REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN 



13 



Massachusetts, to the Year 1850" from the late Ellen T. Peck, which 

 forms an important accession to our extensive genealogical department. 



The Staff. 



Ten valued assistants resigned during the year, most of them to 

 take positions elsewhere, three to be married. During the prolonged 

 absence from illness of several important members of the staff their 

 associates labored earnestly and unsparingly to carry on the work 

 without detriment to the service. A sad loss was suffered in the sud- 

 den death of Miss Lucy C. Richmond, who had conducted the circulat- 

 ing department since 1914. Coming to Springfield after many years 

 as librarian of the Adams Public Library, and with previous experience 

 in teaching, she brought enthusiasm for her work and a fine taste for 

 the best in literature and art. She was never too engrossed to stop and 

 aid any inquirer. Her unfaiUng graciousness, tact, and sense of justice 

 won the sincere regard of all her associates, and her death brought ex- 

 pressions of regret and warm appreciation from the public whom she 

 so eagerly served. 



Looking Forward. 



In reviewing the year, the record of accomplishment should not 

 obscure the many avenues of service which it has not been possible to 

 enter upon. Several sections of the city are in need of branches. Suit- 

 able quarters at certain branches, such as are available in other cities, 

 for social work — for study, debating, dramatic and musical clubs, and 

 for gatherings of the foreign groups — would be useful. One or more 

 staff members to devote themselves to forms of Americanization work 

 which only a library can successfully undertake would find ample 

 employment. More experts are needed to assist business men, manu- 

 facturers, and young workingmen, who constantly seek technical infor- 

 mation. Small branches at hospitals have been found desirable else- 

 where, partly to divert the tedium of convalescence, often to assist 

 nervous and mental patients toward recovery; and a hospital branch 

 means not simply a deposit of books but part time of a trained librarian 

 to make it effective. Volunteer workers from the Young Women's 

 Christian Association, who formerly took charge of library deposits in 

 several factories, visiting them on regular days to distribute the books, 

 rendered valuable service, and if the staff could afford assistants to 

 continue the work, they could do much to encourage good reading. 

 Only about one third of the population are enrolled as card holders, 

 and while this figure is not low compared with cities generally, it shows 

 how much remains to be done to make known the library's resources 

 and the practical advantages of using them. Indeed, on every hand 

 are inviting opportunities for wider service, awaiting only the funds 

 necessary to transmute possibilities into realities. 



Respectfully submitted, 



HILLER C. WELLMAN, Librarian. 



