The daily morning journal and courier., 1902-10-11
pers and periodicals. Our present files contain the following:


 Of the popular magazines, We have from five to twelve duplicates, which circulate like books and are in demand by few patrons who hardly ever draw anything else. Every one may draw one of the popular magazines with a book, so that it is a kind of bonus which we offer to our members Only few of the principal magazines are saved for binding, and the rest are thrown away, as it is not easy to find even a charita- ble organization that will accept them.
 Thus this vast mass of printed mat ter, costing us more than one-tenth of our entire income, is practically of no value within month or two after we receive it. I know that the committee devotes a great deal of thought to the preparation of the annual list, but call attention to the subject, that, in view of the great expense, they may use the pruning-knife wherever possible.
 GENERAL DEPARTMENT.
 Fewer books than usual have been added to the general library for many reasons. Most of them have been transferred from the delivery depart ment, upon the approval of the book committee. A large number of books offered for sale or placed upon the spec ial loan sehelves, from which they cir culate in limited way. Many books crept into the delivery library that were not adapted for general circulation. am clearly of opinion that we should not hereafter enter into any contract which takes away from US the ultimate deci- sion as to the character of every book that we circulate For several years, until the past one, we have had the vol untary and valuable services of a wise and conservative committee of ladies, who have devoted a great deal of time to the examination of new books, and have aided our committee in their choice of the same. I trust that in the coming year we may be able again to avail ourselves of their valuable advice.
 The culling of duplicates and books that rarely circulate has made the al- coves more compact and convenient for the use of the public. The juvenile books are yet to be culled, and some of them to be placed in the reference room. hape, also, that a suitable case may soon be purchased for our excellent col- lection of music, and that it will be placed in the parlor, so as to be, more accessible to our lovers of music.
 Our crying need is liberal appropri- ation for the binding of many books that are laid aside for the purpose. Many of them thus renewed would help greatly to meet the wants of our in- creasing circulation. .5, <.E%
 The finances have been faithfully managed by the finance committee, and the treasurer,s repo.t will show that they are in a healthy condition. Every attempt is used to make the most of our limited resources. But we need amuch larger income to enable us to make larger purchases of current books, and to add to the conveniences and attrac- tions of our quarters.
 Through the generosity of MT. Sizer we have been enabled to display once a month, in the parlor, collection of pho- tographic views of. attractive places in this country and foreign lands. The New Haven Camera club also made one display of it's best pictures. These ex- hibitions have been viewed with great interest by many patrons and visitors.
 Since our last meeting one of our di- rectors has fallen out by the way. In his early manhood Major Barnes be- came life member of the institute, and for many years served as secretary or the board, and later as it's president.
 T While in the latter office he inaugurated the modern system of cataloguing, and took great interest in the changes and improvements which have led to our present prosperity. At the time Of his death he was one of the trustees of the building, having served thus for ten years. Our efficient treasurer, MT. Lloyd, succeeds him as trustee, and as he serves in this double capacity sug- gest that it is a favorable time to com- mence the custom of annual reports of the trust, which may be permanently recorded with those of the institute.
 Our energetic librarian, MT. Borden, and his faithful assistant, MT. Shelley, have worked with untiring energy, and iustly retain their well-earned popular ity with the patrons. The four young ladies who are learning the library work have attended to many details in connection with the book service, and thus given the librarians time for more important work. Cataloguing never ends. and the business details of a li- brary need the most careful and unre- mitting attention.
 The institute is now managed by elgh- teen directors, six of whom are elected every year. Many of them are very busy men, and it is impossible for them to take any active part in the manage ment of our affairs. I venture to sug- gest the plan of appointing committee to consider the feasibility of revising the bylaws, so as to have a. smaller board that can attend it's monthly meet ings and be conversant with it's pro- ceedings.
 For the hearty support of the board in all my plans for the past year I am grateful, and bespeak the same interest on their part as long as the duties of the office devolve upon me.
 JOSEPH R. FRENCH,
 President.
 New Haven, Oct 8, 1902.