St. Paul daily globe., 1891-01-07
THE LIBRARY BOARD
Holds It's Annual Meeting and
Elects Its Officers.

The annual meeting of the library board
took place yesterday afternoon. There were
present President Walker and Directors
Moore, Goodrich, Aftedal Atwater North
rop and Mayor Winston, who is ex-officio
member of the board. President Ankeny, of
the board of education, who by virtue of mis-
office is also a member, was not present.
The meeting having been called to order,
President Walker read his annual address,
dwelling on the f1attering condition OF the
library and predicting Tor 1t great future.
lie referred to the practical value OF so great.
an institution to this community, and dwelf
at some length upon its financial resources
and indebtedness which is capable of adjust
ment and settlement. President Walker
spoke of the increased interest manifested in
the art school and lecture series, and regret
ted. as does the public, the withdrawal of
the Lowry collection from the library. The
report of the secretary was then read which
is incorporated in the monetary statement OF
the librarian.
Librarian Putnam read a lengthy reports
The library had developed wonderfully dur
ing the past year. Though but little over q
year Old it ranks in circulation seventh
among all libraries in the United States and
fifth AS TO income. The facility for issuing
books was three times greater than it was
when the library first opened. 1t is strong in
historical and literary works, but is weak in
scientific and technical literature. Of the
entire circulation So per cent were novels,
and about 20 per cent books Tor the.
young. Though freer access is given
country the loss therefrom con-
sisted OF but twenty magazines and three
books. This last feature of the library
had been generally commented upon by pro-
feSsional Librarians throughout the country.
The total number of books given TO the
library is about 1000, many of which
are duplicates During the year the
university extension course lectures
300 auditors. The historical course will
begin Jan. 81. The board was presented
by Malard T. Bowen with an oil painting
the work of Miss Baker, of Buffalo. n. Y.
The Menage expedition to the Philippine
islands the librarian thought would add
many rare and interesting curiosities to the
museum. Mr.. Putnam then pointed out the
needs Of the library. 1t requires first full
and accurate card catalogue; second. inde-
pendent iibrary-fo each branch; third, de-
livery stations in various districts, and
fourth a systematic cooperation OF school
work.
Ills report showed the number of books in
the library Dec. II. 1889. to be 29,646; ac-
ces sions for 1890. l2,441; books now IN
library. 42,002; books issued during the
year, go 1872: daily average issue, 661.
AT the conclusion of the reading OF the re-
ports the secretary announced that the cleo
ton of officers was next in order OF bnsl-
ness Prof. Northrop nominated The retiring
president, #. B. Walker as q candidate for
re election. The vote was by ballot ana re-
suited as follows: Northrop, l; Walker. q.
On accepting the presidency for the second
time Mr. Walker said that he would not
allow his business affairs to interfere with
his official duties as the head OF the board
the coming year. During his past term it
had been at times impossible for hlm to at
tend the board meetings and look after the
manufacturing interests OF the city at the
same time.
Mr. Atwater nominated Prof. John G.
Moore for secretary. The motion was warmly
seconded. and the president, Prof. North
rop, and several others moved TO make his
election unanimous.
Prof Norlhrop then moved that Herbert
Putnam be reelected librarian, Mr. Atwater
seconding the motion, and Mr. Putnam was
duly elected to serve the branch in his pres
ent capacity without change of salary until
Jan. |, 1892.
After some discussion it was decided to
postpone the appointment of janitor until
the new building committee, which, with the
other permanent committees, will be ap-
lar meeting in February, report upon
the present system of paying that
official. AT present the janitor re-
ceives S., 500 per year for looking after and
caring for the building. Out of this amount
he pays his help and relieves the building
committee from personally supervising the
washing of windows aud sweeping of halls. y
Mr. Atwater stated that he had an applica-
ton from one p. j. Lindblom, formerly an
assistant under the present jantUr Lewis
Runge, for the position of janitor. The ap-
plication was also referred to the building
committee. II is not likely that Mr. Runge,
the present janior, will be removed
resolution was adopted authorizing the
publication of the official reports and 400
additional pamphlets containing the reports
and a copy of the contract with the library
board, and the Athen9um, and the text Of
the act establishing the library board. The
| resolution was the result of suggestion by
| Librarian Putnam, who said that he
was in receipt Of many inquiries as
| to the nature and status Of the
| board and its connection with the Athen-
aum. The 400 pamphlets will be sent to
| the libraries throughout the country, and to
persons desiring the information they will
| contain.
A second resolution was adopted request
| ing the Hennepin delegation 10 SO have the
| act creating the board of tax levy changed as
| to secure in it the representation by its pres
| ident of the library board. The presidents
| of the park and school boards are exoificio
members of the board of tax levy.
| Jakale Fielde, of Chicago, by letter pre-
| sented the board with the plaster cast of the
| bronze statue, Muse of History" which now
| adorns the library. The gift was received
| with thanks The board then adjourned to
meet on the first Tuesday in February. Dur
| ing the proceedings Mayor Winston was an
| interested spectator and frequently asked
| pertinent questions of the members of the
board concerning the practical management
| of the library.