History of Swansea, Massachusetts, 1667-1917; - citizen hylbom blog

244 History of Swansea
At first the people at a distance were a little shy, perhaps,
regarding it as simply a parish, or village enterprise, and of
little importance in its day of small things; but it gradually
won its way, and extended its influence into the midst of the
community at large, until the Town was willing to adopt it as
its own.
During the first years, but few new books were added at
any one time, and yet enough as a rule to meet the growing
interest of its patrons. Some of the standard works formed
a part of each purchase, and new publications were carefully
selected to meet the tastes of the readers. It was, to a certain
extent, a personal work to lead its patrons on from the desire
for good to the appreciation of the better and the best literature.
The practical benefits of a good public library may not
be easily estimated, and are not quickly appreciated, perhaps,
but can not be seriously doubted.
The management of the library was, for a long time, very
simple. A list of the books with their numbers was the only
catalogue. An alphabetical list of members was kept by the
librarian; and each was charged with the numbers of the
volumes taken, and the numbers were crossed off when the
books were returned. The volumes were placed on the shelves
without regard to class, number or author; and each person
handled them as he pleased and selected for himself.
The growth of the reading habit, and the evolution of
literary tastes may be clearly traced along the fine of this
movement.
If sometimes the pretty cover, the striking title, or the
open form of the printed page determined the choice of the
book to be taken, it was only the common event known to
every observing librarian, whose chief delight is to have everybody
learn to read and appreciate good literature.
The Rev. 0. 0. Wright was librarian from the organization
of the Association, May 9, 1882, until his removal from the
town in February, 1888. But it is only fair to state that much
of the care of the library devolved upon others during that
period. Mrs. 0. O. Wright, frequently during the first year,
assisted in taking account of the books ; and for several years,
the children, Henry K. and Lucy Wright often performed the
duties of librarian ; and, sometimes, the door being unlocked,
a slate was placed on the table with this notice written on it
"Please help yourself, and write your name and the numbers
of the books returned and taken.
Miss Carrie A. Chase, now Mrs. Elmer D. Young, being
assistant librarian that year, acted as librarian from February
"
: