The photograph is taken from present day Market Street, looking towards Washington Street. Construction of the scaffolds and building cranes has begun. Construction continues on the third floor of the Minnesota Club.
Completed ceiling decoration in the then-Circulation Room of the Central Library of the Saint Paul Public Library. Windows look out to Market Street. Today this room is known as the Non-fiction Room.
The bedrock is exposed and being drilled, cut and removed from the construction site. Foundation walls are shown in their wood and metal frames. Various types of construction tools, including type of power-operated drill are shown.
The photograph is taken from the present day corners of Washington and 4th Streets. The entrance on the far left of the photograph is for the James J. Hill Reference Library. The entrance to the center of the photograph is for the Saint Paul Public Library.
Photograph is taken from present day 4th Street. The first floor of the library is almost complete. Various materials are seen around the foundation of the library. Frame work for a power lift, for moving building materials, is being constructed between the existing scaffolds.
The photograph is taken from an elevated position on present day Kellogg Boulevard. The roof work is complete. A moving cover is in place over the skylights. Most of the windows have frames and are being sealed. Near photo's center, a man works on scaffold suspended from roof. Also a bell sits to the right edge of the pile of building materials, although neither the Central Library nor any branch of the Saint Paul Public Library is known to have a bell.
The photograph is taken from present day 4th Street. Work continues on the main entrance to the Saint Paul Public Library. Some windows remain open for delivery or removal of building materials.
The photograph is taken from an elevated position on present day Kellogg Boulevard. A wooden staircase allows easy access to the second floor of the library. An advertisement on the barricade reads in part "Gordon Pure Fur?".
Photograph is taken from elevated position of present day Kellogg Boulevard. On the right side of the photograph is the James J. Hill Reference Library. Interior scaffolding and supports are visible for both library buildings.
Photograph is taken from an elevated position of present day Washington and 4th Streets. Foundation for the stair case and entrance of the library has begun. Workers present at the near corner between first and second floors (blurred), on the trusses just left of the photo's center and on the far right edge. Work on the roof of the James J. Hill Reference Library has begun.
Photograph is taken from an elevated position of present day Kellogg Boulevard, looking towards Washington and 4th Streets. The power lift has been extended to a further height to deliver building materials to the upper floors. Building bricks and aggregate for concrete are still present on the building site. Building cranes are almost obscured within the walls of the library. Note the addition of a service entrance to the James J. Hill Reference Library. The Cathedral of Saint Paul is visible in the upper left portion of the photograph.
Photograph is taken from an elevated position of present day Kellogg Boulevard, looking towards Washington and 4th Streets. The exterior walls for all four floors are now completed. Roof trusses are now being set in place. Cranes are still visible in the section of the library facing Washington Street, as is a worker with a wheelbarrow on top of the library. Frames for the windows are visible in the construction yard.
Photograph is taken from present day corners of Washington and 4th Streets. The exterior wall are completed. Work continues on the main entrances for both Saint Paul Public Library and James J. Hill Reference Library. A building cranes are still visible on site.
The photograph is taken from an elevated position on present day Kellogg Boulevard. Building materials are piled up in the worksite. Note the three horse drawn wagons on the building site.
Photograph is taken from an elevated position from the corner of present day Washington and 4th Streets. The exterior of the second floor is almost complete. Scaffolding and cranes have been raised in height to begin working of the third floor. A wooden frame arch support is now in place above what will be the main entrance to the library.
Photograph is taken from an elevated position from present day corner of Washington and 4th Streets. The first floor is enclosed and work on the second floor has begun. A power lift between the scaffolds in now complete and will move building materials to the upper floors. The part of the building on Kellogg Boulevard and Washington Street side, appears to have a rectangular open area. This opening will eventually house eight floors of metal stacks for library materials.
