davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Evening star., 1939-10-15

given at the Georgetown branch
through the courtesy Of Mr.. and
Mrs. Robert Woods Bliss were
well attended, as were the 13 eve
nings with the victrola given ut the
central library.
The number Of Government agen-
cies and independent organizations
using the Central reference room
increased from 1873 in 1887 to 156 in
1889. Among them were: Fed
eral Government agencies, "a; Dis
trict Of Columbia government, IL:
national organizations, %; schools,
10; business Arms, 16; newspapers
and magazines, 10; and eight mis-
cellaneous groups. Frequent use of
reference room resources Is made by
the Associated Press.
Telephone questions, increased by
472, constituted 3,099 of the 9,732
questions asked, the first five
months Of 1899 averaging 800 tele-
phone calls q month. THE urgent
need for the establishment of q DO
sition to handle telephone calls for
information is indicated" accord
ing to DR.. Bowerman.
Children Read Over = Million Books
In q report Of 20 years work, the
director of work with children rec
ords 458 per cent increase in cir
culation from 261 ,082 volumes In
1919 to 1,456, 1872 in 1899; an increase
in book stock from 46,7l6 volumes
to 225,652, or 381 per cent, and a
staff increase from 16 to 63, or 294
per cent. In 1919 the library had
only one branch, Takoma Park,
whose children's circulation in
creased ST. per cent in the 20 years,
from 9,265 to 62,156 volumes.
The schools division circulated
128,9S6 books in 1919, as against 68l,-
602 in 1898, when sets were sent to
LAP classes in 1876 public, private,
parochial and special schools.
Branch Library Circulation Gains,
The flve major branches circulated
1,484,6 ,606 volumes. Georgetown's cir
culation Of 274,570 represented a
gain Of 16,l03, the largest since its
opening. Mount Pleasant branch,
surrounded by apartment houses. ac-
cessible by bus and trolley to a wide
residential area and within walking
Evening star., 1939-10-15

increasing public usefulness under
the trustees and librarian, sustained
by the sympathetic interest of Con-
gress, Commissioners and the local
citlzenry has been noted, appre-
ciated and commended. In 1898 an
appropriation on the half-and- half
plan for library maintenance was
secured. In 1899 the trustees OBJ
tained from Andrew Carnegie his
offer to erect central public library
building. This offer was accepted
by Congress in the same year. The
building was completed and was
dedicated in public ceremonies in
1908. An appropriation Of $4,000
for books for the Public Library in
this central building had been made
by Congress In 1902.
In 1909 the trustees gained by law
access, long sought, to the treasure
Of duplicates in the Library of Con-
gress. In 1911 its first branch IL
brary was opened. 1t now has II
branches and subbranches. In the
first full year Of the Hbrary's record
(1899 to 1900 the book collections
numbered 1888 volumes; book cir
culation-the measure of hbrary's
usefulness+was 1924; the library
stan was composed Of four persons
The library appropriation was 81 800
Books Increase to 6o4,74.
At the present time the library's
book stock has been increased to
6O4,7N volumes, with q circulation
annually Of 3257 800 volumes. The
latest library appropriation (fiscal
year July l, 1898, to June 80, 1882
was Of 1898 ,270 and provided a staff
Of 276 persons.
2. The public service rendered by
the library system Is obviously
largely technical and professional
service. Because this is so, it is the
opinion Of the Board of Trustees
that the present setup for the man.
agement Of the library system for
the District Of Columbia is prefer
able to the proposal in the original
Grif1enhagen report, to the effect
that the library service should be
set up as municipal function on
par with Is other departments into
which all local administrative mat
tiers would be distributed.
We believe, further, that the CEN
tralization of personnel matters in
the board of trustees and the pub
lie librarian is preferable to the pro-
posed distribution of personnel and
library matters as contemplated in
the original Griffenhagen report
and proposed in slightly modified
form in H. r. 7095-among the De-
partment Of Personnel, the Depart
ment Of Libraries and the Depart
ment Of Public Works.
). The chief issue involved here
the independence of citizens boards
Game before the House Committee
on the District of Columbia in 1916
and after full hearing by the whole
committee (under the Craftsmanship
OF Representative Ben Johnson) was
decided unanimously by the COM
mittee in favor OF retention of the
citizens board with specified powers
under the existing system and
against degradation Of the trustees
10 be merely an advisory body with
out administrative power.
4. The existing library system Is
That approved in theory by expert
opinion and utilized in practice in
American public libraries.
AS far as the board has been able
10 learn, there is no precedent which
would be helpful in studying the
Evening star., 1939-10-15

