12 BULLETIN OF THE ESSEX INSTITUTE. 



The library year has been a very uneventful one. Our 

 pressing needs of more stack-room for books, and a cata- 

 logue, are no nearer attainment than they were a year ago, 

 except perhaps as each year brings us nearer the time when 

 those wauts must be supplied. 



Our work this year has been seriously hampered by 

 sickness. The assistant librarian, Miss Mary E. Arvedson, 

 was obliged to relinquish her work and seek rest and 

 change, and it is doubtful Avhether she will feel that she 

 can take it up again. Her loss is a serious one to the In- 

 stitute. Familiar, as she was, with the contents of the 

 library, she was of great assistance to all who sought ac- 

 cess to it, and this familiarity, the result of years of faith-- 

 ful service, we shall miss for a long time in any successor. 

 Miss Waters has also been absent for a long period on 

 account of sickness, but it is hoped that before long she 

 will be able to return to her duties. Miss Bartlett has 

 resigned, not on account of sickness, but to assume new 

 duties and responsibilities, and this has left us with inex- 

 perienced assistants who, however efficient and faithful 

 they may l)e, cannot at once make good the places thus 

 left vacant. 



All this, however, has not seriously interfered with 

 the use of the library, which lias been very satisfactory. 

 The pleasant rooms of the Institute are always open to 

 students and investigators in any branch of literature or 

 science, as well as to the general reader, and such assist- 

 ance as we can render is gladly and willingly given. 



Although somewhat crippled by what seems to be more 

 than our share of sickness, including that of our genial 

 secretary whom we all hope to welcome back to his labors 

 before many weeks, the Institute never falters in its good 

 work. Sickness and death make but a momentary halt 

 in its progress. The gaps are quickly closed and the woik 