Photograph is taken from an elevated position from present day Market Street, looking towards Washington and 4th Streets. Construction materials fill the building site. Bricks can be seen on the workers scaffolding on the interior walls. The steam-powered engine (known as a "donkey engine") that operates the power lift can be seen to the left of the base of the lift. The lift makes use of a conveyor and chute. Note the octagonal shape workers scaffold on the 4th Street side of the building. Windows are being installed in the Minnesota Club. In the upper left of the photograph a horse and wagon can be seen on Kellogg Boulevard.
Photograph is taken from an elevated position from the corner of present day Washington and 4th Streets. The upper left portion of the photograph shows the interior and exterior walls of the James J. Hill Reference Library. The lighter color portion is the exterior wall, and the darker portion the interior wall.
Photograph is taken from an elevated position from present day Washington and 4th Streets, looking towards present day Market Street and Kellogg Boulevard. Interior walls define the various rooms that will be on the second floor. Exterior construction of the James J. Hill Reference Library can now be clearly seen. Note the two workers below the what will be the staircase and main entry to the library.
Photograph is taken from an elevated position from present day Market Street. Work continues on the second floor, exterior walls continue to take shape. Near the center of the photo, a portable steam engine, or "donkey engine" appears to have steam coming out of its tall chimney.
Photograph is taken from an elevated position from present day Market Street. The wood frames for the arched windows can be seen in detail. Scaffolding is increasing in height to match construction of walls.
Photograph is taken from an elevated position from the corner of present day Washington and 4th Streets. The exterior of the second floor is almost complete. Scaffolding and cranes on the 4th Street side of the building have been raised in height.
Photograph taken from present day Market Street, looking towards the corners of Washington and 4th Street. The scaffolding is completed and the cranes are in place. Lumber, bricks, sand and other aggregate needed for mixing concrete are now on site.
Photograph is taken from the present day corners of Washington and 4th Streets. Building materials are now in abundance as construction moves ahead. In this photograph the cranes are now rigged with their cables. The scaffold on the right side of the photograph shows what may be hand holds permitting the crane operator to climb into the operating cab.
Photograph is taken from the present day corners of Kellogg Boulevard and Market Street, looking towards Washington Street. Construction workers and supervisors are on site. To their left is a portable steam engine on a sledge, known as a "donkey engine." Building materials on site include a shipment of bricks. Wood and metal framings are in place for work on the first floor of the library. Scaffolds are now enclosed inside the building walls of the second floor.
Photograph is taken from present day 4th Street. Work begins on the first floor of the library. Foundation work for the library staircase is beginning.
Photograph is taken from an elevated position from present day Market Street. Construction of the third floor begins. Scaffolding for the power lift and cranes has be raised in height. Interior scaffolds can be seen within the area of the second floor.
Photograph is taken from an elevated position from present day corners of Washington and 4th Streets. The second floor is now enclosed and work begins on the third floor. The common wall between the Saint Paul Public Library and the James J. Hill Reference Library is visible. In the upper left portion of the photograph, workers on the fourth floor of the James J. Hill Reference Library.
The photograph is taken from the staircase on the 4th Street side of the library. The oval decorative motif depicts the coat of arms of the library, a theme that is repeated within the library building.
This photograph was taken from what is now Market Street between 4th and 5th Streets. Smoke is coming from the chimney of the James J. Hill Reference Library, indicating that the heating system is now working. Work is still being done on the main entrance to that library. A crane is still in front of the Saint Paul Public Library. An advertisement on the barricade reads "Say Gordon When You Say Hat."
Photograph is taken from the present day corners of Washington and 4th Streets. Landscaping is completed. The flag is flying from the third floor of the library. The identities of the people standing in front of the library are not known.
Photograph is taken from approximately present day corners of Kellogg Boulevard and Market Street, looking towards Washington and 4th Streets. The photograph shows the foundation of the construction site almost completed. The building being constructed in the background is the Minnesota Club. In the far background of the construction is the Cathedral of Saint Paul.
This photograph is taken from Washington Street looking towards the corners of Market Street and Kellogg Boulevard. A scaffold and building crane are now on site. Some areas of the foundation are being enclosed.
