The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-10-06
YOUNG MEMS INSTITUTE
1NNU.AL MEETING AND REVIEW
 FOR THE YEAR.

The Presidents Annual RepOrt-AbOut Six Hundred New Books Added-The Association's Prosperity.
 The annual meeting of the Young Mems Institute was held last evening at the institute rooms, President J. R. French presiding. The annual election resulted in the reelection of the direc- tors whose terms had expired. The an- nual report of the president shows the institute to be in 8 continued prosper ous state. It is in full as follows
 PRESIDENTS ANNUAL REPORT. Members of the Young Mems Insti-
 ute:
 In presenting another annual report 1t is satisfaction to note that the tide has apparently turned in our favor This change for the better plainly dates from the time when the much needed outlay was made to improve the ap- pearance of our quarters. In accord ance With my recommendation a year ago the trustees decided to appropriate enough of the customary revenue to thoroughly renovate the various rooms and paint the exterior of the building. The parlor was artistically papered, ana now furnishes a most attractive place for all our patrons. Nothing Is more shabby than a neglected library in ill-cared for quarters, and the public are quick to discern an improvement for the better, and show their appre- citation by return of their patronage.
 Soon after the renovation of the rooms it seemed wise to the directors to secure the services of trained H. brarian. Fortunately it was found possible to engage our former librarian, Mir. Borden, who for three years had been employed at the university. Miss Williams had served us well during the same period, but needed further train ing in modern library methods, which she sought in another city. Since his return to the institute MT. Borden has made himself manifest in many ways. A new and simple charging system has been introduced, by which at momen- tary glance the location of any book borrowed from the library can be trac- ed. This is a great advantage over the former system, because it often hap pens that a borrowed book is wanted very much by another member, and it was a long task to make sure of its whereabouts.
 A great demand sprung up early in March for all literature pertaining, di- rectly or indirectly, to Spain, Cuba and the Philippines. To meet this want a list of all books on these countries was printed for circulation, and they were massed at a convenient place near the entrance. A card catalogue was also prepared of all the fighting ships of Spain and the United States, show ing their armament and means of de- fense with pictures of the same when they were obtainable. There was also catalogue of the different fleets of the two countries, showing the vessels of which they were composed, the same being kept up to date, so as to indicate all changes in the squadrons. This catalogue was in constant use, and at tracted so much attention that the newspapers commented upon it. and many outsiders came to consult it. This has suggested the idea of cata- logue of the battleships of the world, WHICH IS III course Ol
 The juvenile books have been entirely rearranged and catalogued to corre- spond with the system used in the rest of the library. Mrs. Blake, who was formerly a teacher in the Normal school has taken great interest in the juvenile books, and by her advice some books have been transferred to this de- partment Many new books have been recently added, and we are aiming to make the corner near the desk espec- ially attractive to young people.
 We have recently added to our list ''Warners Best Literature and the librarian informs me that this one set of books required the preparation of over 2,000 cards. Such work makes no show, but it is very valuable to inves- tigators who come to consult the li- brary.
 During the busiest months lists of new books were issued for circulation, and we are indebted to the local press for favors in giving them a wider mo- tice.
 All the books owned by us, of any de- scription hay been recently counted with great care, and we show a total of over 10000 books. This includes a large number of comparatively old and yalueless books in the reference room and basement. It has always been the policy of the directors to retain all books of whatever sort, because of a possible future value. In the pressure which will come by and by for more room,, it may be a serious question whether it would not be wise to thin out our old stock and remove it from the building.
 Through the influence of the librarian and some of the friends of the institute a chess club has been organized which holds it's meetings in the reference room in the evening. Only members of the institute are eligible upon the payment of an extra fee. During the winter, three or more tables were con- stantly occupied by players interested in this fascinating game, from early afternoon till a late hour at night During the coming season large ad- dition to this membership is expected, and in this way we hope to win some loyal friends.
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