Staff Newsreel Vol. II, No. 3

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Staff Newsreel
Published by LOS ANGELES COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY STAFF ASSOCIATION
Vol.II, No. 3     December-January 1936-37

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
the year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die. 

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

- Tennyson

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Editorial Staff
Louise Hastings, Editor
Violet Tapper, Advisor

Contributing Editors
Josephine Herrmann, Branches
Mabel E. Hoge, Catalog
Jessica King, Childrens'
Ruth Husby, Office
Mary McCament, Order
Catherine Greening, Reference
Lucille Kennedy, Shelf & Workroom
Donald K. Hughes, Transp. & Equip.

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TO GREET YOU

It is my hope that you have all had a Merry Christmas. I also wish that each and every member of our staff shall have a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year.

May I commend to you the thoughtful consideration of Christmas and what it means as expressed by the following brief article. 

Helen E. Vogleson
Librarian

"Merry, merry Christmas, say we all. Yet, what is Christmas?

"It was named for the Christ-child and pays honor to His birthday.  The first Christmas carols were sung by the angels on the first Christmas eve.  The legend gives us many other Christmas rites.

"We use Christmas candles because the Romans gave presents of wax tapers. Our greeting, 'Merry Christmas!' comes from medieval England.  The evergreen and mistletoe emanate from the Druids. From the Belgians comes the hanging of our Christmas stockings. Martin Luther was supposed to have decorated the first Christmas tree.  Santa Clause owes his existence to Holland, a derivation from the Dutch patron saint, Nicholas.

"Its customs are assembled from many lands, still, what is Christmas?

"Is it perhaps epitomized in the buying of gifts? America has given us new embel-lishments on gift giving.  The crowds, the so many 'shopping days,' the predictions for unprecedented spending, the trying to secure something as elaborate to give as was received last year. Many people have come to dread this angle of our holiday season. We are so apt to arrive at Christmas out of breath!

"Here are its customs then; here are its gifts.  With it all, is this Christmas? Or is there something more?

"Legend relates another belief -- On every Christmas eve the little Christ-child wanders over the world.  Welcomed in some places, rejected in others, those who long for His coming place a lighted candle in the window to guide His way thither.  Should He come your way this Christmas eve, what would He find?

"Let us hope He would find you celebrating Christmas in the traditional way, in the giving of gifts, yes.  But these alone are not Christmas.  let us hope he finds Christmas, yes Christmas, in your hearts -- in simplicity, in true sharing, in heartfelt application of brotherly love. Christmas after all must be lived, not only one day, but everyday, before we may find the answer to

"What is Christmas?"

From The International Altrusan Magazine

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SOUTHERN DISTRICT's 1936 MEETING A SUCCESS

The 1936 meeting of the Southern District of the California Library Association was held on November 21st at the Oakmont Country Club in Glendale. Mrs. Bess Yates, president, opened the morning session, presenting Mrs. Anne Leidendeker, who reported that the Co-Ordinating Committee of Union List of Serials had issued Pub. no. 2, a Union list of newspapers in the publishers' offices and libraries of So. California. Miss Blanche McKown of the Los Angeles Public Library described the work involved in compiling this list. 

The chairman of the Southern District's Regional Co-Operative Committee, Miss Fanny Coldron, told of the progress being made on the union catalog and its bearing upon inter-library loans. She also expressed the hope that a uniform code for inter-library lending would be worked out by the libraries of the District.

Membership representatives, Miss Harriet Marrack, A.L.A., and Miss Margaret Walkington, C.L.A., urged librarians to persuade staff associates to join their respective organi-zations for the coming year.

After Miss Mabel Gillis, State Librarian, spoke of her plan of visiting all of the larger libraries of the state during the next year, Mr. Robert Rea, Librarian of San Francisco and C.L.A. President, announced the tentative dates for the C.L.A. Yosemite meeting as being May 19-22. 

The C.L.A.'s Code of Ethics Committee's future plans were outlined by Miss Jasmine Britton, who asked the cooperation of all members in filling out their questionnaire.

The imminent arrival of two members from the Board of Education for Librarianship of the A.L.A. to consider Southern California's needs for professional library training, was announced by Andrew Osborn, Director of the School of Library Service at the University of Southern California. he also spoke on the aims and activities of the school which he is directing.

The luncheon meeting which was attended by more than 300 members was presided over by Mrs. Louis Lombardi, a member of the Glendale Citizen's Advisory Committee. She intro-duced the guests of the day.  Authors who were present and who rose to speak briefly were Helen E. Haines, author of Living with books; Herbert Childs, who wrote El Jimmy, William Grooch out of whose experiences grew the book Skyways to Asia; a local author, Mrs. Lola Sandblom, who wrote Buffalo Sod; and Ned Andrews, author of Jerky, a book for boys.

