Annual report of the Cleveland Public Library for 1882

              FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
LIBRARY COMMITTEE
AND
L I B R A R I A N
OF THK
PUBLIC SCHOOL LIBRARY
OF
CLEVELAND, O.,
F O R T H E YEAR E N D I N G AUG. 31, 1882.
CLEVELAND:
Printed at the Publixhinf/ House of the Evangelical Association.
1882.
F O U R T E E N T H A N N U A L R E P O RT
OF THE
LIBRARY COMMITTEE
AND
LIBRARIAN
OF THE
PUBLIC SCHOOL LIBRARY
OF
CLEVELAND, O.,
F O R T H E YEAR E N D I N G AUG. 31, 1882.
CLEVELAND:
Printed at the Publishing House of the Evangelical Association.
1882.
MEMBERS OF LIBRARY COMMITTEE,
L E V I F . 1 3 A U D E R.
H . C. B R A I N E R D .
L. B R E C K E N R I D G E.
M. D , L E G G E T T.
W I L L I A M M E Y E R,
F . M U H L H A U S E R .
H . C. R A N N E Y .
1 8 8 2 - 1 8 8 4 .
STANDING COMMITTEES,
B O O K S .
M e s s r s . BAUDER, MEYER AND BRECKENRIDGE.
ZFHtT-A-ztsrciE.
M e s s r s . MUHLHAUSER, RANNEY AND BAUDER.
E M P L O Y E S .
M e s s r s . RANNEY, MEYER AND BRAINERD.
B T J I L D I U G .
M e s s r s . BRECKENRIDGE, BRAINERD AND MEYER.
GEN. M. D . LEGGETT, Chairman,
L. BRECKENRIDGE, Secretary.
I . L . BEARDSLEY, Librarian.
PLACE OF BUSINESS AND RESIDENCE OF MEMBERS.
NAMES. PLACE OF BUSINESS. RESIDENCE.
1
L. F. BAUDER
DR. H. C. B R A I N E RD
L. BRECKENRIDGE
GEN. M. D. LEGGETT
DK. WILLIAM MEYER
F. MUHLHAUSER
H. C. R A N N EY
County Auditor
675 St. Clair Street
124 Sencca Street
City Hall
! Northern Ohio Woolen Mills-iC
ase Bu i l d i n g
108 Tracy Street.
675 St. Clair Street.
1026 Kennard Street.
620 Prospect Street.
661 Case Avenue.
92 Yega Avenue.
789 Euclid Avenue.
Report of the Library Committee.
To the Honorable Board of Education of the City of Cleveland, Ohio.
The Library Committee of the Public School Library of said
city hereby submit to you a statement of their administration
of the financial affairs of said institution for the year closing
August 31, 1882.
For more special information as to details of management
and statistics, you are respectfully referred to the report of the
librarian, herewith submitted.
RECEIPTS.
Balance in treasury, September 1st, 1881 $ 5,927 30
Taxes collected first half of current year 11,187 31
Taxes collected second half of current year 8,438 20
Fines collected, catalogues sold, &c 338 27
Total $25,891 08
DISBURSEMENTS.
Books $ 9J32 63
Salaries 7,719 34
Binding 860 63
Printing 351 71
Gas 485 72
Fuel 460 10
Insurance 300 00
Reading Room 500 00
Transportation 174 39
Repairs 7 24
Supplies . . . . % 262 76
Furniture .. 216 25
Custom House Permits 16 20
Portraits of Bryant and Longfellow 100 00
Traveling expenses (Librarian) 26 00
Commission paid H. Alrichs 59 69
Miscellaneous 46 07
$21,318 73
Balance in treasury, September 1st, 1882 $ 4,572 35
By order of the Library Committee,
Respectfully. submitted,
M. D. LEGGETT, Chairman.
Report of the Librarian.
Office of the Public School Library,
CLEVELAND, Sept. 1, 1882.
