The first library for the use of the students at this college was in a room 20 by 30 feet in size on the first floor of the Administration building just across from the president’s office. The first collection of books was made up of donations by faculty and friends. At the request of Dr. McIver $100 was given by the faculty. Dr. and Mrs. McIver gave a number of valuable reference books as well as other kinds of books. Because of inadequate space, one fourth of the material was stored in boxes and closets.
In 1905 a new library, the gift of Andrew Carnegie, was built on its present site. This library then possessed 5,000 volumes as contrasted with over 70,000 volumes now. Miss Annie F. Petty, sister of Miss Mary Petty of the Chemistry department, was the first librarian and her assistant was Miss Mary Mullen. At the beginning of each term all new students were required to attend a series of lectures given by the librarian on the use of the library. It is interesting to note the office hours of that time. They were on week days 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and on Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
The need for a larger library to correspond with the rapid expansion of the college was realized in 1922; the old one was remodeled and enlarged.
Soon after Charles H. Stone took the position of librarian in 1927, a division of work into loan and reserve sections was made. This was later enlarged and eventually culminated in the present open-shelf reserve system, which is practically a new project. Another step forward was the contribution of Judge Bynum’s library of 3,000 volumes.
The school of library science, installed in 1928, functioned here until the consolidation of the college with the University of North Carolina in 1933 when it was abolished. This department was one of 22 accredited by the American Library association and the Southern Association of College and Secondary Schools.
In September, 1932, the second night of freshman week, a northbound airplane flying over the college discovered that the library was on fire and circled over the library until attention of the night watchman was attracted. The fire burned around the stacks, which were fireproof, but the books in the stacks were ruined by water. The library then took up temporary quarters in the Students’ building until the building could be rebuilt. The new library, built on the foundation of the old one, opened the fall of 1933. The open rotunda and skylight were replaced by the museum cases in the upstairs hall. Down stairs in front the two stairways were done away with in order that the card catalogue could be near the loan desk. Offices were built on either side thus adding space above also. Space to accomodate 25,000 more books in the stacks was provided for. The upstairs was changed entirely. The reserve room which was then above the stacks is now in the south wing. The fiction room was then in the south wing and the library science department was in the north wing where the reading room now is. The library was refurnished with new furniture throughout and was made fireproof.
The instigation of the reading room with the readers’ adviser, who gives aid to individuals in selecting what to read, is a novel feature. No other college in the south is known to have a room to compare with the one here. Also the tea talks from 4:40-5:30 which have been given during this year are of added interest to the reading room.
Carnegie Library (UNCG)
1905-1932
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
May 3, 1935 p.4: Library News
Seven juniors and seniors have entered their collection of books in the student library contest. A prize of $10 for the best one is offered by the student government association. Announcement of the winner will be made at tea hour Friday afternoon.
There is a display of inexpensive editions in the reading room with comments of the books and various sets of books. There is also a display of books on book collecting.
In the cases in the hall sheet music by Stephen Foster and interesting old books and autographs are exhibited.
There is a display of inexpensive editions in the reading room with comments of the books and various sets of books. There is also a display of books on book collecting.
In the cases in the hall sheet music by Stephen Foster and interesting old books and autographs are exhibited.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
April 26, 1935 p.2: Library News
Beginning today, April 26, and continuing through May 3, there will be on display in the reading room personal collections of books belonging to juniors and seniors who have entered the student library contest.
Similar contests have been held for several years in a number of colleges, but so far as is known there has been no such attempt to interest North Carolina students in beginning a personal library. It is hoped that this may be an annual affair, and that through this emphasis on good reading, a new and stimulating interest in what is already one of the most valuable leisure time activities, may be increased.
Mr. Wilson, of our faculty, will speak at the usual library tea hour April 26 on “Building a Personal Library.” All students are invited to attend this opening hour of the contest.
Juniors and seniors wishing to enter the contest may still do so if they will see Mrs. Hussey at once. A prize of $10 is offered for the best collection of 25 to 50 books.
Similar contests have been held for several years in a number of colleges, but so far as is known there has been no such attempt to interest North Carolina students in beginning a personal library. It is hoped that this may be an annual affair, and that through this emphasis on good reading, a new and stimulating interest in what is already one of the most valuable leisure time activities, may be increased.
