1898-Annual Report - Laserfiche WebLink

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97 there. The whole number of families drawing books amounts, to 515, of which 41 were added during the year. Of tem- porary residents, 88 families have had the use of the library while here. But these statistics are far from representing. the number of persons using it, as several in the same family often take out books. Looking over the classification of these 31,260 volumes of the circulation, we find them divided as follows, viz. :—Books of Fiction, 20,294, Books of Reference, 2149, Biography, 1326, History, 1.163, Travels and Description, 1067, Lan- guage and Literature, 1111, Periodicals, bound and unbound, 1278 ; Philosophy and Religion, 688 ; Poetry, 625 ; Science, 512, Arts, Useful and Fine, 808 ; Government and Social Sci- ence, 239. During the year 2507 books have been repaired and 15 of the printed catalogues given out, exhausting the sup- ply of bound copies. The reading tables are furnished with 39 magazines, besides one daily and one weekly newspaper, and the Wlieelman's Bulletin, a gift to the library. Thirteen magazines and papers are supplied to the East Lexington Branch, in part, gifts from Miss Carrie Fiske and Miss A. A. Smith. Also books were given there by Mr. George Jameson and Miss Ellen Dana. Fines collected during the year amount to $61.41, of which *43, was paid to the treas- urer and the balance used for incidental .office expenses. In the visitors' book 827 names have been recorded from 31 states, the District of Columbia, and Australia, Canada, Eng- land, Ireland and Russia. The average attendance of read- ers at the library including East Lexington has been 113. The Juvenile Department of the library has become a most attractive feature, greatly increasing the interest of the chil- dren in reading. It now numbers 1500vo1umes, 200 of which have been added during the year. Thef children have been allowed free access to this department in the selec- tion of books, a privilege that must be abridged, if they con - 98 tinue to carry matches and drop them on the shelves, as some have done ; a thoughtless, careless act which cannot be tot- erated. Still strange to say, adults have been detected in returning books to the library with matches left between the leaves, no doubt used as book -marks and forgotten ? It is a serious matter, as it may lead to the loss of our noble Library by fire. Will not people be more careful, not to incur such a fearful risk? It has been deemed expedient to allow chil- dren under twelve years of age, the use of the library at the request of their parents, and we are glad to have them enjoy it and early form the habit of becoming familiar with its treasures. At the annual examination of the library, three books were missing which could not be accounted for, probably taken from the shelves thoughtlessly or feloniously, and carried away by persons unknown. Such losses are unavoidable where the books are so open to the handling of unauthorized persons. That the losses have been no greater in view of such exposure and in a circulation of over 30,000 vols., is a matter for congratulation and surprise. The steady growth of the library causes continued demands for more shelf room, and considerable additions need to be made at once for enlarged accommodations. Probably $75 will be required for this purpose during the present year. The town has never hesitated to make any appropriation needed for the better accommodation and greater usefulness of Cary Library. By the resignation of Miss Holbrook, of the East Lexing- ton Branch, after nine years of faithful service, the position of librarian there became vacant. It has been filled by the appointment of Miss Emma O. Nichols, who is discharging its duties satisfactorily. It is only just and proper that we recognize the efficient service rendered by the librarian Miss Kirkland, and her assistants, Miss Muzzey and Miss Mac-