To the Committed of the Public School Library:—
I have the honor to submit the following report of the Libra-rian
for the current year of 1881-2, year ending August 31st:—
The number of volumes in the librar}* at the expiration of the
year, was as follows :
Circulating department 27,233
Reference room 8,597
Duplicates 56
Odd volumes 43
Old books (Theological) 200
Librarian's office 313
Mrs. Hussey's gift 121
Total.. 36,563
The total number of volumes on hand at the end of the pre-vious
year was 33,019. The number of volumes, by actual
count, is now 36,563, showing an increase of 3,544 volumes, 2,773
of which were placed in the reference department, and a net
addition to the circulating department of 669 volumes.
The number of condemned books was 289 ; delinquents, 22
lost and paid for 9 ; missing, 117 ; showing that 1,106 volumes
were placed new in the circulating department.
There were accessions in about proper proportions to each
classification, with the exception of fiction, which decreased 139
volumes; history 17 volumes, and architecture, music and art
9 volumes. In other words, the waste was not made good in
these classifications.
6 LIBRARIAN'S REPORT. 6
The condemned books were, by direction, divided between two
evening schools.
In regard to missing books, I can only say that they were
missing when the account was taken, and the record indicates
that 74 volumes, which were not in place at the time of the
inventory, have since been found. The system of lending is,
without doubt, in judgment, as good a one as could be
devised, and it must be attributed to carelessness that such
delinquencies occur. Probably a few books are stolen, and others
get displaced, but it is evident that some losses occur from
causes that ought not to exist.
To keep up with the current literature as published, such as is
desirable, does not involve a large outlay, and I would respect-fully
suggest that where three copies of popular works have been
bought, the number should be increased to five. It would add
to the popular estimate of the institution, and, in my judgment,
increase the circulation, to the advantage and gratification of the
public. The first annual report made by the present librarian
in 1876, gives the total number of volumes in the library as
22,769, with 6,496 of fiction. The present number of volumes is
36,563, and only 7,546 of fiction, showing that, while the library
has increased 13,794 volumes, the increase in fiction is but 1,050.
The former large number of highly sensational novels are nearly
all worn out, and have been condemned, and it is a subject for
consideration, whether the percentage of a better class of fiction
could not be increased without detriment, and to the added pop-ularity
of the institution.
The donations were 131 volumes and 64 pamphlets.
No proper enumeration or arrangement of the pamplets has
been, or can well be made, till they are collated and placed in
suitable bindings for public use. They are packed in boxes, and
can at any time be prepared for examination, and such as are
deemed of sufficient valu«, bound, at little cost, and thus be
made accessible. A miscellaneous collection, fifty in number,
were bound, as an experiment, at a cost of ten cents each, sam-ples
of which are submitted for examination.
There have been 1,134 volumes of books rebound, and 135
volumes, including magazines, newspapers and catalogues, bound.
Repaired in the library, 6,756 volumes.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT. 7
The amounts received were as follows : Fines, $239.70 ; books
lost and paid for, $9.85 ; catalogues sold, $5.50 ; subscriptions,
$2,25 ; waste paper sold, $7.65.
Expenses paid: Postage, $39.64; printing, $44.30 • station-ery,
$25.50; advertising, $1.50; ice, $4.93; miscellaneous,
$44.67.
The whole number of tickets issued since the commencement
of the new system of registry, September, 1877, is 14,169, being
an increase of 1,566 for the year. What proportion of these are
in active use cannot be determined, as persons leaving the city,
or discontinuing the use of the library, do not usually return
tiem. A considerable number are held for fines.
The circulation for the year was 125,722 volumes, an average
of 440 volumes per daj^; showing a decrease from previous year
of 9,846 volumes, but the library was kept open only 286 days,
against 306 da}rs the previous year, which makes the average
circulation for the two years the same. The following table will
show- the circulation by months for the past five years :
1878. 1879. • 1880. 1881. 1882.