Mr. Wilson, of our faculty, will speak at the usual library tea hour April 26 on “Building a Personal Library.” All students are invited to attend this opening hour of the contest.
Juniors and seniors wishing to enter the contest may still do so if they will see Mrs. Hussey at once. A prize of $10 is offered for the best collection of 25 to 50 books.
Friday, May 22, 2009
March 22, 1935 p.1: Mrs. Hussey Reviews Book By P. Buck At Tea
“Member of Library Staff Tells of Third Book of Trilogy of Novels on Love of Land”
Mrs. Hussey, of the library staff, reviewed “House Divided,” by Mrs. Pearl Buck, at the library tea on Friday afternoon, March 15. As an introduction, Mrs. Hussey explained that “House Divided” is the third of a trilogy of novels written by Mrs. Buck about China. The whole series is to be called “The Good Earth.” It has its hero Wang Loo, an old Chinese farmer who is disappointed because his sons do not love the soil as he does. The second book, “The Sons,” is the story of these children of old Wang. The third, “House Divided,” is the story of the grandson of old Wang.
The grandson loves the soil and goes back to the old farm against his father’s will. He is sent to Shanghai but does not stay there long. From Shanghai, the young man goes to America to study. In America, he idealizes his life in China, so he is very disillusioned to go back and see it as it really is. He is caught in the revolution, and only after a long period of strife does he return again to the old farm of his grandfather. As he goes back, he learns what the true values of life really are.
“It is a true picture of Chinese youth,” said Mrs. Hussey. The speaker lived for some time in China near the scenes described in the book, so she is able to speak from actual observations. She noted that the dialect was very realistic. Mrs. Hussey seemed to think the whole novel is a good interpretation of Chinese life and people.
Mrs. Hussey, of the library staff, reviewed “House Divided,” by Mrs. Pearl Buck, at the library tea on Friday afternoon, March 15. As an introduction, Mrs. Hussey explained that “House Divided” is the third of a trilogy of novels written by Mrs. Buck about China. The whole series is to be called “The Good Earth.” It has its hero Wang Loo, an old Chinese farmer who is disappointed because his sons do not love the soil as he does. The second book, “The Sons,” is the story of these children of old Wang. The third, “House Divided,” is the story of the grandson of old Wang.
The grandson loves the soil and goes back to the old farm against his father’s will. He is sent to Shanghai but does not stay there long. From Shanghai, the young man goes to America to study. In America, he idealizes his life in China, so he is very disillusioned to go back and see it as it really is. He is caught in the revolution, and only after a long period of strife does he return again to the old farm of his grandfather. As he goes back, he learns what the true values of life really are.
“It is a true picture of Chinese youth,” said Mrs. Hussey. The speaker lived for some time in China near the scenes described in the book, so she is able to speak from actual observations. She noted that the dialect was very realistic. Mrs. Hussey seemed to think the whole novel is a good interpretation of Chinese life and people.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Oct. 12, 1934 p.1: Library Holds Exhibit; Mrs. Gerberich Speaks
Beginning Saturday, October 13, and continuing for a week, there will be a display of Russian costumes, dolls, textbooks, posters, and icons in the upstairs lobby of the library. These articles of interest were brought back to the United States by Mrs. Nora T. Gerberich, supervisor of French at Curry Training School, who spent the past summer in Russia. During the same week, books about Russia will be on display in the reading room. Mr. Charles H. Stone, who has charge of the library lectures, stated that he hopes that at a later date Mrs. Gerberich will be able to give a talk on Russian life and customs.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Oct. 5, 1934 p.3: Fire Destroys Library Books September, 1932
“Students Building Serves as Temporary Room for Available Books”
BINDERY REPAIRS 12,000
“New Library has Numerous Improvements: Stacks are Increased; Fiction Room is attractive”
Early Thursday morning, September 15, 1932, a fire was discovered coming from the front wooden stairway. On one side a library school was established, and the equipment with the books on library science was destroyed. The upstairs was a total loss. As this was the beginning of the school year, there were few reserve books in the reserve room to be destroyed.
As the fire swept backwards to the sides, it missed the fireproof stacks; but firemen opened the roof above the stacks to make a passageway for the water and caused considerable water-damage to the books.
