Evening star., 1938-12-26
D. {. Public Library
Aids in Survey on
Reading Trends
Political Subjects Are
Among Leaders in
Circulation Figures

was one of IS libraries, in cities of
more than 100000 population, asked
by Carl H. Milan, secretary of the
American Library Association, to
contribute information regarding
; reading trends during 1898, accord
ing to DR.. George F. Bowerman,
| librarian.
The report submitted by DR.. Bow
erman states that both the circula-
ton and registration figures are
greater in Washington in 1888 than
In 1887. Fiction and non-fiction
show decided gains in both the adult
and juvenile departments. Maya
zine and picture circulations have
increased and sheet music circula-
ton has doubled.
The following classes of non-fic-
ton are far ahead of last year: Art,
Recreative Arts, Biography, Technol-
ogy, Language, War, History, Travel,
Literary Criticism, Philosophy, Psy-
chology, Engineering, Science, Pol
itics and Government, Legislation,
Christianity, Health and Hygiene.
Economic Interest Declines.
1t is interesting to note, DR.. Bow
erman said, the increase in circula-
ton of those subjects which are
related to the current political stu
ations both at home and abroad.
1t is equally interesting, he added,
to note a decline of interest in the
field of economics.
The titles of non-fiction most in
demand are Fanny Kemble," by
Armstrong; Tyranny of Words"
by Chase; Madame Curie," by
Curie; "Southerner Discovers the
South" by Daniels; Horse and
Buggy Doctor" by Hertzler; ENDS
apd Means by Huxley; "Mein
Kampf," by Hitler; Importance of
Living" by Lin Yutang; Americas
so Families" by Lunberg; RID"
by Smart.
Fiction titles most in demand are
Sisters" by BRING; Citadel" by
Cronin; "Rebecca," by Du Maurier;
"All This and Heaven. Too by
Field; Joseph in Egypt by Mann;
Gone With the Wind" by Mitchell;
"Yearling,' by Rawlings; North
west Passage" by Roberts; MY Son!
My Son!" by Spring, and "Of Mice
and Men," by Steinbeck.
Trends Are Similar.
The summary of the reports sub
mitted by the 35 libraries to Mr..
Milan indicates the trend of reading
throughout the country conforms
closely to that shown in the report
OF DR.. Bowerman. Each reported a
| growth OF circulation and an in
creased interest in the political sit
uation
DR.. BoWerman feels that such
gains may be attributed in part to
the increase in population, but more
to an increased book stock carefully
selected by those versed in the prin-
clples of book selection and knowl-
edge OF the subject, ever changing
and timely exhibits of books re-
t1ectlng the social and political scene,
concentration on the part of the
staff members on bringing the right
person and the right book together
and closer cooperation between the
library and other organizations
working with both adults and chill
dren.
Two examples widely publicized
are the Forum on Current Social
Problems, held in cooperation with
the public night schools, and the
amateur Photographic contest on
good and bad housing, held in CO.
operation with the Washington
Housing Association. Then, too. it
was said, the publicity attendant on
the allotment of funds by Congress
for preliminary plans for new CEN
tral building in the municipal center
has brought the library to the at
tention of many newcomers to the
city who are now using the library
and its resources.
Mr.. Milam's report on the reasons
for the increased use of library re-
sources vary from those just out
lined.
Factors making for the increase"
he said, were said to be chiefly less
employment in many cities and more
books where library budgets had
been raised. Denver reported that
a trailer taking books to the suburbs,
newly installed hospital service and
messenger service to homes ac-
counted for much of its increase"