Report on the Library, August 26, 1964

              Report on the library; August 26, 1964 

[Transcript Page 1]


by Nancy Ellin


Mobile St.


The books on the shelves are more or less completely arranged and labeled by subject.


About 150 people, at least, have used the library, as of August 25, 1964.


Many of the boxes in the back room have been opened, labeled, and closed again.


A number of these boxes contain school books; others contain desirable children's and adult books for which there is no room on the shelves.


The check out system works as follows:

1. Each user is given a page on the notebook, on which is written his name and address, and, for children, the age or grade.

2. When a person checks out books, the titles and the date of checking out are written on his page.

3. When a person returns his books, these titles are crossed off.

4. Children may have three books, adults six. This rule I have been firmly enforcing.

5. A book may be kept as long as it is needed (no due date, no fines.)

6. I have not evolved a policy for lost books, beyond saying, "Please don't lose books." The same for damaged books.

7. Every book which is checked out should be stamped or labeled "Freedom Library"


The higher shelves on the right hand wall are double-stacked. In the blue box is a list of the titles and number of copies of the books which are thus obscured. I also had books underneath the bookcases, a location which must be rethought in view of the terrible leaks which developed in the left wall. This also raises problems about the boxes in the back room.


There is a roll of Scotch magic mending tape with which to mend books. Hopelessly damaged books (which I take to mean books missing pages) should be thrown away. I have on the table a stack of hopeless children's books which can be used to mend others - i.e., the covers and back covers.


I have been getting rid of undesirable (no good, hopelessly battered, old) books by giving them away. (Box labeled: Free, Take Some).


There are three stamps, one for Palmers, one for here, and one that is destined for True Light.