The library was moved to the Students building. The three society halls became the reference, reserve, and periodical rooms. A door was opened into the back, and the charging desk was placed there. This temporary library was occupied for business the Monday following the fire on Thursday.
We students cannot comprehend the task with which the authorities had to cope. At one time the bindery had 12,000 books to be rebound. These books had to be taken apart by sections, strung up on lines to dry in order to prevent mildewing and then sewed back together; then bound and 30,000 pounds of pressure applied.
The year of course was spent planning for the new library. The stairway was altered by the construction plans. The wall and floor display in the upstairs hall has taken the place of the old open rotunda and skylight. An additional office was built. Originally there were two floors of stack; now there are two and a half. The social science reading room is the other half of the third stack. In addition to making the fiction room into a formal reading room, a reader’s adviser was added to it. An open reserve shelf system was installed in the reserve room.
The library is attempting to replace the back files in periodicals.
BINDERY REPAIRS 12,000
“New Library has Numerous Improvements: Stacks are Increased; Fiction Room is attractive”
Early Thursday morning, September 15, 1932, a fire was discovered coming from the front wooden stairway. On one side a library school was established, and the equipment with the books on library science was destroyed. The upstairs was a total loss. As this was the beginning of the school year, there were few reserve books in the reserve room to be destroyed.
As the fire swept backwards to the sides, it missed the fireproof stacks; but firemen opened the roof above the stacks to make a passageway for the water and caused considerable water-damage to the books.
The library was moved to the Students building. The three society halls became the reference, reserve, and periodical rooms. A door was opened into the back, and the charging desk was placed there. This temporary library was occupied for business the Monday following the fire on Thursday.
We students cannot comprehend the task with which the authorities had to cope. At one time the bindery had 12,000 books to be rebound. These books had to be taken apart by sections, strung up on lines to dry in order to prevent mildewing and then sewed back together; then bound and 30,000 pounds of pressure applied.
The year of course was spent planning for the new library. The stairway was altered by the construction plans. The wall and floor display in the upstairs hall has taken the place of the old open rotunda and skylight. An additional office was built. Originally there were two floors of stack; now there are two and a half. The social science reading room is the other half of the third stack. In addition to making the fiction room into a formal reading room, a reader’s adviser was added to it. An open reserve shelf system was installed in the reserve room.
The library is attempting to replace the back files in periodicals.
Friday, May 15, 2009
April 26, 1934 p.4: Library Displays books on Music
“Library Shows Books Pertaining to Music During Week of Music Contest”
KINSKY EDITS HISTORY
In connection with the music contest help on the Woman’s College campus this week, the college library is displaying on shelves and tables in the reading room, a number of books pertaining to musical subjects.
“Early Keyboard Instruments,” by Philip James, shows the development of the clavichord, spinet, virginial, harpsichord, and pianoforte from their origin to the year 1820. “Musical Instrucments,” by A.J. Hipkins and William Gibb, discusses historic rare and unique instruments from every country. Both books contain plate showing instruments which have been used throughout the ages.
An attempt to stimulate the revival of music history for pleasure and profit is the purpose of “History of Music in Pictures,” edited by George Kinsky. The compiler says: “Although pictorial representations can be but makeshifts in visualizing the growth of an art of sound, yet pictorial representations are in many cases the only aids to an insight into the musical life and activity of bygone times; they are indeed the only proofs left to us which still reflect the flourishing music culture of antiquity, now long since vanished and a great part of the medieval. These pictures can alone supplement and strengthen our slender knowledge of the actual music of former times.
KINSKY EDITS HISTORY
In connection with the music contest help on the Woman’s College campus this week, the college library is displaying on shelves and tables in the reading room, a number of books pertaining to musical subjects.
“Early Keyboard Instruments,” by Philip James, shows the development of the clavichord, spinet, virginial, harpsichord, and pianoforte from their origin to the year 1820. “Musical Instrucments,” by A.J. Hipkins and William Gibb, discusses historic rare and unique instruments from every country. Both books contain plate showing instruments which have been used throughout the ages.