Photograph is taken from present day corners of 4th and Washington Streets, looking towards Kellogg Boulevard and Market Street. The entrance to the construction site is off of Kellogg Boulevard. The construction shacks of the Thomas J. Steen company are by that entrance. The construction barricade provides advertisement for North Western Fuel Company's Scranton Coal. Construction for the building cranes has begun.
This room was dedicated to Mr. Greenleaf Clark, and is on the third floor of the library. The ceiling panels show the decorative patterns that will eventually be painted.
The finished decoration of the Greenleaf Clark Room, which was also known as the General Reference room, of the Central Library of the Saint Paul Public Library. The panels on the ceiling have been painted, and the chandeliers hung. Today this is known as the Magazine Room.
The photograph is taken from present day Washington Street looking towards Market Street and Kellogg Boulevard. Building crews are constructing scaffolds and assembling cranes. To the right of the crane on the left side of the construction site is the beginning of the construction of the James J. Hill Reference Library. The James J. Hill Reference Library and the Central Library of the Saint Paul Public Library were constructed as one building, separated by a common wall.
This photograph is taken from approximately the present day corner of Market Street and Kellogg Boulevard, looking towards Washington and 4th Streets. The entire construction area is surrounded by a barricade. A delivery of lumber has a sign on it that reads: "Brooks Brothers Lumber." The second floor of the Minnesota Club is being worked on. The tower of the Cathedral of Saint Paul is visible behind the Minnesota Club. The Saint Paul Auditorium is to the right of the Minnesota Club. The twin spires of the Saint Louis Catholic Church can be seen behind the trees of Rice Park, which is on 4th Street.
Photograph is taken at the present day corners of Washington and 4th Streets. Dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen are dressed for the occasion are shown around the corner stone. Architect Electus D. Litchfield (1872-1952) stands in lower right corner holding straw hat.
This photograph is taken on the present day corners of Washington and 4th Street. This appears to be the dedication ceremony. The individual standing by the corner stone is making a speech. The speaker is not identified. Dignitaries are seated closest to the speaker. Note the woman in the left side of the photograph, same level as the speaker, who is holding a baby. Workers from the Minnesota Club have ceased working to listen to the speech. In the background, to the right of a pile of building materials, is a street car on 4th Street. In front of the wall stands architect Electus D. Litchfield (1872-1952), who is putting on his straw hat.
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."
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.
Close detail of the construction scaffolding. To the left of the scaffolding are machines used to mix concrete. Workers with wheelbarrows are collecting the mixture. To the right of the mixing drum is a small wooden structure that houses the engine that provides the power to mix the concrete. Exhaust smoke is coming from the stack that rises above the small wooden structure. Various construction workers are on the site. Four men in suits and hats plus another man in a vest and hat seem to be posing for the photographer. These men may be members of the Steen Construction Company. The photograph displays the words "Steen Construction Company."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is the Reading Room, on the second floor of the library, looking from the east toward the west. The room is in the very early stages of interior work.
This photograph shows the then-Periodical Room (now known as the Nicholson Information Commons) completed without interior furnishings. The floor is tiled with cork. The ceiling has been painted and decorated. The door connects to the James J. Hill Reference Library.
Page 1. This issue begins with the title, "A Helpful Gift," It describes a Trust fund established by Mrs. James H. Skinner and her son. Also mentioned were the bequests by Judge Greenleaf Clark and Judge Henry Hale. Page 2. "A Unique Experiment," The library agreed to manage a collection of books for the Boy Scouts to assist them in their activities at the St. Croix Boy Scout camp. "The Wearin' O' the Green," Children at the Arlington Hills Branch Library, describe a program of Irish songs riddles, and dances in traditional customs. Page 3. "For Knights and Ladies of the Trowel," What the library had to offer for spring gardening. "On House Cleaning," This article let the reader know that the periodical collection contained many tips on cleaning and decoration inside and outside the house. Page 4. "Magazines In the Reading Room," Well over 1,000 periodicals were subscribed to. A sample list of 32 titles represented the wide variety of topics and subjects in the periodical collection.