Miss Doris Hoit, Librarian of Pasdena Public Library, related Experiences with a Citizens' Committee in Providence, Rhode Island, which proved timely and interesting. Dr. Frank Baxter, professor of English at the University of Southern California, has made himself immortal to librarians with his "lost chapter" on Alice and the White Rabbit's adventures in a Library, which he read to a very appreciative audience.

Dr. Everett Dean Martin, now on the Staff of Claremont College, was the speaker of the afternoon session. his talk on the Value of the Classics was unexpectedly different. He related the great works of all times to the modern world, especially Milton's Areopagitica, and undoubtedly some of us made earnest resolutions to read it soon.  His challenge to Americans to seek for real values and courage to uphold them reflected the current interest in the fundamental qualities of the Constitution of the United States. 

Miss Warren spoke briefly about the Book Fair, and Miss Eleanor Stephens read the report of the Resolutions Committee. Miss Frances Woodworth announced the new nomina-tors for the coming year's C.L.A. officers.

- Helen O'Conor

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CODE OF ETHICS WHAT SHALL IT BE?
Through Coit Coolidge, Chairman C.L.A. Committee on a Code of Ethics an appeal has been made for a wide discussion of whether a code of ethics and what kind of a code is desired by library workers. It was suggested that librarians appoint a staff committee and that ideas be reported to Mr. Coolidge by February 1st. Following this suggestion, Miss Vogleson has appointed the following committee for our staff:
Alice Lewis, chairman, Ruth Husby and Agnes Sycour. These persons are going the rounds of the Central staff division meetings and by and by will report their find-ings in a general staff meeting at which time recommendations will be considered. Suggestions and ideas of staff members in branches are also welcomed. 

STAFF ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION
Our Staff Association is working on a Constitution or set of By-laws. Miss Jeanne Johnson, chairman, Margaret Walkington and Helen Darsie Strickland form the committee.

THE LIBRARIAN'S ANNUAL REPORT
In reply to inquiries as to when this will be available we can report that it will be distributed in January as usual, although it is labeled Supplement to the October Number of "Books and Notes;" following the practice perhaps of the State Library which issues the October number of California News Notes as the Annual Statistical Number.

The Librarian is glad to hear that this report is being awaited with interest and hopes it will be useful. Unfortunately the Central Division reports have had to be very much abridged. The great amount of work which they show goes on for the benefit of the work done through the branches, the avenue of service to our public. 

The reports from branches are summed up under the general heading, Impressions gleaned from reports of branch librarians, with such special captions as: Adult education goes on; The depression grows weaker; Many a reference question requires speedy work; The weekly express puts rhythm in the work; Why librarians get gray; The foreigner finds the library friendly; "Rich man, poor man, doctor, lawyer ..." and their children, all use the library; also, Libraries like people have individu-ality. 

The annual report for the current fiscal year ending June 30th, 1937 should be a very special one as it will record the first twenty-five years of the Library's history.

*******

With this issue "The Staff Newreel" reaches a new high in copies published 9341), as every member of the Library staff will receive a Newsreel containing the Librarian's New Year's greeting.

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BELATED NOTES ON THE BOOK FAIR

During the week of November 16-21, some 16,000 visitors enjoyed the city's first Book Fair, held at the Los Angeles Public Library.

Not only the finest products from thirty-eight publishers of new books, but also many rare old volumes were on display. The tall glass cases in the Rotunda housed displays loaned by Dawson's Book Shop, Manly Hall, Mrs. E.L. Doheny, and Mrs. George Millard. Cases on the main floor contained Mrs. William Ingraham's collection of children's books published before 1830. These tiny books, with their quaint titles- The history of Primrose Prettyface, The butterflies ball, and Little Goody Two Shoes published by the successor of J. Newbery- and their "elegant engravings", made an interesting contrast to the gay, handsomely illustrated "Books to grow on" in the modern section.

A feature which attracted favorable comment was the arrangement by general subject, rather than the usual classification by publisher. It was also gratifying to notice that although the primary purpose of the Fair was to stimulate ownership of books, there was no commercialism evident. We were even allowed to read a few snatches of those tantilizing new titles without reproof. The table of fine foreign books was especially popular. 
 
Barker Brothers arranged a corner of a modern living room, emphasizing the $100 home library suggested by Miss June Cleveland, Executive Director of the Fair. This was another very popular corner, but of course, not as popular as it might have been had they not roped it off.

In addition to the books, were the makers of books, a number of whom appeared at the three evening lectures. Lewis Browne, Max Miller, Everett Dean Martin, William S. Grooch, Lt. Blane Williams, Dr. Garland Greever, Dr. Carlyle MacIntyre, Kathryn J. MacFarlane, Paul Jordan Smith, Don Blanding and Charles Caldwell Dobie were among those who appeared to tell of their work and experiences. On Wednesday, Children's Day, the three young Abbe's received their contemporaries in the patio. 