citizens and taxpayers-than any
where else"
The trustees were greatly gratified
by the action Of the President of the
United States in extending for an
other year the services of DR.. Bower.
man as librarian. 1t is highly de-
sirable that DR.. Bowerman should
continue at the helm at this time
when the plans for the new central
library are at such q critical stage.
His reputation with the community
and with members of Congress as
a highly expert librarian, faith
fully devoted to public library de-
velopment, is an asset of value in
this most important undertaking.
The trustees would be happy If DR..
Bowerman might remain in the
service long enough to see the frui-
ton of his many years of far sighted
and faithful work.
For librarians report to trustees,
made a part of the trustees report
TO the Commissioners, see accom-
panying article.)
Evening star., 1939-10-15

tees which controls the library sup
plement Of the Districts educational
system.
The existing system of control by
a citizens board In respect to public
schools and their supplement, the
Public Library, Is strongly upheld by
the local community, unrepresented
In its national and local govern
ment, as a measure OF community
participation In q function which
affects vitality the wholesome de-
velopment of Washington children
and the welfare of District homes,
and the trustees feel that Repre-
sentative Kennedy has been i'm
pressed by the strength of this senti-
ment in drawing up this bill III. r..
7095).
The Board of Trades Committee
reflected community sentiment when
1t said: Such citizens boards are
more essential in Washington
where there Is a minimum of rep
resentation in their Government or
control over their Government by
Evening star., 1939-10-15

pletely shut OF from the school, will
be located at the east end Of the
building on Seventh street between
H and ! streets s.W. it is expected
that the Dullding will be completed
IN September, 1910, and supple-
mental deficiency or Immediately
available appropriations should be
secured in the present fiscal year
for furniture and equipment, the
original book stock and additional
personnel for selecting, purchasing
and cataloging the collection; other
wise the opening of the Branch
Library will of necessity be post
poned for several months after the
building is completed"
Exhibits or other special services
were completed for the following
groups: Mental Hygiene Sympo-
sium, Suburban Conference of So
cial Work, Council of Social Agen-
cies, Child Welfare Division, Board
Of Public Walfare, Catholic Chari-
ties, Health Security Administration,
Amicita Club, Education Association
Of the District Of Columbia, Curri-
culum Laboratory, Howard Uni
versity, Salvation Army and the
Central Neigborhood Council.
Library service to patients Of
George Washington University Hos
pital completed It's seventh year
with an extension of hours provided
through the generosity of the
Womens Board of the hospital.
The circulation totaled 6,516 VOL
umes. The extension division con-
tinued to supply books to the Lorton
Reformatory and sent q represent
ative monthly to supervise the small
circulating collection sent to the
District of Columbia Jail. Stations,
including summer camps, circulated
10,728 volumes.
The technology division had the
largest circulation in its history
6,492 volumes.
Music and Art.
Through the music division the
library furnished lists of available
music, songs and folk dances, and
much of the music itself for two
complete festivals put on by the
Y. w. C. A.
The two chamber music concerts
Evening star., 1939-10-15

practicability in actual experience Of
applying the Griffenhagen prOvi-
sions to the Public Library system OF
Washington. No large American city
operates its public library system
under the administrative setup orig
inally outlined in the tentative bill,
based upon the Griffenhagen plan
and the trustees are gratified that
this setup has been practically
abandoned In H. r. 70S5. Even those
cities which have successfully
adopted the city manager system
have, according to the best informa-
ton available, retained the tradi-
tional independence OF the library
system; an independence that Is in
dorsed by leading library authorities
as being an essential part Of emcient
library administration and which,
under the original Griffenhagen rec
concentrations, would have been lost
to Washington.
The Board of Trade, through it's
committee on the Public Library,
reached the same conclusions. That
committee reported as follows:
The Griffenhagen recommended
tions referring to the original rec
ommendations), If approved by Con-
gress, would substitute for the exist
ing organization of the Public Lii
brary of the District of Columbia,
which since its creation in 1896 has
demonstrated its efficiency and pro-
gressiveness, q theoretical system of
library organization which does not
exist in any large city Of the United
States and which is yet to demon
strate In any city its superior merits
or even its practicability.
"The system of public library con-
troll, exercised through an independ-
ent board of trustees Gas in WASH
ington and all other large cities of
the United States) and possessing
the power appropriately accompany
ing responsibility for library deyel-
opment, Is favored by authoritative
opinion on library administration.
Even Of those cities which have
adopted the commission or council
manager form Of government. the
majority has retained library boards
with powers and responsibilities.
S. The existing library system with
q citizens board of trustees with
certain semi-independent powers is
peculiarly adapted to promote the
community welfare in the District
Of Columbia which has no repre-
sentation In Congress, its municipal
and national legislature.
AS supplement Of the public
educational system" of the District
the considerations which defend the
continued existence of 4 citizens
board of education apply with full
force to defend the continued exist
ence of the citizens Board Of Trus-
Evening star., 1939-10-15