An attempt to stimulate the revival of music history for pleasure and profit is the purpose of “History of Music in Pictures,” edited by George Kinsky. The compiler says: “Although pictorial representations can be but makeshifts in visualizing the growth of an art of sound, yet pictorial representations are in many cases the only aids to an insight into the musical life and activity of bygone times; they are indeed the only proofs left to us which still reflect the flourishing music culture of antiquity, now long since vanished and a great part of the medieval. These pictures can alone supplement and strengthen our slender knowledge of the actual music of former times.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
April 13, 1934 p.1: Library Displays Plates on Modern Sculpture
“S. Hartmen Edits Book Containing Plates of Well Known Work of American Sculptors”
GROUP GIVES TREND OF NEW ART
Plates on modern American sculpture are on display this week in the wall and museum cases in the upstairs lobby of the library. The plates are taken from the book, “Modern American Sculpture,” edited by Sadakichi Hartmann.
Mr. Hartmann has made a representative collection of the principal statues, reliefs, busts, statuettes, and specimens of decorative and municipal work executed by foremost sculptors in American within the last 20 years.
The purpose of the collection is to give the art student and layman an idea of present conditions, aspects, and methods of American sculpture. The object of the group is to be thoroughly representative, to sho9w what has been accomplished in various branches of glyptic art within the last 20 years.
Among the sculptors whose work will be shown are Herbert Adams, A.P. Proctor, A.S. Calder, Carl Bitter, H.H. Kitson, F.W. Ruckstubl, and Augustus St. Gaudens.
GROUP GIVES TREND OF NEW ART
Plates on modern American sculpture are on display this week in the wall and museum cases in the upstairs lobby of the library. The plates are taken from the book, “Modern American Sculpture,” edited by Sadakichi Hartmann.
Mr. Hartmann has made a representative collection of the principal statues, reliefs, busts, statuettes, and specimens of decorative and municipal work executed by foremost sculptors in American within the last 20 years.
The purpose of the collection is to give the art student and layman an idea of present conditions, aspects, and methods of American sculpture. The object of the group is to be thoroughly representative, to sho9w what has been accomplished in various branches of glyptic art within the last 20 years.
Among the sculptors whose work will be shown are Herbert Adams, A.P. Proctor, A.S. Calder, Carl Bitter, H.H. Kitson, F.W. Ruckstubl, and Augustus St. Gaudens.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
March 30, 1934 p.2: Open Forum
Dear Editor:
We realize that many of the C.W.A. assistant in the library have had no experience in library work, and that the regular library staff does not have time to give instructions. Yet there must be enough trained assistants to work at the load desk. It is very irritating to have to wait while the assistant searches for a book. It is still worse to wait several days for a books which the assistant reports out, to be returned to the library, when it has really not been out of the stacks. The assistant was merely unable to locate it.
Perhaps the inexperienced students could be assigned to other duties in the library without much inconvenience. We that something can be arranged so that students and library assistants will not be forced to waste this time.
A Student.
We realize that many of the C.W.A. assistant in the library have had no experience in library work, and that the regular library staff does not have time to give instructions. Yet there must be enough trained assistants to work at the load desk. It is very irritating to have to wait while the assistant searches for a book. It is still worse to wait several days for a books which the assistant reports out, to be returned to the library, when it has really not been out of the stacks. The assistant was merely unable to locate it.
Perhaps the inexperienced students could be assigned to other duties in the library without much inconvenience. We that something can be arranged so that students and library assistants will not be forced to waste this time.
A Student.
Friday, May 8, 2009
March 8, 1934 p.1: The Library Announces New Closing Hours
The appropriation from the Federal government has made it possible to employ additional students and thus keep the library and its special department open longer.
The Reserve room is now kept open from one until two o’clock every day; the Reading room is open from nine to twelve and from two to six.
The Reserve room is now kept open from one until two o’clock every day; the Reading room is open from nine to twelve and from two to six.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Feb. 23, 1934 p.1: Library Announces Addition of Index
“Complete Catalogue of Fiction Is Placed in Reading Room for Use of Students”
INDEX TO LIST SEQUELS
An announcement from the library which will be of interest to all frequenters of the library concerns the new card index in the Reading Room. It is a complete catalogue of all the fiction in the room. One each card will be found the author, title and subject of the book, and on most of the cards, an annotation. If the annotation is not on the card, a reference to Keller’s “Reader’s Digest” will be given.