September.... 4,819 7,130 8.017 8,3.24 7,586
October 8,73$ 9,506 9,520 9,898 10.413
November.. 8,989 10,886 10,436 11,064 11,307
December 10,384 11,261 12,497 12,523 12,071
January 11,841 13,347 15,621 13,244 12,887
February 11,278 13,787 14,719 14,048 12,784
March..." 12,063 13,030 15,406 14,893 13,46$
April 10,869 13,109 13,904 12,011
May 9,517 10,830* 10,986 10,504 11,760
June 8,378 8916 10,082 9,840 9,943
July 8,463 9,492 10,050 9,620 9,474
August 6,707 2,078
Total 105,339 108,175 130,443 134,568 125,722:
The showing in regard to circulation will compare favorably
with any of the Public Libraries of the country. Reports gener-ally
indicate a falling off in circulation, and notably the Cincin-nati
Public Library reports a decrease from previous year of
over 55,000 volumes. The supposed greatest reason given is
that the year was a busjr one for the industrial classes, which
would, no doubt, largety apply to this institution ; but it is also
8 LIBRARIAN'S REPORT. 8
probably true that the conservative course pursued in the bu}^-
ing of works of fiction, has tended to keep down the circulation
Again, it is the opinion of librarians that the great development,
of cheap literature, in the Franklin Square, and other series, has
had much to do in the decline of circulation during the past two
years.
An approximate idea of the condition of this institution, as*
compared with some of the chief public libraries of the country)
can be gained by the following references :—
The Boston Public Library, with a little over 400,000 volumes;,
was maintained at a cost of about $120,000 last year.
Cincinnati Public Library, 124,000 volumes, expended last
year over $56,000.
Chicago Public Library, 87,000 volumes, has expended in
seven years, $355,000; and last year expended about $55,000!
Detroit Public Library, 42,000 volumes ; appropriations in
1881, $25,500.
San Francisco Public Library, third year of its existence;,
reports 38,000 volumes ; expenditures last year $27,000.
Worcester (Mass.) Public Library, 53.000 volumes ; receipts
last year, $18,000.
Cleveland Public Librae, total cost in fourteen years, $163,T
393.37 ; receipts last year $19,000.
The figures in the above statements are given in round num-bers.
The cost of carrying on the above named institutions last
year, and amounts spent for books, is as follows :—
The comparisons made would indicate that this institution is
conducted with a strict regard to economy. A further compari-son
of circulation, and general labor, would make a not less
favorable showing.
$22,643.04 $98,307.68
12,445.56 41,279.66
10,052.62 34,833.69
7,273.99 19,764.54
2,937.71 . 10,045.18
9,375.22 10,664.19
B o o k s . Ex p e j s t s e §.
Boston Public Library
Cincinnati Public Library.
Chicago Public Library
San Francisco Public Library
Worcester (Mass.) Public Library
Cleveland Public Library
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT. 9
The following table exhibits the classifications of books drawn
for the past seven years :—
1876. 1877. 1878. 1879. 1880. 1881. 1882.
Fiction 60.42 55.80 53.75 54.85 56.42 50.14 51.80
Juvenile 15.40 12.20 12.90 13.69 12.05 14.52 12.50
History 3.05 3.51 4.25 5.44 6.30 6.21 5.50
Biography 3.42 3.56 3.00 • 3.13 3.59 6.62 4,75
Religious 75 .50 .90 .52 .69 .58 .55
Poetry and Drama.... 1.05 2.40 2.25 2.65 1.98 2.77 2.25
Travels 4.16 4.05 5.25 5.68 4.74 5.87 5.6^
Science and Art 6.50 9.23 8.50 6.82 6.03 6.42 9.25
German 5.55 7.75 9.20 7.22 8.20 6.87 7.75
The number of visitors to the reference and reading room was
29,198, against 25,925 the previous year, being an increase of
3,273. Number of volumes given out for consultation, 17,744,
being an increase of 2,824 volumes.
