6 



CITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 



Rice Bianciardi, the total of which will amount to about $12,000, the 

 income to be spent for books. 



The loss sustained by this Association through the death, after a long 

 illness, of Walter H. Wesson, who had been a Director for twenty-two 

 years, was recorded by the Board in appropriate resolutions, which were 

 pubhshed in the newspapers and will be printed with this report. The 

 vacancy in the Board was filled by the unanimous election of Adolph W. 

 Gilbert of Indian Orchard. 



The service of the library, not only in educational and cultural direc- 

 tions, but in practical aid to business and industry, is growing every year 

 in volume and importance. The community possesses in the library and 

 branches and the Museums of Art and Natural History, an institution 

 unique in character and of far-reaching influence. The city has been 

 liberal in helping to maintain their activities. But under present econom- 

 ic conditions it is obvious that for the increase in the plant, and even 

 for any very extensive increase in the scope of the service rendered, the 

 Association will have to look to private benefactions. Judging by the 

 many generous endowments it has already received, the exceptional use 

 made of its facilities, and the widespread appreciation manifested, it will 

 not have to look in vain. We feel confident that our citizens cherish this 

 great educational institution, and will not fail to provide for its continu- 

 ing growth and large future. 



Before closing I must refer to the twenty years of most efficient, able and 

 successful work of our librarian, Mr. Hiller C. Wellman. He has won the 

 admiration and esteem of all of us, and I sincerely hope that he may be 

 spared for many, many years of continued usefulness. 



NATHAN D. BILL, President, 



