawrence, of Charles-
town. 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 Charlestovm branch of said Public Library."
Received in 1886. $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
Boston 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. $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. $500.00
Charles Mead Fund — Bequest of Charles Mead, to constitute the
Charles Mead Public Library Trust Fund for the promotion of the
objects of the Public Library in such manner as the government of
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 1 896.
$2,500.00
Francis A. Morse Library Fund — Bequest of Francis A. Morse, of
West Roxbury; the income only to be expended annually for the
purchase of books for the West Roxbury Branch Library suitable
for children of school age. Received in 1936. $1,000.00
Gardner O. North Fund — Bequest of GARDNER O. NoRTH. To be
used for general purposes unless otherwise ordered by the Board.
Received in 1928. $2,000.00
The Oakland Hall Trust Fund — By an interlocutory decree of the
Probate Court for the County of Suffolk, the amount of$l 1 ,781 .44
was 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 Hollingsworth, Sumner A. Burt and
Amor L. Hollingsworth, all of Milton, Mass., and John H. Mc-
Kendry, of Boston, Mass., entered into the sixth day of August,
1 870. The above amount was accepted by the City, January 2,
1924, 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. $11, 78 1.44
[77]
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.
$1,000.00
Phillips Fund — Donation made by JONATHAN PHILLIPS, in April,
1853.
The interest of this fund is to be used exclusively for the purchase
of books $10,000.00
Also a bequest by Mr. Phillips in his will dated September 20,
1 849. The interest on which is to be annually devoted to the main-
tenance of a free Public Library. $20,000.00
Pierce Fund — Donation made by the Hon. Henry L. Pierce, Mayor
of the City, November 29, 1 873, and accepted by the City Council,
December 27, 1 873. $5,000.00
Sarah E. Pratt Fund — Bequest from Sarah E. Pratt, under the
14th clause of her will, for the benefit of the Dorchester Branch,
$500.00. Received in 1922 and 1924. $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. $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. $3,858.24
Scholfield Fund — Bequest of ARTHUR ScHOLFiELD, who died in New
York, January I 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, I 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. $61,800.00
Sewall Fund — Extract from the will of RiCHARD Black Sewall:
"Tenth: — I bequeath the following pecuniary legacies clear of
legacy tax, namely. To the Trustees of the Public Library of the
City of Boston $25,000 to be added to their funds and the income
to be used for the purchase of books." Received in 1918.
$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
[78]
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. Lev^s
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 to 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." To be used for general purposes unless other-
wise ordered by the Board. Received in 1914. $51,732.14
South Boston Branch Library Trust Fund — Donation of a citizen of
South Boston, the income of which is to be expended for the benefit
of the South Boston Branch Library. Received in 1 879.
$100.00
Mary Elizabeth Stewart Fund — Bequest of Mary ELIZABETH STEW-
ART of $3,500 to the Trustees of the Boston Public Library. To
be used for general purposes unless otherwise ordered by the Board.
$3,500.00
James Jackson Storrow (Harvard *57) Fund — Gift of Helen Stor-
Row and Elizabeth Randolph Storrow as a memorial to
James Jackson Storrow, Senior ; income to be used for the purchase
of Italian books. $25,000.00
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
[79]
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 and
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-
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. $4,000.00
William C. Todd Newspaper Fund — Donation by WiLLIAM C. TODD,
of Atkins, N. H., accepted by order of the City Council, approved
October 30, 1897, the income to be at least two thousand dollars
a year, to be expended by the Library Trustees for newspapers of
this and other countries. $50,000.00
1 ownsend Fund — Donation from William Minot and William Minot,
Jr., executors of the will of Mary P. ToWNSEND, at whose dis-
posal she left a certain portion of her estate in trust for such chari-
table 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. $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, 1872, said be-
quest 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. $13,987.69
[80]
Tufts Fimcl — 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 library
to be placed in the Charlestown Branch. Received in 1 906.
$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 1897. $5,000.00
Horace G. Wadlin Fund — Bequest of HoRACE G. Wadlin, of
Reading, former Librarian, to the Trustees of the Public Library
of the City of Boston of $2,000 to be permanently funded and the
income thereof used for the purchase of books. Received in 1932.
$2,000.00
Also a bequest by Ella F. Wadlin ; to be added to the Horace G.
Wadlin Fund, and the income to be used for the purchase of books.
