once by an examination of the reader's card. It is much easier to explain the system by actual illustration than by words. It is hoped that the following description will be clear, at least to those familiar with other charging systems. As stated in my last report, the plan is essentially the same as that in use for several years at Newark, which was pronounced the best of the numerous systems exhibited at the Columbian Exposition.

Each reader is given a card, which must be presented whenever a book is drawn, returned or renewed. On one side of this card is his name and a few important directions; on the other side his number and thirty spaces for charge and cancellation.

Each circulating volume has in it, while in the library, a book card, on which is written the accession number, author, title and class. When the book is out this card is in the charging tray.

To get a book for home use the applicant hands to the receiving clerk his reader's card with a list of books wanted. This list and card are given to a runner who gets the first book on the list that is in and leaves book, card and list with the issue clerk.

If a book is to be returned, it, with card and list of books wanted, is handed to the receiving clerk. The current date, i. e., the date of its return, is stamped on the card, which, with the list, is given to a runner as before, and the book is issued by the issue clerk. The book that was just returned is given to the clerk at the charging tray, who takes the book-card from the tray and replaces it in the pocket of the book, which is then ready to be put back on the shelves.

When a book is issued the card-holder's number, which appears on his card, is written on the book-card and the date when the book will be due is stamped opposite. This same date is also stamped on the reader's card and on a label pasted opposite the inside cover. This last entry is necessary in order to find the book-card in the charging tray without detaining the person returning the book.

During the day the book-cards which represent the day's issue, after being counted for the report of circulation, are

arranged by authors in a tray under the date when the books will fall due.

"Collection of Duplicates" and extra books are issued in the same manner but on extra cards. These cards can be bought at the receiving desk at the following prices: Single issue, 5 cents; five issues, 25 cents; ten issues, 50 cents, and twenty-five issues, $1.

A book can be renewed by either of three ways:

1st. If the book is brought to the library it is handed to the receiving clerk, who is told that it is to be renewed. The book-card is then looked up, and the proper charge is made by the issue clerk.

2d. If by mail, the reader's card must be sent with a memorandum of the author and title of the book and a stamped and addressed envelope for the return of the card. From these memoranda an assistant renews the book and returns the card.

3d. When the card only is brought to the library the reader's card with a slip bearing author and title of book to be renewed is handed to the receiving clerk. The new dates are stamped on the card immediately and the slip mentioned above filed until the next day, when the book is renewed with the mail requests.

This seems an elaborate and cumbrous system when set forth in words. That it is really very expeditious is shown by the fact that we have, without effort or confusion, issued 2500 volumes in a day.

NOTIFICATIONS, FINES AND PENALTIES.

A fine of two cents a day is charged on all overdue books. When a book is six days overdue a postal card is sent calling attention to the fact. On the 10th day a second notice, quoting the city ordinance covering the case, is sent under seal. If no attention is paid to this on the 15th day a messenger is sent after the book. If this does not bring a satisfactory response the guarantor is notified; and at the end of thirty days the whole matter is turned over to the City Attorney for prosecution.

The sending out of these notices adds an appreciable item. to the work of the issue department, occupying the time

of an assistant for about an hour and a half every day. The notices to readers sent out in the ordinary routine of the issue and registration departments reached an aggregate of 6283 for the year-3852 for books overdue; 836 for books renewed; 270 notifications of new books added; 1325 miscellaneous, relating chiefly to the registration.

The city ordinance for the protection of library property makes it a misdemeanor not to return books after notification; and it is the duty of the City Attorney "promptly to prosecute all violations of this ordinance." Thus far very few cases have called for legal action. In January, eight delinquents were reported to the City Attorney; of these five settled before going to trial; two had left the city, and the court, being unable to get a personal service, continued the cases indefinitely. In the eighth case judgment was rendered in favor of the library and a fine of five dollars and costs was assessed.

Besides these three books, seven others drawn for use in the rooms have not yet been found.

It is encouraging and doubly gratifying to note the fact that out of more than half a million books and periodicals issued only ten were not returned. This result indicates that St. Louis will confirm the experience of other cities as to the general trustworthiness of the people who use a free library.

THE LIBRARY STAFF.

The great increase in the work has necessitated a large increase in the list of employees. With the exception of the three assistant cataloguers the additions have consisted entirely of apprentices and messengers. All appointments have been made by competitive examination. The questions are adapted to the position to be filled, the examinations of messenger boys being much more elementary than that of the young women who enter as apprentices. The latter must have at least the equivalent of a first class high school education and must pass a fair examination in general history, general literature and general information, and show some knowledge of at least two foreign languages. Success in

the examination, which is competitive, secures a probationary appointment as apprentice, and subsequent advancement depends on efficiency.

I cannot close this record of the year's work without bearing hearty testimony to the efficiency and industry and general good spirit of the staff. Its work has reflected the singleness of purpose and perfect harmony of action that has characterized the Board and exemplifies the power of a common aim—and that a high one-to call forth the best that is in people and to secure from them a loyalty and faithfulness that does not pertain to the average of the world's service.

DEATH OF JANITOR HEADE.

No one in the employ of the Library was more actuated by a desire to do his whole duty than Richard Heade, who died after twenty years service as janitor. He will always be remembered by me as among the most honest, conscientious, faithful, painstaking, loyal and pure-hearted men I have ever known.

In conclusion, I beg leave to thank your honorable body for the perfect confidence you have reposed in me, to congratulate you on the successful inauguration of an enterprise fraught with incalculable good to St. Louis, and to bespeak from our citizens the appreciation that is due to your wise administration and disinterested labors.

Respectfully submitted,

FRED'K M. CRUNDEN,

June 8, 1895.

Librarian.

State of Missouri,

City of St. Louis-ss.

Before me, the undersigned, a notary public within and for the city of St. Louis, Mo., appeared E. C. Rowse, personally known to me, who being duly sworn by me, stated that the statement of receipts and expenditures of the St. Louis Public (Free) Library contained in the foregoing report of the Librarian for the year ending April 30th, 1895, on account of city appropriation and other sources, is true and correct.

EDWARD C. ROWSE,

Chairman Auditing Committe Board of Directors St. Louis
Public (Free) Library. -

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 8th day of June,
1895.

[Seal.]

WM. E. RAYNOR,

Notary Public.

My term expires Nov. 1, 1897.

State of Missouri,

City of St. Louis--ss.

Before the undersigned, a notary public within and for the city of St. Louis, Mo., appeared Mr. F. M. Crunden, Librarian of the St. Louis Public (Free) Library, who is personally known to me, who, upon being by me duly sworn, stated that the foregoing report to the Board of Directors of the St. Louis Public (Free) Library is true and correct to the best of his knowledge and belief.

FRED'K M. CRUNDEN,

Librarian.

Sworn and subscribed to before me this 7th day of June,

1895.

[Seal.]

GUSTAVUS M. BAARE,

Notary Public, City of St. Louis, Mo.

My official term expires March 14th, 1897.