The daily morning journal and courier., 1899-10-05

!. and their careful painstaking about 1t. l At their suggestion, the books that are 1 circulated from day to day are, upon | their return, placed upon table at the entrance of the room where all can see at glance what books have been drawn for the previous two or three 1 days This arrangement has proved very popular with our patrons, many of whom are influenced in large meas ure by the choice of others,
 It has been gratifying during the year to have won the interest of so many of the faculty of the university. Twenty-one families of professors are on our list and are often seen in our alcoves. Nor is their interest confined | merely to the drawing of books. Two of the professors have favored us with lectures on literary subjects, given in the parlor to invited audiences, viz: Prof. Cook "The Artistic Ordering of Life:" Prof. Cross, '..The Development of the English Novel" Besides these we had afternoon lectures from Miss Mary c. French, How a Library May Help a Love of Musc.' Miss Borden How to Use Library" Indictment weather on each of the afternoons ap- pointed interfered greatly with the at tendance upon the lectures, but it is an interesting way to introduce friends to the institute, and we may possibly try this experiment for another season.
 The use of trial cards has been ex- tended during the year with satisfac- tory results. Complimentary cards, en- titling the receiver to the privileges of the institute for a month or more are mailed to selected parties with an eX- planation of the reason for sending them. At least 25 per cent. of those who use them at all are willing to be- come members. During the coming year we hope to extend this method of advertising more widely, and now be- speak the interest of all our members in this possible project. This city and the surrounding towns ought to furn- ish Us with a membership of 1000, and with such a patronage we could furn- ish a service much more attractive and effective. Clean books, and abundant duplicates sof the most popular ones, a good supply of magazines for cireula- ton, prompt service at the desk, with a readiness to aid any one who is in- vestigating any subject. are all i'm portant factors in the popularity of any library, and in the long run they will bring an increased patronage How to bring the attention of the public to all our privileges in the most effective way, is the most perplexing problem which the directors have to solve Many of our citizens have never heard of the institute, or, if they have, they think it is an organization connected with the Young Mems Christian asso- tiatlon, or allied with it in a work of benevolence. This idea has been strengthened by their advertisement during the past year of an evening in- stitute in which classes for instruction are conducted during the winter even- ings. As We have held the name for over seventy years, it is serious question whether any other organza- tion has the legal right to assume it, especially as we hold it under spec ial charter from the state. The con- of this point is recommended to you for discussion
 In order to make our place more to the public we have dur ing the year placed large and at | tractive sign board near the street en- trance on the adjoining building, be- sides smaller sign on one of the | posts in the doorway.
 But acquaintance with our library | and reading room is much more likely | to be promoted by the recommendation | of our members, and l wish that every | one would lend a helping hand in this | direction. Trial cards will always be furnished by the librarian to any ap- | phcant, and may result in many more 
 It may be worthy of consideration whether some change might not be made in our by-laws, so as to change Dur method of making voting members. These are now added by vote at our an- nual meeting, and the number does not increase rapidly As the ownership of he books and library appliances, as well as the invested funds, rests in this small body, it might be well to devise some other method for it's self-perpetu- ation. The building is owned by these trustees, who are elfperpetuating body, but the institute might be dis banded by small body of voters. While do not apprehend such an event | would favor measures to prevent it's 
 'ln coilcluSfoH,' wish to thank the librarians for their faithful service, and he various committees for their vaIu- lble assistance and advice during the ear. Let me express the hope that all will id in making the coming year. one of he most prosperous in our history
 Joseph R. French, President. New Haven Oct. 4, 1899 The treasurer's report is as follows: sos. Oct, L.
 'alance on hand. .........S 51 So
 eceipts for membership ( lees''''' ''' '.'''.''... l3I3.62 ,ellts' ''''' '''.'s... 2luDtf f hetneli tun.. ....... 1GO.00 abriel fund ..,,....... 175.0n l
 S3, S60.44 7
 Expenditures , ooks, -, ''.,,''..,..S 6l2,I3 eriodiculs and papers,. .. 5J2 SS uldlteS t....,.. .... lDlo.UU oal, water and gas. .... 42S75 r
 N-R Il (