Received in 1936. $1,725.84
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. $5,000.00
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
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.
$5,000.00
James Lyman Whitney Fund — The Alice Lincoln Whitney Fund
having been established, all amounts of income of the principal fund
[81]
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. $30,018.98
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.
Mehitable C. C. Wilson Fund — Bequest of MehitABLE C. C. Wil-
SON, the incom.e to be expended for the purchase of books. Received
in 1913. $1,000.00
GIFTS FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOOKS
Besides the preceding, the following gifts have been made to the Public
Library, and the am.ounts have been appropriated for the purchase
of books, according to the intention of the donors, viz.:
Samuel Appleton, late of Boston
H. C. Bentley .
J. IngersoU Bowditch .
Nathaniel I. Bowditch .
James Brown, late of Cambridge
Andrew Carnegie
Dorchester and Milton Circulating Library, for
benefit of the Dorchester Branch Library
Sally Inman Kast Shepard
James Nightingale ....
Patrick F. Sullivan Bequest .
the
$1,000.00
220.38
6,800.00
200.00
500.00
980.75
335.13
1 ,000.00
100.00
339.61
$11,475.87
[82]
RECAPITULATION OF PUBLIC LIBRARY TRUST FUNDS
Ainsley Fund
Ariz Fund ....
Bates Fund ....
Benton Book Fund
Benton Building Fund .
Charles H. L. N. Bernard Fund
BIgelow Fund
Robert Charles Billings Fund
Bowditch Fund
Bradlee Fund
Joseph H. Center Fund
Central Library Building Fund
Children's Fund .
Clement Fund
Henry Sargent Codman Memorial Fund
Cutter Fund
Elizabeth Fund
Daniel Sharp Ford Fund
Daniel Sharp Ford Trust Fund
Franklin Club Fund
Isabella Stewart Gardner Fund
Morris Gest Fund
Green Fund
Charlotte Harris Fund .
Thomas B. Harris Fund
Alfred Hemenway Fund
Heloise E. Hersey Fund
Hyde Fund
David P. Kimball Fund .
Louis E. Kirstein Fund
Arthur Mason Knapp Fund .
Helen Lambert Fund
Abbott Lawrence Fund
Edward Lawrence Fund
Mrs. John A. Lewis Fund .
Charles Greely Loring Memorial Fund
Charles Mead Fund
Francis A. Morse Library Fund
Gardner O. North Fund
The Oakland Hall Trust Fund
John Boyle O'Reilly Fund .
Phillips Fund
Pierce Fund
Sarah E. Pratt Fund .
Guilford Reed Fund
John Singer Sargent Fund .
Scholfield Fund .
Sewall Fund
Skinner Fund
South Boston Branch Library Trust Fund
Mary Elizabeth Stewart Fund
$158,843.10
10,000.00
50.000.00
1,136,480.25
1.644,118.57
2.000.00
I.OOO.OO
99.786.84
10.000.00
LOOO.OO
39,520.39
150.00
100,000.00
2,000.00
2,854.41
4.270.00
25.000.00
6.000.00
5.017.65
1.000.00
5.000.00
2.652.50
2,000.00
10,000.00
1 ,08938
5,000.00
3.542.00
3.632.40
10,000.00
5.000.00
10,000.(X)
1 .403.57
10.000.00
500.00
5.000.00
500.00
2.500.00
I.OOO.OO
2,000.00
11,781.44
1,000.00
30.000.00
5.000.00
1.494.18
1,000.00
3,858.24
61 ,800.00
25.000.00
51,732.14
100.00
3.500.00
[83]
Brought forrvarJ
James Jackson Storrow (Harvard '57) Fund
Ticknor Fund . .
William C. Todd Newspaper Fund
Townsend Fund ....
Treadwell Fund ....
Nathan A. Tufts Fund
Twentieth Regiment Memorial Fund
Horace G. Wadlin Fund
Wales Fund ....
Alice Lincoln Whitney Fund
James Lyman Whitney Fund
Mehilable C. C. Wilson Fund .