Page 1. "Book Drive Number," A black and white photograph on the cover, shows two employees mending library materials. Centered in the photograph is a book press. Announced was a campaign asking people of St. Paul to give 100,000 books to the library. Page 2. "Why Give To Libraries?" Seven points are listed. The first point serves as a foundation for the rest. "Human life is shaped and developed by nothing else more powerfully than by ideas, images, emotions and ideals which are conveyed to the mind by books". Page 3. "Subscription Books," People have been approached by agents selling subscriptions. To assist the unwary the library subscribes to "Subscription books Bulletin," issued by the American Library Association. "Post Cards Wanted," Looking for scenes, buildings, monuments. The library circulated these post cards to schools and study groups. "And Phonograph Records, Too," Many persons did not realize that the library circulated records of the better class of musical compositions. The collections were available for use by responsible groups. Page 4. "Book Drive Information," Stipulated here were the types of materials the library hoped to receive. Where they were to be delivered, Central library or branches and how to deal with monetary gifts. Home libraries could benefit by judicious pruning with donations being given to the library. "Acknowledgements Suspended," Gifts received during the Book Drive were appreciated but space would not allow the usual practice of acknowledgement in The Beacon.
Page 1. "A Day's Circulation At The Central Library," A black and white photograph shows the returned material waiting to processed and shelved. "Library Events In 1930." Two new branches opened. Book Gift Drive brought in more than 20,000 books and $783.19 in money. Page 2. "Your Library In 1930," A statistical record of library activity for 1930. Page 3, "Each Library Patron Should Note," There was a delicate balance between acquisition and withdraw of books. The result was considerably fewer books left for circulation. "Atlas With 1930 Population Statistics," The Rand McNally commercial atlas was a significant addition to the collection. Page 4. "Librarians As Amateur Sleuths," An example of how staff found the correct book with very little information. "Recent Donors To The Library," People and organizations donate to the library. "Bulletin Books Worth Reading," The library published the "Bulletin" a pamphlet of suggested book worth reading.
Page 1. A black and white photograph of the St. Anthony Park Branch Library is on the cover. One of three Carnegie Branch Libraries, it experienced an increase in library card holders, book circulation and volume of materials added to the collection. Page 2. "Fourteen Years At St. Anthony Branch." What was written in 1932 in most respects remains valid to this day. Page 3. "College Alumni Publications," A Saint Anthony resident donated his copy of the Harvard Alumni Bulletin to the library. "In Recognition Of Generous Contributions," A list of donors, private citizens and businesses who contributed to the library system. "Readers' Aid In The Circulation Department," The economic depression saw large numbers of people using the library. Statistics of customer use in the Readers Aid department increased significantly over 1931. Subject requests mirrored current events in the world. Page 4. "New Atlases," The Library was proud of the addition of "Stieler's Atlas of Modern Geography" a German publication. "Wanted: Magazines For Hospital Patients," The Library Hospital Service sent out a plea for magazines, not more than two years old, to be donated to the library. "Trade Journals For The Business Man," Even in difficult economic times, trade journals were an important part of the library's collection. The titles mentioned present a profile of businesses active in the state.
Page 1. "Mending The Library's Books," A black and white photograph shows staff mending books. Some 40,000 books were mended annually. Page 2. "What Price Carelessness?" A request for patrons to treat books with care and all will benefit. "An Expression Of Appreciation And Thanks," No gift was to small and all gift appreciated. Page 3. "Half-A-Day Better Than No Library," Those who could not afford carfare used these stations. Five of these stations and their collections are described. These stations provided vital service for the public. Page 4. "Arthur Caines In Memoriam," Mr. Caines was a member of the Library Advisory Board. "The Library Advisory Board," Listed are the names of the Library Advisory Board. "Read About Roosevelt," The library will obtain books written by the president as well as books about him. Books about the "New Deal," will follow soon.
