10 



CITY LIBRARY ASSOCIATION 



service. No actual count is available, but apparently the number of 

 readers in the rooms was larger than ever, and certainly ''reference 

 work" in response to requests for information and assistance increased. 

 Special collections for clubs, schools, university extension classes, and 

 other groups were set aside to facilitate study, while attractive books 

 on various subjects were gathered and displayed for the casual reader. 

 Many residents gave books and lent interesting pictures, specimens, 

 or curios for display. Visits were made to playgrounds and schools 

 to coordinate the work and call the libraries to the attention of pros- 

 pective readers. Occasionally visits were made to persons confined to 

 their homes. In this way, acquaintance was renewed with a child crip- 

 pled by infantile para^sis some years ago, who had recently returned 

 from the state school. Through the branch, she was brought to the 

 attention of an organization which made it possible for her to continue 

 her studies at home until she is advanced enough to enter another school. 

 This instance is cited mere y as an illustration of the interest taken 

 by the branch librarians especially in their younger readers. Children 

 have been kept from falling foul of the law, have been aided in continu- 

 ing their schooling, young people and older ones have been advised and 

 assisted in their ca lings, and counsel asked has been given in many per- 

 sonal matters. The close contact of the branch libraries with their 

 public, and the resulting confidence and good will, offer an appealing 

 opportunity for much friend y and helpful service not directly con- 

 nected with books, should some philanthropist in the future desire to 

 provide for extending such activities. 



The Memorial Square Branch reports the need for Hungarian books 

 and for additional books in Arabic, Armenian, Lithuanian, Polish, and 

 modern Greek. Books in foreign languages are o ten borrowed by chil- 

 dren for the women and old people in the homes, or for those whose 

 diffidence or working hours prevent their visiting the branch. Many 

 of the books are chosen particularly to promote Americanization. 



At the Indian Orchard Branch, the organization of the children's 

 work under a competent children's librarian has brought great improve- 

 ment, while at the same time there has been an increase in the number 

 of adult readers. The circulation of pictures has increased and the size 

 of the picture collection doubled. The resignation of the librarian, 

 Miss Beatrice E. Kelliher, because of ill health, has been received w th 

 much regret. For nearly three j^ears she has devoted herself to the work 

 with unflagging energ^^ enthusiasm, and success. 



At the Forest Park Branch, the school, club, and reference work 

 have received especial attention. A vertical file of ''up-to-the-minute" 

 information, too recent to be found in books, has been in constant use. 

 But the most important consideration is the sorelj^ overcrowded build- 

 ing and the prospect of an addit on, referred to in the President's report. 



The reports of the branch librarians are full of interesting details 

 showing the many helpful and varied ways in which these branches 

 reach and serve their public. In a brief summary it is impossible to 

 do more than hint at this service, the extent of which, however, is indi- 

 cated by the remarkable patronage which the branches enjoy. 