distance Of Central High School, had
. circulation Of 439 ,365, 4 gain Of
$50 over last year.
The Northeastern branch, with q
circulation Of 275,417, had an in
crease Of 16,387 volumes or S per
cent, and the Petworth branch in
five months circulated 155,204 books
and registered 6,322 new borrowers.
At the Southeastern branch the gain
was 3,O25 volumes in u circulation OF
zoe, ,166. Takoma Park, circulating
an average of II books for each OF
its 1856 card holders, had q total
circulation OF 133,884.
Circulation from the five minor
branches amounted to 319,933 vol
umes, distributed as follows: Chevy
Chase, 101, ,720; Conduit road, 18 $40;
Eastern High. 41,664; Tenley, 53,57s,
and Woodbridge, 104,442.
Nearly $1,000 Books Purchased.
During the year sec, ,S01 .05 was ex-
pended for the purchase of 49,917
volumes at an average cost of 1922
per volume. The children's depart
ment received A per cent of the
total congressional appropriation OF
$65 900 for books and periodicals.
Among the large number of gifts
received were 1876 review copies from
The Evening Star, $35 for books for
the Chevy Chase branch from the
Women's Club of Chevy Chase, Nd,
and 10 volumes for the Takoma
Park branch from the Takoma Park
Horticultural Club.
The Washingtoniana division re-
ceived gifts from the estate of Mrs.
Harriet r. Davis, H. P. Caem-
merer, Mrs. Mary Weller Mccarthy,
Thad Page, The Evening Star,
Mrs. Margaret Larner Witherspoon
and her sisters, the estate of DR.. J.
S. Arnold. Max Housmann, the
First Needlework Guild of Washing.
ton and the City Library Of Nam
chester, N. H.
In June the American Library
Association published Personnel
Administration in Public Libraries
Evening star., 1939-10-15

hourly; custodial service, 26 fun
time, 2 half time and 7 hourly, and
bindery, 8 per diem workers.
OF the 152 in professional and
subprofessional grades, 70 COR slightly
more than so per cent? now have
degrees from accredited library
schools. During 1889 five mem
bers OF the staff took library school
courses; four more attended summer
hbary school sessions and five are
planning to begin work for their
library degree in the fall Of 1899.
Evening star., 1939-10-15

by Miss Clara w. Herbert, the as
sistant librarian" DR.. Bowerman
states, "a book which has been very
favorably received by the library
profession.
On June 16, 1889, the library stan
numbered 299, Of whom the pro-
fessional stan had A persons; SUBJ
professional, 108 full time and half
time members; clerical staff. II full
time, 2 half time; aids, Is full time,
10 half time and on hourly service;
pages, 43 full time, 6 half time,
Evening star., 1939-10-15

Georgetown and Petworth branch
library buildings, which are fine ex-
amples Of his skill in library plan
ming.
Though it is impossible to men
ton all who, in and out of Congress,
have participated in the efforts to-
ward solving the problem OF secur-
ing new central library building, 1t
Is fair to say that Of the utmost
importance has been the work of
Representative Ross A. Collins of
Mississippi, chairman of the Dis
trict of Columbia Subcommittee Of
the House Committee on Appropria-
tions," DR.. Bowerman continues.
He has viewed the problem SYM
pathetically from the start, and car
ried through Congress the provisions
for the new library building con-
tanned in the 1899 and 1910 appro-
priation acts. These beginning ap-
preparations are vital and the later
appropriations to continue and COM
plete the project will logically fol-
low"
Capacity Output Of Library System.
The total home circulation of g.
257 800 volumes represented an in
crease of nearly per cent or
l49, 1876 volumes more than last year.
In addition, 255,142 mounted pic
lures and 24,240 music scores were
circulated, making a total of 3,537,-
272 pieces. That the library con-
tinues to maintain its character as
predominantly study agency Is
shown by the fact that the per-
centage of fiction in the whole cir
culation continues at less than so,
or ATS In 1885," DR.. Bowerman
states.
The number of readers registered
increased by 7,19l to total of
143 ,595, another gain of per cent.
Book collections increased to 604,-
754 volumes by gross additions of
1896 volumes, but as 44,26O VOL
umes were worn out and withdrawn,
the net increase was but 20135.
The book appropriation was $65 900,
the same amount as carried for the
current year. but in order to replace
the steadily increasing number of
books worn out in service, to buy
sufficient duplicates to meet legiti-
mate demands and to supply the
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1939-03-25

