Page 1. This would be the last issue of "The Library Beacon." It was the progenitor that would shine the way for library newsletters to follow. "Newspapers In The Public Library," Daily papers carried an importance that may not be appreciated by today's standards. Some 28 newspapers were listed, not including the local and outstate papers that were subscribed to. In 1936 1,270 magazines and newspapers were received 300 of which were gift subscriptions. More than 100,000 readers used the Periodical Reading Room annually. Page 2. "Library Advisory Board," Listed were twelve residents who served on the board. Additional individuals represented the branch libraries. "The Library's Kellogg Boulevard Property," The Library Advisory Board sought and gained compensation for loss of library property. Page 3. "In appreciation Of Friendly Gifts," Donations from many citizens helped the library to public demand for materials. "A Rare Gift," The work titled "Old Oriental Carpets" was donated to the library. "Children's Book Fair, October 27 - November 27," A WPA Arts and Crafts project was the backdrop for the book fair. Attendance for the month was 3,928. Page 4, "New Librarian Appointed," Miss Perrie Jones was hired as director effective February 1, 1937. Mrs. Jennings brought the library through the darkest period of the Great Depression. With pride, Mrs. Jennings retired on August 1,1938. Thank you Mrs. Jennings ! "The Talking Book Machines," The library had 14 Talking Book Machines. Each came complete with instructions for use and care of the machine. "Library Budget For 1937 Increased $10,000.00," The library began to rebound from it's lowest point in 1935. An additional $5.000.00 was made available to purchase books for the School Division.
"The Business Man And The Public Library," For the businessman the library should be considered the ultimate resource, especially in difficult economic times. Trained librarians could assist with searching various print resources from government documents to books and up to date journal articles. Page 2. "The Library Service In 1935," A statistical profile documents the activity of the library for 1935. Page 3. "The Library Situation In 1935," The budget was the lowest of the past 10 years. The request of non-fiction business material showed the greatest increase of use. The year ended with the temporary closing of the entire library system. "The Library Budget For 1936," An appeal for citizens to lobby for the library. The budget was not enough to purchase needed material or to maintain the library buildings. The function of the library was to preserve human knowledge. Would that goal be reached with the present budget? Page 4. "Memorial Gift Plan," The library solicited various business organizations to see if they would consider donating books in memory of those members who died. "Library Service In The Schools," As the schools closed nearly 40,000 books were returned to the library. A force of book menders would work all summer to repair those materials. Page 5. "Your Gifts To Your Library," Acknowledgement of those who provided the library with materials and money. "ST. Paul Woman Wins Newbery Medal," Mrs. Carol Ryie Brink, received the Newbery award for "Caddie Woodlawn." Page 6. "The Commissioner Of Education," Mr. John S. Findlan succeeded Mr. Irving C. Pearce. "President Roosevelt's Greeting To Librarians," The president praises the public libraries of the United States. "Your Library And Your Health," A list of new books dealing with various aspects of health.
Bernardo, Gabriel A. (University of the Philippines, Manila)
Date Created:
1935-09-27
Description:
A two cent postal card from the Library of the University of the Philippines. It was a request that "The Library Beacon" be placed on a permanent mailing list and sent to the University of the Philippines.
Kramm, Johanna (H. W. Wilson Company, New York, New York)
Date Created:
1935-08-13
Description:
Request is written on letter head stationery of the H.W. Wilson Company. The company published an index titled "Library Literature" which included "The Library Beacon."
Jennings, Mrs. T. B. (Saint Paul Public Library, St. Paul, Minnesota)
Date Created:
1935-08-07
Description:
This one cent postal card was sent to a Miss Helen Beach, Librarian at the Library School, Emory University, Georgia. It informs Miss Beach that "The Library Beacon" is in a state of "suspended animation." The library was facing an acute budget deficit, which would cause the library to close for fifteen days, from August 25th to September 8th, 1935.
Page 1. "Books People Want To Read," The editor provided a brief list of the most popular titles. "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" by Lawrence of Arabia ranked highest. "Life With Father" by Clarence Day provided the much needed humor people sought for. "North to the Orient" by Anne Lindbergh was also high on the request list. Other interesting titles that reflect the period are listed. Page 2. "Exhibitions Of Public Library Material Costume Prints and Books," Many of the displayed items were usually kept locked away. Alas, many books are no longer part of the collection. "Children's Books," Children's Book Fair attracted 2,306 visitors to see the best of the new books. "In The Periodical Room," Even in difficult financial times the library managed to add a new magazine subscriptions. Page 3. "The Library's Budget For 1936," Various library groups representing branch libraries presented their collective concerns to the City Council. The names of the individuals are listed. Their actions brought an additional $11,000 dollars to the budget. "Library Closed," All library facilities were closed from August 25th to September 8th inclusive. Page 4. "An Acknowledgement To Generous Donors," Much needed donations of books and money were presented to the library. Those who provided financial donations are acknowledged. "Christmas Trees At The Public Library," Trees and wreaths were again donated to the library. "Greetings For The New Year," Mrs., J.T. Jennings, Library Directory and Mr. Irving C. Pearce, send holiday greetings to 81,000 registered patrons and staff members .
This one cent postal card requests that they receive additional issues beyond the April-June, 1934 issues. The annotation shows that a response by post card was sent to the St. Louis Public Library letting them know that issues will be sent when available.
Miller, Wharton (Syracuse University Library, Syracuse, New York)
Date Created:
1935-04-17
Description:
This one cent postal card is a request for further issues of the "The Library Beacon." A penciled annotation, lower left corner, indicates that the inquiry was answered on 4-20-35.