$3,576,127.06
25.000.00
4.000.00
50,000.00
4.000.00
13,987.69
10,131.77
5,000.00
3,725.84
5 000.00
5,000.00
30,018.98
1,000.00
Total
$3,732,991.34
[84]
OFFICERS OF THE LIBRARY AS OF DECEMBER 31. 1938
Director's Office
Director, and Librarian: Milton E. Lord
Clerk of the Trustees: Elizabeth B. Brockunier
Supervisor of Training: Bertha V. Hartzell
Editor of Publications: Zoltan Haraszti
Reference Division
Chief Librarian of the Reference Division: Richard G. Hensley
Assistant Librarian, Emeritus Frank C. Blaisdell
Assistant Librarian, Emeritus Samuel A. Chevalier
Assistant Librarian, Emeritus Otto Fleischner
Book Selection Department: Christine Hayes, Chief
Cataloging and Classification Department: Lucien E. Taylor, Chief
General Reference Departments: Francis H. Hannigan, Supervisor
John H. Reardon, Deputy Supervisor
Bates Hall Centre Desk: William J. Mulloney, Assistant in Charge
Bates Hall Reference Department: John M. Carroll, Assistant, In
Charge
Issue Department: Thomas F. Brennan, Chief
Open Shelf Department: John H. Reardon, Chief
Periodical and Newspaper Department : Elizabeth L. Wright, Chief
Registration Department: A. Frances Rogers, Chief
Special Reference Departments: Edward H. Redstone, Supervisor
Frank N. Jones, Deputy Supervisor
Business Branch: Mary W. Dietrichson, Business Branch Librarian
Fine Alts Department: Priscilla S. MacFadden, Assistant, In
Charge
Music Department: Richard G. Appel, Assistant in Charge
Science and Technology Department: Frank N. Jones, Chief
Statistical Department: Elizabeth G. Barry, Assistant in Charge
Teachers Department: Anna L. Manning, Assistant in Charge
Rare Books: Zoltan Haraszti, Keeper of Rare Books
Rare Book Department: Harriet Swift, Assistant in Charge
[85]
Circulation Division
Chief Librarian of the Circulation Division : Orlando C. Davis
Children's Work: Alice M. Jordan, Supervisor
Branch Libraries: Edith Guerrier, Supervisor
Branch Librarians:
Allston: M. Florence Cufflin
Andrew Square: Elizabeth H. McShane
Boylston: Margaret A. Calnan
Brighton: Katrina M. Sather
CharlestovvTi : Katherine S. Rogan
City Point: Helen M. 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: Rebecca E. WilHs
Jeffries Point: Mary U. Nichols
Kirstein: Dorothy F. Nourse
Lower Mills: Muriel E. Cann
Mattapan: Ada A. Andelman
Memorial: Margaret I. McGovern
Mount Bowdoin: Catherine P. Loughman
Mount Pleasant: Margaret H. Reid
Neponset: Elizabeth B. Boudreau
North End: Mary F. Curley
Orient Heights: Catherine E. Flannery
Parker Hill: Mary M. Sullivan
Phillips Brooks: Edith H. Bailey
Roslindale: Annie M. Donovan
South Boston: Mary A. C. Kavin
South End: Clara L, Maxwell
Upham's Corner: Beatrice C. Maguire
West End: Fanny Goldstein
West Roxbury: Geneva Watson
Book Selection Department: Edna G. Peck, Chief
Cataloging and Classification Department: Ethel Hazlewood, Cataloger,
In Charge
Branch Bindery Section: Marion McCarthy, Assistant, In Charge
Branch Issue Department: Grace C. Loughlin, Chief
Alice V. Stevens, Chief, Emeritus
School Department: Beatrice M. Flanagan, Chief
[86]
Young People's Room, Central Library: Mary C. Toy, Children's Li-
brarian
Branch Librarian, Emeritus: Katherine F. Albert
Branch Librarian, Emeritus: Carrie L. Morse
Branch Librarian, Emeritus: Katherine F. Muldoon
Branch Librarian, Emeritus: Margaret A. Sheridan
Branch Librarian, Emeritus: Isabel E. Wetherald
Division of Business Operations
Comptroller: James W. Kenney
Buildings Department: William F. Quinn, Superintendent
Auditing Department: Helen Schubarth, Auditor
Book Purchasing Department: William C. Maiers, Chief
Stock Purchasing Department: Timothy J. Mackin, Custodian
Binding Department: James P. Mooers, Chief
Printing Department: William B. Gallagher, Chief
Francis W. Lee, Chief, Emeritus
Shipping Department: Robert F. Dbcon, Shipper
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