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. "This Year's Children's Book Exhibit," A black and white photograph of the Exhibition room depicts the theme of the annual Children's Book Exhibit, it is the romance of chivalry. The young ladies in costume are members of the Girl Scouts. Over 5,000 people attended the event. Page 2. "Those Christmas Gifts," The director thanks those who donated during the holiday season. "The Gay Parade Of Children's Books," A detailed acknowledgement of those members of the community and their contributions to the book exhibit. N.C. Wyeth sent four canvases in oil, that were for the book the "Scottish Chiefs," Page 3. "The Miracle List," described a booklet dealing with the then popular play "The Miracle." "Propaganda!" In an article the director proposes the use of propaganda for the benefit of the library. Page 4. "Twenty Three Foreign Languages," The library collected a number of books in languages other than English. A sampling of titles in other languages are listed.
Page 1. "Hale Memorial Merriam Park Branch," A black and white photograph shows the new Merriam Park Branch on Marshall Avenue, formally opened on November 20, 1930. Page 2. "Don't Be Bashful!" The spirit of service should be first for every library employee. Staff attitude and demeanor should encourage the public to feel free to put forth any inquiry. A true statement in 1930 as in the present. "The Library's Christmas Services," Those who were considering the gift of a book for a friend, would do well to consult with library staff before making a purchase. Page 3. "Donors." Their names are listed in alphabetical order and their gifts appreciated. "Why A New Library Card," In 1930 a library card was renewed every five years. Registration records provided demographic information that enabled the library to reach all people within the city. Today library cards expire every two years. "The Quality Of Library Service," The library looked at corresponding statistics and determined that readers and circulation of non fiction were on the rise. Those not enrolled in universities availed themselves of library materials. The library responded by enhancing the specialized departments. At the same time reviewing the training and educational level of the staff. Page 4. "The Times And Circulation," Hamline saw a 50% increase in activity, while Merriam worked with a 100% increase in activity. The Central library saw an increase of attendance in the reading rooms. It was perhaps the down turn in the economy that caused people to choose a less financially expensive form of entertainment. The Great Depression had begun.
Page 1. "Children's Book Exhibit St. Paul Public Library," The emphasis was on Oriental literature, art and culture. Authentic Japanese lanterns, parasols, Persian shawls, shadow puppets were donated for the exhibit. Girl Scouts dressed in Oriental costume guided the guests. Page 2. "Book Week In The Branch Libraries," Brief reports from Arlington, Hamline, Riverview, Saint Anthony, tell how each library celebrated book week with their displays. "Presentation Of Flag-Staff To Merriam Park Branch," The Nathan Hale Chapter of the DAR, presented a flag and staff to the Merriam Park library. Page 3. "How The Library Serves The Lovers Of Animals," Pet owners could find books on the care of almost any animal. Some would find books on raising fowl for subsistence. Still others could enjoy the stories of Jack London, Ernest Thompson Seton and others. "A Thanksgiving to Donors," Appropriate time to thank those who gave. Page 4. "The Fine Arts Room," Patrons were urged to explore all that this room could offer. "A Happy Christmas To All St. Paul," The editor continued to urge one and all to use the library.
Page 1. "Arlington Branch Library," A photograph of the Arlington Branch Library is on the cover of the Beacon. Arlington celebrated dual anniversaries; the fifteenth year of its opening and the fiftieth of the Saint Paul Public Library. Page 2. " How Arlington Branch Serves Its Community." A brief history of the Arlington Library which began as Public Library Station B in a drug store. "St. Anthony Park Library Committee," Members of the community gathered to formalize a local library committee. "Children's Book Exhibit," Approximately 2,700 people gathered for the exhibit. Page 3. "Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration 1882-1932," A synopsis of events through out the library system was listed. Page 4. "No Depression In Gifts To The Library," The second installment of the summer list of donors appears here. Page 5. "Red-Letter Monday Follows Closing Days," The library was closed on November 25-26. November 28, was a record day for circulation of materials and attendance by library users. "Public Library Reading Rooms Crowded," As demand increased resources where stretched to breaking point. "The Library Beacon Feels The Depression." Due to lack of funds issues of the Beacon could not be published. Page 6, "What Is Around The Corner?" New titles that attempt to forecast the economic future. "Public Library To Close," Due to tax delinquencies, library may close some days in December. "Holiday Greetings." A Holiday Greeting to library staff and patrons.