to Mrs. Jack Johnson's on McDougall
Her lovely prizes went to Mrs.
Louise Marshall. first and second to
Mrs. Mable Williams. The hostess also
entertained two guests. Miss Olive
Howard, Mrs. Marjorie Hackett.
The Gay Eight met with Mrs. Ber-
nice Gobbins Saturday night. A love-
ly repast served after contract. Mem
bers present included Miss Almeda
Evans. Mrs. Odessa Lett. Mrs. Edythe
Stephens, Mrs. Hanola Johnson, Mrs,
Minnie Booker, Mrs. Dolly Mason,
and Mrs. Olivia Thompson.
We look forward to: the nineteenth.
the petite Erma Langston. Hattie Ba-
bridge and Roselle Jeter will give a
personal shower for Grace Johnson
who by the way is being feted extern
sively prio rto her becoming Mrs. Les
lie Russell.
The seyenteenth. the Sophisticated
Spring fashion promenade While you
lunch and play bridge St. Pat
rick's day will influence the decora-
tons. no doubt.
The eighth of May when tribute will
be paid to Mrs. Ernestyne Postles the
branch president Of the Girls Friend
ly society You know. she is one
of ten appointed to be a delegate to
Holland There will be many af-
fairs for the delightful Ernestyne be-
fore she sails to represent our group
at the Episcopal Churches Youth
council in July.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1939-03-25
BiHMurphy,
WeH-Knoun
Elk, Passes

NEW YORK, March 24-Express-
ing their deep sorrow for the death
OF William Murphy, the Past Exalt-
ed Rulers Council No. stood in
a momen; q deep silence at their
regular monthly session, Tuesday
night, March IA. Alonzo C. Agard.
chief ani!er, presided.
Mr.. Murphy, who was a member
of Greater Manhattan Lodge, las,
and a past officer in the Council
for more than year, died Saturday,
March II, and was buried the fol-
lowing Wednesday
Milton jackson, chairman Of the
councils sick committee, brought
news Of the illness Of past officers
James Weber, Joseph Coles, S. T.
Saxson former exalted ruler Of
Monarch, as. officer Of the council.
Mr.. Nurse, much improved, attend
ed the session.
Steward Trott. past officer Of P.
E R. Council, 40 Brooklyn. N. Y,
was among the visitors. He told
Of the coming joint dance Of the
Brooklyn council and its female
branch.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1939-03-25


The James Browns lent heipihg
hand to Dan Cupid. =. couple of last
uo,,h va, L,ov csro,ine colo
became MIS- "a'ao 7ueA''''''i' was
worth celebrating, Winifred Brown,
fsister of the Rroom) decided and
hence the lovely husband and wife
shower taken on formation. The
shower was given out on Baldwin ave-
nue. last FRIDAY night. and the Young
p,arrieds came laden with presents
for the bannv couple.
There has been a marked increase
in interest in parlor games recently,
esneciaI,v among otir social Get and
the bosts decided the evening would
no snert Z, games and of course cat
ing etabor7-efv.,
Tbere was number q,,essins game
and nrize going 10 MIS- .I,,lia Bradbv
While No-bet Reyels came nearest 10
astsrr7ir,+rv me nrTrntpr- az besns- IN
,-bouI what an ir1apina,ion The
i,,,erbug contest was scream and
Carly1e Johnson walked avav with The
hon3rs O,bers Included Miss Wini-
fred Rradv robn Tesgue Mr. and
MrS Hugh Peterson Mr. and Mrs
claude Cooner srd NJ and NJ vii
Iia7, sr1i,b NJ and Me- Harry Sol
ONION Jr M and Mrs Robert Brad-
nv M and Mrs. Robert -rruzef Mr.
a,d NJ Cartor SITS NJ srd NJ
Melvin rones NJ and Mrs SIN
Yrigbt NJ md Ne Rs,,rrs-IT- md
W. 1,57rysyy- -.y-----4,-,.-,,-..--
Ncca4l--fohn Carney Mr. and Mrs
TTs,nn,onds Zoe Tenkirs and others
NJ F-o,,ia coins ~ pennsv1vanis
arta-+,sned the Merry Figbt 1ridge
cnlb Her dining room carried on,
~ r,on,bs dsco-s+ior ~ {. p.triol,'s
a.. css ,r,,itoA &c ps- gi,ssfs NJ
H,iher. Uisdor, Me Toora zc,1o,,,,
NJ Mar, c:rsen -Nrrs N,e parter
1-ben bridqge nrizev going ~ ME-
CI,rs 1sctson as. Mr. Nf,,pie Dic,,.
CO.., sscond. ana boobie n re-, at
,er NJ Mar Green wo, nc eucs,
,,ize
ME- Minnie Doro,,ar celobrs4ed bor
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1939-03-25
Patterson Pleads
For Equal Chance