The card catalogue also contains a general index. For instance, novels of a historical nature or tales of mystery, are wanted they can be found listed under “Historical Fictions” and “Mystery Stories.” All other general topics are also listed in this manner.
But perhaps the most interesting feature of this catalogue is the index of sequels which is being worked out at the present. On the card of each book in the series will be listed the books coming before and after.
All these changes are being undertaken in order to make it easier for the student to find exactly the type of book she wishes to read.
Displays in the Reading Room this week center around George Washington, in honor of his birthday on the 22nd, and Paul Green, whose “House of Connelly,” is attracting much favorable attention among theater-goers.
It was announced today that the Reading Room will be open on Monday and Wednesday nights from seven to nine, until further notice. The Reserve Room is now being kept open until ten p.m.
INDEX TO LIST SEQUELS
An announcement from the library which will be of interest to all frequenters of the library concerns the new card index in the Reading Room. It is a complete catalogue of all the fiction in the room. One each card will be found the author, title and subject of the book, and on most of the cards, an annotation. If the annotation is not on the card, a reference to Keller’s “Reader’s Digest” will be given.
The card catalogue also contains a general index. For instance, novels of a historical nature or tales of mystery, are wanted they can be found listed under “Historical Fictions” and “Mystery Stories.” All other general topics are also listed in this manner.
But perhaps the most interesting feature of this catalogue is the index of sequels which is being worked out at the present. On the card of each book in the series will be listed the books coming before and after.
All these changes are being undertaken in order to make it easier for the student to find exactly the type of book she wishes to read.
Displays in the Reading Room this week center around George Washington, in honor of his birthday on the 22nd, and Paul Green, whose “House of Connelly,” is attracting much favorable attention among theater-goers.
It was announced today that the Reading Room will be open on Monday and Wednesday nights from seven to nine, until further notice. The Reserve Room is now being kept open until ten p.m.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
Nov. 9, 1933 p.2: Open Forum
The Library staff has been keeping the reading room and the periodical room open every Sunday afternoon for the convenience of students. So far very few have taken advantage of the opportunity to use the library on Sunday. There must be a number of girls who like to read the Sunday papers or to escape from the noisy dormitories on Sunday afternoon. So remember, if you would like to use the library it is open for you.
No doubt a larger group of students will make use of this opportunity as winter comes on and there is no chance to play tennis or walk or find other outside recreations. However, if we are interested in keeping these rooms open on Sunday we will have to use them. The staff of the library have been rather disappointed in the apparent lack of appreciation of this opportunity to use the library on Sunday. So the next Sunday afternoon that you are bored with things, just drop by the library and read some good fiction in pleasant surroundings, seated in a deep armchair; or read about the week’s happenings in the new issues of the periodicals.
No doubt a larger group of students will make use of this opportunity as winter comes on and there is no chance to play tennis or walk or find other outside recreations. However, if we are interested in keeping these rooms open on Sunday we will have to use them. The staff of the library have been rather disappointed in the apparent lack of appreciation of this opportunity to use the library on Sunday. So the next Sunday afternoon that you are bored with things, just drop by the library and read some good fiction in pleasant surroundings, seated in a deep armchair; or read about the week’s happenings in the new issues of the periodicals.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Oct. 5, 1933 p.2: Open Forum
H-m-m, that new Reading Room of our’s! Have you ever sunk so low in a sofa or been so comfortable in an armchair? And did you notice those lovely pictures of the cathedrals and the bowls of fresh flowers? That rug, too, it makes you feel at home right away. And if the chairs and sofa are too soft there are the equally comfortable reading tables with their chairs that fit just right. Those creamy draw curtains add just the right touch. Who couldn’t be intellectual in such surroundings?
And the best thing at all is that you don’t have to be especially intellectual here. There are some of the best thrillers, and the most hair-raising books on the shelves—some that just read themselves thru to the last page. But my, couldn’t it solve the problem of what to do on Sunday afternoons!
And the best thing at all is that you don’t have to be especially intellectual here. There are some of the best thrillers, and the most hair-raising books on the shelves—some that just read themselves thru to the last page. But my, couldn’t it solve the problem of what to do on Sunday afternoons!
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