REPORT OF THE LIBRARIAN 



9 



The large collection of vocal and instrumental scores which has been 

 built up with the Grace Rumrill music fund now covers fairly adequately 

 the field of the older and classical music. It was hoped when this point 

 was reached that funds would be released for more of the modern com- 

 positions and other expensive special or less frequently used music. 

 But the old collection, owing to the constant circulation, is beginning to 

 wear out and require replacement, and part of the fund has been used 

 to provide the records, so that there seems to be little margin for these 

 special purchases. One resident, who desires to remain anonymous, 

 learning of the need for the score and parts of one of C6sar Franck's 

 symphonies, which is to be performed by the Municipal Orchestra, gen- 

 erously sent a check for $60 to make the purchase possible. 



Accessions, Circulation and Extension Work 



During the year, 22,937 volumes, of which 962 were gifts, were added, 

 while 17,781 volumes were worn out or retired, leaving a net gain of 

 but 5,156 volumes. Nearly half of the accessions went into the branch 

 collections. The total stock now comprises 306,592 volumes. 



All departments of the main library and the branches show an increase 

 of patronage. The total circulation amounted to 1,257,093 volumes, 

 which was 79,696 volumes, or about 7%, more than the preceding year. 

 The class showing the largest increase comprised books on education, 

 with a gain of 31%; both teachers and laymen have borrowed more of 

 these books. Another class in which there is a marked increase of interest 

 is religion. Writers in the periodicals are asking, ''Is there to be a revival 

 of religion?" Whatever the answer, there is no doubt that there is more 

 reading of books on religion, the gain being 11% over the previous year, 

 which in turn showed a large advance. 



One yery noticeable feature of the use of the library has been observed. 

 Far more readers are leaving ''reserves" - particularly for serious new 

 books, many of which are borrowed before there is time to catalogue 

 them. Also, there are more requests for the purchase of new books, 

 often almost before they have come from the press. Apparently the 

 public, through book reviews or other means, are keeping better informed 

 than ever before regarding new and important publications. 



More deposits of books have been maintained in factories and similar 

 places than for many years past. This was made possible by the Young 

 Women's Christian Association workers who have resumed this useful 

 work, and by the efforts of a member of the staff who called on numerous 

 managers, established several deposits where they had never been main- 

 tained before, and placed thirty library posters in various factories. As 

 an experiment, this assistant has been visiting one of these factories at 

 noon once a week to give out the books. The results, both in the quality 

 and number of books circulated, show how advantageous it would be for 

 library assistants to visit these little branches regularly. This is a very 

 desirable form of extension work to undertake when it can be afforded. 



Besides the 445 school rooms to which deposits are sent, there are 42 

 other places in the city - factories, large stores, institutions, fire stations, 

 etc., where collections of library books are available. 



