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CITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 



Certainly no other institution is more representative of the whole com- 

 munity. It reflects, as well as broadens, the people's thoughts and inter- 

 ests, mirrors and elevates their ideals and ambitions, measures and sus- 

 tains their occupations and avocations; and this not for one element, 

 clique, or class, but for the whole mass of citizens — young and old, rich 

 and poor, native and foreign. That the people of Springfield have been 

 willing to build up and maintain this great institution, comprising be- 

 sides the library and branches, the museums of art and of natural history, 

 is surely significant of the character of the city. 



I cannot close this report without an expression — however inadequate 

 — of sincere acknowledgement. An indispensable factor in whatever 

 progress has been accomplished has been the enthusiasm, initiative, and 

 devotion that have animated all my associates in the staff. And the 

 assistance, counsel, and sympathy — generous and unstinted — on the 

 part of the Directors, and not least the President, have been an unfailing 

 incentive and support. 



Respectfully submitted. 



HILLER C. WELLMAN, Librarian, 