Page 1. "How The Library Helps The School," The article was written by Edith M. Ouellette, Librarian, Washington High School. She described the necessity of supplementing curriculum with materials from the public library. Page 2. "A Big Day," Saturday, January 11th, was a record day for adult circulation at the Central Library. Two thousand five hundred and thirty eight items were checked out. "Popular Reading Interests," A review of the "Reading with a Purpose," booklets referred to in the September,1929 issue of the Beacon. Of fifty topics only eighteen have sold more than twenty copies. Some of the popular booklets were "Philosophy," "Mental Hygiene," and "Religion in Everyday Life," and "More Book Gifts" In 1929, 4,560 books were donated to the library. Page 3. "Another Acknowledgment," The success of the Graphic Arts exhibit was due in part to local department stores who loaned their display cases and drapes. The stores were: Schuneman and Mannheimers, the Emporium, Field Schlick and Co. and the Golden Rule. "More Books For The Parent-Teacher Shelf," An additional donation allowed purchase of more books. "The Library And The Printing Craft," The amount of interest in the Graphic Arts exhibit lead to purchase of additional materials on all aspects of the subject. "Recent War Literature and Peace," A reflection on the novels coming out of the Great War. Page 4. "Service to "Shut-Ins," This service started as a natural out growth of the service to hospitals. Reading lists would be provided for relatives who would deliver the books as needed. This service was brought back in the late 1970's and was made possible by volunteers. It was given the name Homebound Service.
Page 1. "Bringing Books to Everybody," At this point there were five branch libraries in service. To serve people at other locations neighborhood stations were in operation across the city. These stations were operated one or two days a week. Some were located in recreation centers, a school room, or community halls. Books were also placed in many factories and wholesale houses for use by employees. The Hospital Service was also operating at this time. Page 2. "Bringing the Library To The Schools," Through the School Division, supplemental text books were supplied to all schools in the city. Page 3. "For Parents And Teachers," A reminder that the Teachers' Room at the Central library provided professional literature dealing with education. " A Record Breaker--And A Challenge," One hundred and sixty one borrower's cards registered, a new record. "Settling an Argument," The Reference Division can answer the question and prevent bodily harm. "Why Stop Learning?" A quote from the Chautauqua Quarterly. Page 4. "Music Lovers Please Take Notice," The editor presented a one act play letting people know of the resources of the Fine Arts Room. "Professional Librarians Meet," Mid--winter meeting was to be held in Chicago. "A Note Of Appreciation" from the director.
Page 1. "A George Washington Year," A black and white portrait of George Washington is on the cover. Celebrated was the two hundredth anniversary of Washington's birth. Page 2. "Portraits Of George Washington," The Fine Arts Room owned copies of portraits of Washington by prominent artists. "Publications Of The George Washington Bicentennial Commission," The Document Collection cataloged at least one copy of each document published by the government about George Washington. "Biographies Of Our First President," The library owned thirty eight titles concerning George Washington, some of which were listed in the Beacon. Page 3. "For The Children," The School Division stood ready to supply as many books as possible about Washington. "To Donors Of Directories," The library thanks those companies listed for their donation of city directories to the library. "Gifts For January," Individuals and organizations received thanks for their donations. Page 4. "Abraham Lincoln," A poem by Annette Wynne about Abraham Lincoln. "Citizens Should Vote," The library provided books and pamphlets on various issues to assist people in making a decision. "Lenten Reading," Appropriate books for Lenten reading, dealing with phases of religion, were provided for patrons.