The reference and reading room was opened to the public for
Sunday use on the first of July, from one to eight o'clock p. M.,
and in the seven Sundays which intervened, till the close of the
year, the number of visitors was 417, books called for 48. This
new feature promises to grow in favor.
The annual catalogue of books added to the circulating depart-ment
is in a condition to furnish a copy for the printer, at short
notice, if it thought necessary to print it. As the additions
have been small, and a very complete finding list has been made
for the use of the service, it seems hardly necessary to the libra-rian,
that it should be printed the present year.
Portions of a carefully prepared catalogue of the contents of the
reference library have been copied from the cards, and are ready
for submission to your honorable Committee, and I would
respectfully ask that the plan and details be examined, and, if
thought proper, submitted to other competent persons, and alter-ations
suggested if any are deemed desirable. The work is one
of great labor, and of such a character that it cannot be divided,
but, it is hoped, may be satisfactorily concluded in a few months.
The whole will probably make a quarto volume, printed in fine
type, of about five hundred pages.
No change has been made in library service since the previous
report, except the resignation of one assistant on the first of
May, whose place has not been filled. That the vacancy should
10 LIBRARIAN S REPORT.
be provided for does not seem necessary. Some changes in the
business system that suggested themselves were made one year
ago, and the result has been more favorable than was anticipated.
Inquiry has elicited the opinion from the assistants in the circu-lating
department, that the work seems hardly more than one
half what it was the previous year, and yet the records indicate
no falling off in service performed. Increased experience is no
doubt valuable, and it is a pleasure to note that decided advance
has been made, in usefulness, by all the service during the past
year, and new duties imposed, by changes made, have been well
performed.
LIBRARY SERVICE.
I. L. BEARDSLEY, Librarian September 1st. 1875
Maria T. Hubbell, First Assistant March 1st 1875
Mary F. Hutchinson, First Assistant Reference
Department January 8th, 1874
Lizzie Hall, Assistant Reference Depaitment April 21st, 1879
Emma E. Kenny, Assistant February 9th, 1876
Ida M. Rezncr, " March 5th, 1878
Mrs. Rose Kelly, " (Resigned May 1st) March 18th, 1878
Caroline P. Kirkwood, Assistant March 19th, 1878
Anna Umbstaetter, Assistant October 21st, 1878
Carrie E. Bassett, April 1st, 1881
Respectfully submitted,
I. L. BEARDSLEY, Librarian.
Appended lists will show the magazines and newspapers taken
last year, and the list of donations to the library.
For the consideration and courtesy extended to the librarian
by your honorable Committee, he begs to return his sincere
thanks. I have the honor to be,
Very Respectfully Yours,
I. L. BEARDSLEY,
Librarian.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT. 11
APPENDIX A.
List of Papers and Periodicals on file in the Reading Room.
DAILIES.
Baltimore Sun,
Boston Transcript,
Buffalo Commercial,
Chicago Inter-Ocean,
Chicago Tribune,
Cincinnati Commercial,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
Cleveland Herald,
" Leader,
" Plain Dealer,
Columbus Journal,
Denver Times,
Detroit Free Press,
Indianapolis Sentinel,
Louisville Journal,
N. O. Picayune,
N. Y. Evening Post,
N. Y. Herald,
N. Y. Tribune,
N. Y. Graphic,
Philadelphia Times,
Pittsburgh Commercial,
Portland Advertiser,
San Francisco Bulletin,
Springfield Republican,
St. Louis Globe Democrat,
St. Paul Pioneer,
Titusville Herald,
Toledo Blade,
Toronto Globe.
WEEKLY PAPERS AND PERIODICALS.
