4 



CITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 



of Women's Clubs, showing some eight hundred articles representing 

 the handicraft of seventeen different nationalities. It was attended by 

 persons in native costume, and accompanied by characteristic songs, 

 choruses, dances, music, and recitations. During the four days the ex- 

 hibition was open it attracted more than 5,000 visitors, native and for- 

 eign, Meanwhile, throughout the year, books in large numbers have 

 taken American ideals to our foreign people. Classes from the evening 

 schools and other groups have been conducted through the library and 

 furnished with books to help in their studies, especially in the acquire- 

 ment of the English language. Groups preparing for naturalization 

 have likewise had the resources of the library explained to them, and 

 make large use of the books on government and history. Through the 

 cooperation of Mr. Robert O. Morris, the Clerk of courts, each man 

 who makes a declaration preparatory to naturalization is given a card 

 which on presentation at the library entitles him to its use without 

 further formalities. Circulars in foreign tongues have been printed 

 and distributed to tell newcomers of the opportunities open to them in 

 the library, and at the same time a list of books on Americanization 

 has been printed for our citizens who are taking so active and intelli- 

 gent interest in this important problem. 



This is only one example of the many new forms of service which 

 have fallen to public libraries within recent years; the work with the 

 blind is another. In Springfield the extent to which the library is drawn 

 upon by manufacturers and business men, by ambitious young workmen 

 studying up their trades, and by readers old and young seeking general 

 information, is large. Yet many other needs and opportunities present 

 themselves, if funds were available. New branches are desired, more 

 and cleaner books are needed, an engineering department and other 

 departments of specialized information, costly works for the genealog- 

 ical section and the art library, further assistance to the high schools 

 — in a score of ways the library could increase its usefulness if its re- 

 sources permitted. In view of financial conditions of late, it has seemed 

 desirable to conduct its constantly growing work with all reasonable 

 economy, and to extend the scope of its service conservatively. The 

 city supports the institution generously, and undue calls on the public 

 purse at this time seem undesirable. The activities already instituted 

 are expanding and must be cared for; but desirable extension of our 

 work in new fields, it would appear, must await additional endowments. 

 Many benefactors have contributed in the past to make the institution 

 what it is today, and any additional funds which generous citizens may 

 from time to time see fit to add to our endowment, they may be sure 

 will yield each year a harvest of real and practical advantage to the 

 whole community. 



NATHAN D. BILL, President. 