All in all, it was a good Fair, and we hope that it will be repeated for many years. With typical California prodigality, it shouldn't be long until we have the biggest and best Book Fair in the country.

- Mary McCament

SPECIAL LIBRARIES ASSOCIATION MEETS
The Southern California Chapter of the Special Libraries Association held its monthly meeting, Tuesday, November 17th, at the Library of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, 1680 No. Vine St., Hollywood. Before attending the meeting most of the group met at the Tick Tock Tea Room for dinner. Mrs. Margaret Gledhill, librarian of the Academy spoke briefly about the beginnings and growth of the Library.  An excel-lent description of the work was supplied by Mr. Donald Gledhill, the Academy's sec-retary, who related also many informal stories of the studios. Dr. Andrew Osborn, director of the new library school of U.S.C. addressed the meeting, explaining the difficulties attending the organization of the library school.  The county library staff was represented by Eleanor Stephens, Olive Ryder, Nellie O'Neill, Helen Strickland and Harry Devereaux.  Membership in the special Libraries Association is open to librarians in public libraries as well as in special libraries and new members are cordially welcomed.  

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TEACHER'S INSTITUTE CONVENES HERE
Two meetings of the Teacher's Institute have been held at the headquarters of the County Library for the purpose of showing what a teacher's professional library offers educators in elementary and secondary schools.  The first group, composed mainly of high school librarians, met Monday evening, November 23rd, with Olive Ryder as chairman.  The speakers were Agnes Sycour who spoke at length on keeping step with the new attitudes and in approaching curriculum problems; Nellie O'Neill on trends in vocational guidance; and Helen Strickland, on the trends in the tech-nical field. 

The second group, meeting December 8th, had as subject "Trends in the elementary school education as seen by the librarian."  Miss Ryder opened the session by giving a broad outline of the purpose and organization of the L.A. County Library. Mrs. Sycour ably discussed new books, particularly those which help the teacher formulate curriculum activities. "A library for the asking," a survey of pamphlet material in the school library was presented by Mrs. O'Neill. Nina Britt gave a capable presentation of the new books dealing with the current educational methods in kinder-garten and primary grades. 

After the meetings and during the brief intermission many took the opportunity to examine the books and pamphlets placed on display while the staff was kept busy answering questions, locating books and taking registrations.
- Catherine Greening

BRANCH LIBRARIANS TO MEET
The next meeting for branch librarians will be held in the new modernistic building of the Torrance Branch, January 14th, at 9:30 A.M. Helen O' Conor is to speak on "Menus for jaded youth".  Branch librarians are requested to come prepared to discuss all the problems they have encountered in dealing with teen age people.  In view of these worthwhile discussions, particularly the recent one at Burbank Branch on censored books, it will be worth everyone's while to be present.  The small map which accompanies this article may be useful to those who intend to go by the Pacific Electric and to leave from Los Angeles the following directions are given:-

Take the Redondo Beach car at the station, Sixth and Main Streets (Los Angeles). Change at Hermisillo to the Torrance car and ride to the Torrance station. Walk one block to the right, turn left at the General Petroleum filling station at Post Avenue. Walk one block west on Post Avenue. the Library is located at 1345 Post Avenue, corner Post Avenue and Cravens Street. 

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AT "CENTRAL"

Christmas Cheer
Small sons and daughters, nieces and nephews of staff members must have found books on their Christmas trees this year for the approach of the holiday season in the Children's Division was heralded by numerous requests from the staff for suggestions as to what juvenile books to give. According to assistants it is one of the pleasantest of their Christmas activities, they love to see "the right book" go to "the right child." 

For the first time in many years Miss Vogleson is celebrating the Christmas holidays with members of her family. As house guests her brother and two daughters are here from Evanston, Illinois and her sister from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 

Jeanne Johnson and her sisters with Olive Ryder celebrated an unusual Christmas holiday by motoring north to San Francisco.

On December 16th a group of the younger girls on the staff gave their annual Christmas party at the home of Genevieve Stevens. The girls had a hilarious evening playing with the toys that were brought, and these were later donated to children of needy families who otherwise would have had no gifts. 

Margaret Walkington celebrated Christmas in the best way possible by going home for the holidays. "Home" to Margaret is her family's ranch twelve miles from Los Gatos. 