BOSTON, Mass, March 24-Dur-
ing his recent visit here, F. D. Pat
terson, president Of Tuskegee insti-
tuIe, was guest speake TO a capacity
audience before the Inter- College
Group in the fashionable Mount
Vernon Congregational church.
Speaking on Making Democracy
Work Among Minority Groups y
DR.. Paterson presented a scholarly
and historical outline Of the Races
part in Americas upbuilding. THE
Negro problem is not a racial one"
he said, 1T is the battle Of every
individual calling himself a human
being. His earnest plea was for
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1939-03-25
WEST SIDERS
OPEN HOBBY
CLASS CENTER
Organizations To Donate
Funds For Riddles
Activity Groups

With the pledges collected at the
last regular meeting, along with
previous contributions, the West
Side Human Relations Council was
able to put into operation the Hobby
Center at 5ll9 Milford.
The last meeting was in the form
Of a symposium al which time the
subject discussed was. Preventing
Juvenile Delinquency Through the
Home, Church and School" Mrs
Emella Cabule, vice president Of
the council discussed the home eff
feet; Rev. William Grain. pastor Of
ST. James c. NJ. E. church dis
cussed the effect Of the church, and
o. D. Reynolds. principal Of Samp-
son school discussed the effect Of
the school; a very educational dis
cussion which promises to radiate
an elevating effect in the COM
munity.
Among those contributing TO the
Hobby Center were the Entire Nous
club, the Big Brothers OF the Entire
Nous club, Mrs. Cleague, head Of
the Mothers Group Of Wingert
school; Mr.. Bryant Mr.. Reynolds
and Mrs, Crosley, principal and as
sistant principal Of Sampson school,
As this project is supported wholly
by the contributiors OF interested
ciHzeRs, anyone Interested fiILancfaf--
ly in the project may contact the
president Turner W. Ross, at 1864
Beechwood.
The teachers at the center have
volunteered their services and are
doing much TO make the project q
success. The staff includes Rever-
end Burton pastor Of Grace NJ. E.
church; Mrs. Long of Woodrow
averue. and Miss Isabelle Current
The center is open every evening
Monday through Friday from 4
until 6 p. m. Mrs C. Henderson
OF Thirtieth street is chairman OF
the committee OF management. En-
cry G. Davis, scribe.
The Michigan chronicle. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1936-current, 1939-03-25
Civil Rights
In Detroit
'VeryPOOr'

Detroit was rated by the American
Civil Liberties Federation as being
very poor regarding the granting Of
civil rights to some of its citizens.
When informed of this opinion
according TO reports received from
the Civil Rights Federation. local
organization, Councilman John W.
Smith is alleged 10 have stated
that Detroit has been held up to
the nation as the place where labor
has been granted every right to
practice the rights guaranteed under
the first 10 amendments of the Con-
stitution." In refutation Of the
couneilman's contention, the Civil
Rights Federation. under the leader
ship Of Rev. Bollens, offers to pre-
sent to the city council a list Of
cases involving the police depart
ment in civil rights, with the hope
that the city council will order
an investigation"
Reverend Bollens further stated
that the record OF the police de-
partment in the city of Detroit
under the direction of Commission
err Heinrich Pickert has been one
Of lawless acts, Incompetence. and
disregard for the public welfare
where civil rights are involved.
Records show case after case Of
discrimination against the Negro
people, Anti-labor activities, the
existence of a spy ring called
Red Squad" designed for the pur-
pose to spy on innocent victims was
also scored by the Reverend Bollens.