American Architect,
American Journal of Philology,
Army and Navy Journal,
Art Amateur,
Atlantic Monthly,
Blackwood's Magazine,
Boston Musical Herald,
Christian Advocate,
Christian Union,
Churchman, N. Y.,
Church Times, London,
Congregationalist,
Critic, (N. Y.,)
Deland, (Fla.,) Agriculturist,
Demorest's Magazine,
Eclectic Magazine,
Edinburgh Review,
Evangelist, New York,
Frank Leslie's Illustrated,
Forest and Stream,
Godey's Ladies' Book,
Harper's Bazar,
Harper s Monthty,
Harper's Weekly,
Harper's Young People,
Literary Churchman,
Littell's Living Age,
London Engineer,
" Atheneum,
" Illustrated News,
" Phonetic Journal,
" Punch,
" Weekly Times,
Nineteenth Century,
N. Y. Nation,
N. Y. Mining Journal,
North American Review,
Orlanda, (Fla.) Reporter,
Popular Science Monthly,
Princeton Review.
Puck,
Scientific American and Supple-ment,
Scribner's Century,
St. Nicholas,
Wilkes' Spirit of the Times.
PUBLICATIONS DONATED.
Brainard's* Musical Review Cleveland.
Catholic Universe Cleveland.
Cleveland Ledger Cleveland.
Christian Register Boston, Mass.
Dayton Daily Herald Dayton.
Die Deutsche Zeitung Wheeling, W. Va.
Irish World New York.
Ohio Farmer Cleveland, Ohio.
Trade Review Cleveland.
Unitarian Review Boston, Mass.
APPENDIX B.—LIST OF DONATIONS. V0LUMES, PAMPHLETS.
Ames (J. G.) Washington, D. C 1
Appleton (D & Co.) New York 1
Atheneum, Providence, K I 1
Baldwin (C. C.) Cleveland 1
Barrett (B. F.) Germantown, Pa 12
Bauder (Levi F.) Cleveland 5
Benet {Brig.-Gen. S. Y.) 1
Board of Trade, Cleveland 1
Bruce (0. B.) Lynn, Mass 1
Cobden Club, London, England 7
Collins (F. K.) 1
Cornell Universitv, Ithaca, N. Y 1
Cowles (R.) Cleveland 1
Dalton (J. G.) Boston, Mass 1
Dixon (Mary J. S.) Philadelphia, Pa 1
Eckman (W. H.) Cleveland 2
Friends Library, Germantown, Pa 1
Green (Hon. S. A.) Boston, Mass 1
Hannah (G.) Brooklyn, L. I 2
Harlan (C.) Wilmington, Del 1
Homes (H. C.) Albany, N. Y 1
Locker (F.) London, England 1
Macdonald (J. S.) Trenton, N. J 2
McGovern (J. M.) Chicago, 111 1
Mercantile Lib. Ass., New York 1
Mercantile Lib. Ass., San Francisco, Cal 1
O'Reilly (C.) Cleveland 4
Public Library, Boston, Mass 5
" " Brookline, Mass 1 1
Chicago, 111 1
41 " Cincinnati 1 13
" " Columbus, 0 1
" " Dayton 1
" " Detroit, Mich 1
" " Lancaster, Mass 1
" " Lawrence, Mass 1
" " Lynn, Mass 1
" " New Bedford, Mass 1
" " Newton, Mass 1
" " Providence, R. I 1
" St. Louis, Mo 1
" " Swansea, England 1
Toledo, 0..... 1
" " Watertown, Mass 1
" " Worcester, Mass 2
Reemelin (C.) Cincinnati, 0 1
Sheridan (Lieut.-Gen. P.) Chicago, 111 2
Simons (W. W.) Charleston, S. C 1
Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D. C 4
Sprague (H. H.) Boston, Mass — 2
Thomas (E. J.) Boston, Mass 1
Townsend (Hon. Amos) Cleveland 72
United States, Bureau of Education 1 3
" " Department of Interior 12
" " Treasury Department 1
White (John B.) Cleveland 1
Woolcott (Rev. S. W.) 1
Young Men s Ass., Buffalo, N. Y 1
" " " Cincinnati, 0 1
Total 131 64