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Staff members have had an unusual number of speaking engagements this month:  Claire Nolte with the South Gate P.T.A.; Alice Lewis, El Segundo P.T.A.; Helen O'Conor, the County Nurses Association; Frances Deyarmond, a group of mothers at Lomita; and Olive Ryder, South Gate Women's Club. Miss Vogleson was the guest speaker of the Montebello American Legion Women's auxil-iary, also of the County Employee Acaciaette Club. Altogether 318 persons were met. 

News from Africa
The Children's Division is greatly inter-ested in African exploration these days. Hope Blunt's husband is a member of an expedition to east Africa led by Mr. Paul Hoefler, who wrote and filmed Africa Speaks. Its object is to photograph dan-gerous wild animals making a feature film and some short subjects.  On September 23rd the expedition sailed from New York on the Queen Mary and according to a let-ter received by Mrs. Blunt on December 1st, they had landed at Port Sudan on the Red Sea early in November where they had their first glimpse of African peoples, in this case desert natives watching their boat curiously from shore.  They will journey down the coast south of Ethiopia and pene-trate the British provinces of Kenya and Uganda.  It will take approximately one year for the expedition to accomplish its work and the Children's Division is anti-cipating more interesting news and pictures. 

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On November 13th Sherrill McMillan of the Branches Division took and passed the oral examination for the Master's degree in English literature at the University of California.  Flying to Berkeley Thursday night she took the exam on Friday and resturned Sunday. While in Berkeley she visited with old friends at International House where for several years she served as librarian.  Sherrill revisited her birthplace, Yerba Buena Island, when she crossed on the new San Francisco-Oakland Bridge.  Yerba Buena is the mid-bay support of the bridge.

Winter Vacations
In the second week of December Laurita Polley enjoyed a belated vacation at Big Bear. The mountains are attractive to Laurita in any season, but this time she went with high hopes for snow and wasn't disappointed.

Gertrude Hopkins reports an interesting trip to Las Vegas and Boulder Dam last month.

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NOTES AFIELD

Views and Reviews
Mrs. Bernice Wallace of Inglewood staff has been asked to repeat part of the Book Review given at the Lincoln Study Club of Los Angeles on December 15th, over K F A C at 1:30 o'clock on December 31 for the Federation of Woman's Clubs. 

"Whose Constitution" was the title of the talk given by Margaret Walkington before the Branch Librarians' Meeting at Burbank Branch on December 10th.  A list of the books reviewed in thsi talk is now avail-able for distribution. 

On December 2nd before the Nurses Asso-ciation of the Glendale area Helen O'Conor gave an entertaining talk entitled "The Delectable Art of Reading".  Books deal-ing with the medical profession as well as those of general interest were reviewed and a list of these is available, also. 

"One of the most intelligent and studious of all visitors to a branch library proved to be the wife of the man who 'runs the dump', the acre of cans and trash at the end of the street.  She is the mother of three children and feels that she must fill their minds with beauty to overshadow the material ugliness surrounding them."

Fistic Farce
Mrs. Belle King and Mr. Laurence Fowler, working on special projects for the library, have made trips recently to various branches for the purpose of organizing periodical files and arranging them in boxes.  After a strenuous day's work Mr. Fowler was heard to remark to Mrs. King, "If we do much more of this we should be pretty good boxers!"

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"At Bellflower the library is used for so many purposes, it sets a standard for one little boy - he cannot come if he does not quit sucking his thumb. To escape 'So much fuss over my sister's wedding' another boy spent a peaceful afternoon reading."

Random Requests
From Huntington Park Branch comes a tale of a reference question which we think should come under the caption "Why Librarians Get Grey." A lady asked for the Art Department and after tactful question-ing it was learned that she wished to locate the picture "Hope," not the one in which the figure is playing a lyre, but the one with a swan.  After an unsuccess-ful search through every book in which the picture might be, she was told that the librarian would have to ask Central for the information, but that it would take possibly a week before the picture would be available.  "Oh!," replied the lady, "I have to have it this afternoon. I am having my bathroom redecorated, and I thought the swan in the pose shown in the picture 'Hope' would be just perfect on one of the walls." 

From a newspaper we gleaned this choice request.  A small boy came to the library and politely asked for "the book called 'Forty Ways to Amuse a Dog', my mother wishes to read it." The librarian sent him home with a current favorite 'Forty Days of Musa Dagh." 

From Bell Branch came the following note addressed to The Newsreel:-

"We have enjoyed reading the Newsreel very much indeed and laughing with you at some of the queer titles requested.  We often have requests that we puzzle over and try to interpret, so we enclose an original copy of one request sent in by a patron."  It was "Godworth, by Ellis" whic proves to be Dodsworth by Lewis.  Anyone interested in original MS may view it at the editor's desk. 

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The staff at the Redondo Beach Branch Library has been carrying on without the librarian during the past month because of the serious illness of Emma Catey. We all wish Miss Catey a swift and complete recovery.