Page 1. "The Library And The Hospital," A black and white photograph depicts two hospital patients reading books. Near them is a book truck and hospital staff. Library service to hospitals was inaugurated in 1921. Service was provided to ten area hospitals. Page 2. "Happy New Year!" The Beacon was one year old in 1930, and continued to be a voice to the public concerning the mission of the library. "A Graphic Arts Exhibit titled, "Fifty Books" showed the finest productions of American printing art and printing for commerce. Lantern slide illustrations were also to be presented. "More Donors," The library relied upon the gifts of generous individuals and local business. Page 3. "For Out-Of-Town Addresses," City directories were a vital part of the reference collection. These directories were traded among other libraries in a effort to keep the collections relevant. A list of companies that donated directories to the library represents the variety of business in Saint Paul. " The Library And The Advertiser," The Social Science Division assisted the many local business owners in their endeavor to develop productive advertising strategy by using library resources. Page 4. "Information For All," If you want the information, we have it. Garfield 3386. "Crime In The Library!" As President Hoover was aroused by the rising violence in the United States, so was the public. Many of the issues mentioned in this article bear resemblance to the social concerns of the present. The library sought to provide the materials needed by the public, to come to a fair and balanced consensus to deal with the issues.
Page 1. "The New Year," A poem by Horatio Nelson Powers ushers in the new year. A black and white photograph shows Rice Park in winter. The fir tree had a star on it. Page 2. "Librarianship," The editor reflects upon the many skills and types of librarians needed to make a library system function and meet new challenges. Page 2. "Our Thanks To These," Thanks was expressed for donations of books and money. Page 3. "An Old Gray Mare," Tribute was awarded to the library delivery truck, which began it's service on January 1,1925.The truck was a vital part of library service, without it there would be absolutely no daily deliveries. "Unusual Periodicals," Highlighted were two recent publications, "New Yorker" and "Fortune". Page 4. "New Charging Helps," Help the library by writing your own card number on the date slip and book card. Self check is not at all new. "Library Christmas Trees," A gift from a library friend. "New Year's Greetings," The editor extended best wishes to all.
Page 1. "Events In The History Of Your Library," A black and white photograph of the library as taken from the current location of 4th and Washington Streets. A chronology of key dates in the history of the library,1856 to 1931. Page 2. "St. Paul Artists Lend Pictures," An exhibit of paintings by St. Paul artists was displayed in the Exhibition Room of the library. Page 3. "Who Will Be Next?" Behind this appeal for gifts was the ever growing shadow of the Great Depression. The library had three priorities for immediate future. More branch libraries, eight story high book stacks for Central, and many more books for the public. "Merriam Park Library Committee," Acknowledgement of the work by various committees whose activities brought about the Merriam Park library. Page 4. "Christmas Givers," Acknowledgement of gifts given during the Christmas season. "Books About Russia," Interest was aroused by the reported events taking place in Russia. "The Public Library Wishes You a Happy New Year"
(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. "The Open Door - Your Opportunity," A sketch showed the main entrance of the library. In 1932 more than one million seven hundred thousand books were borrowed. At the bottom of the page is a plea to "Keep The Library Doors Open," Page 2. "The Public Library In 1932," A statistical profile of service is provided. This proved to be the busiest year in the existence of the library. "Five-Year Contrast," Five years ago (1928) 9,770 books in the Social Sciences were circulated as compared with 15,606 in 1932. Economics was being studied as never before. Page 3. "What's In The Magazines?" Never before were magazines circulated so much. Many people could no longer afford their own subscriptions and went to the library instead. "Generous Gifts," A donation of $5.00 was appreciated and acknowledged." Page 4. "The Consume," Books that studied consumer behavior were in demand. A list of such books is listed. "Ask 'How' In The Industrial Arts Room," Just ask, anything from a canoe to a glider. "The Gold Standard," This issue raised much concern amongst the public. A reading list was presented. "The Importance Of Opportunity," The library was the absolute resource for many people and must remain open for all.
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."