Lydenbert, H. M. (New York Public Library, New York, New York)
Date Created:
1935-04-01
Description:
Request is written on letter head stationery of the New York Public Library. It describes a request for copies of the "The Library Beacon." The text of a reply from the Saint Paul Public Library is noted on letter.
This one cent postal card is a request for copies of the "Library Beacon" Vol. 6, No.2 for 1934 to date. Penciled notation indicates that requested items were sent.
Windsor, P. L. (Periodical Division, University of Illinois Library, Urbana, Illinois)
Date Created:
1935-02-15
Description:
The one cent postal card was the most cost effective way to communicate by mail. This was especially true in the period of the Great Depression when the library budget was cut to the bone. This one cent postal card is a request for copies of "The Library Beacon" Vol. 6, No.2 for 1934 to date. Penciled notation indicates that requested items were sent.
Price, F. H. (Free Library of Philadelphia, Periodical Department, Middle City Station)
Date Created:
1935-01-23
Description:
This one cent postal card is a request for copies of "The Library Beacon" for July through December, 1934. January through June, 1935. This one cent postal card was the standard of quick, easy and inexpensive communication between libraries across the country.
(This issue was made possible by donation.) Page 1, "Why A Clippings Collection In The Public Library?" New or rare information was collected to answer inquires form customers. All four reference departments provide clipping files which could be borrowed with a library card. Page 2, "The Public Library In 1934." Statistical profile of library listed materials and services provided to the citizens of Saint Paul. Page3, " Building Maintenance And Operation." Central Library and Five Branches. To keep the library buildings open money needed to be taken from other from other budgets, including materials. Page 4, "What Is Happening To The St. Paul Public Library." A chart shows that demand for library services exceeded the level of appropriation. Page 5, "St. Paul Collection." A brief history of the St. Paul Collection, first organized in 1917 by Dr. Dawson Johnston. The collection included St. Paul documents, newspapers, maps, directories, history, and city documents. "Ramsey County Library Service." (Supported by the County) The new Ramsey County book truck is described in detail. It carried 1,000 volumes of materials. The headquarters were located in the St. Paul Public Library. The area served was about 120 square miles outside of Saint Paul. Page 6, "Closing The Public Library." On June 25th, 1935 the Library Advisory Board recommend closing of the Library in the last week of August and the first week in September. All library locations were effected by this decision. "For Gifts Received." Generous citizens continue to support the library.
Page 1. "ST. Paul Citizens Come To The Rescue!" "Donations-- July-December, 1934." (This summary issue is made possible by a donation.) Gifts of materials and money were to numerous to be printed. The library asked for continuance of gifts for 1935. Page 2. "The New Deal--Recent Books," Books both pro and con evaluate the efforts of the New Deal. "The 'New Deal' In Periodicals," The debate continues with the citing of journal articles. Page 3. "Federal Aid, Civil Works Administration," A review of work done by the Civil Works Administration. The C.W.A was discontinued in March,1934. The projects were revived under the State and Federal Relief Administrations. Many records were brought up to date, 14,373 books were mended and all shelves were dusted. "F.E.R.A. in Library Projects," Rehabilitation and redecoration of library buildings were conducted. "Children's Book Exhibit," The exhibit was held from November 1 to December 10, attracted 3,378 people. "The Library's Christmas Decorations," A Christmas tree and wreaths were again donated to the library. Page 4. "Supplementary Reading For Your Children," A description of the work that went supplying schools with supplementary reading material. A quotation by Rutland (Vt.) Herald. Page 5."Once A Week Only, In A Library Station," Pictured are children standing line to check out books in the Welcome Hall Community Center on Farrington and St. Anthony Ave. In 1934 the station loaned 7,500 volumes. Page 6. "Who's Who?" Among Living Celebrities. A list of Who's Who type books owned by the library.
Page 1. "For Summer Readers, A Pleasant Place To Read Or Study," Study goes on in the Reference Room, students find it a cool place to work. When the weather is hot the air is "washed" and cooled before being driven by fans through the entire building. "Recent Book-Lists. "Summer book lists, covering many topics were available for the public. Page 2, The Plight Of Young People In The Depression," A sobering appraisal of the plight of young men and women caught in the Depression. "Books About Our Boys And Girls," Another list concerning the dilemma of the youth of the country. "Books In A Democracy," A statement by Arundell Esdaile, Secretary of the British Museum. Page 3. "What Vocation Shall I Choose?" A selection of information on a variety of careers. "An Expression Of Thanks," Over 2,200 materials comprising books, maps, periodicals were donated to the library. Some branches received subscriptions to journals, Others received cash. One individual gave a donation of three dollars. Who will ever know the story behind her donation? Page 4, "A Notable Gift Of Books," Books donated by the Long family in memory of Lily A. Long and Olive M. Long. An example of a book plate from the Long family is illustrated.
Page 1. "General Reference Room," The black and white photograph clearly shows how busy this and the Reading Room were. In 1933 both rooms recorded a total of 242,083 people. Many sought to enhance the job skills. Page 2."The Public Library In 1933," The statistics show an active library with a reduced budget. Page 3. "Breaking Records In 1933," A record year for circulation and registration of borrowers, all reference desks were busy. "St. Paul And Minnesota Material Wanted," Any materials concerning the early history of the city and the state were welcome. "Riverview Artists In Branch Library," Local artists donate work to library. Page 4."Acknowledgement To Donors," The Child Psychology Study Circle donated consistently. "Some Special Services Of The Library," Each subject department fielded unique subject requests. Music department provided sheet music for choral directors. Industrial Arts collection included the following titles : "Practical Frog Raising" ; " How to Make $10.00 A Day With Your Kodak," The Social Science Room listed "ABC of the N. R. A."