Lighthouse library
History
The program was inaugurated in 1876 by Arnold Burges Johnson, a scientist and Chief Clerk at the United States Lighthouse Board.[1] It's mission was to distribute small libraries to isolated lighthouses and lightships to help relieve monotony faced by keepers and their families. The libraries were intended to circulate between stations about every six months, and so each contained a unique selection of books.[2]
in 1912, George R. Putnam, the Commissioner of Lighthouses, issued a directive to decrease the number of circulating lighthouse libraries, citing decreased cost of periodical literature and improved means of communication. Future libraries would only be issued to the most isolated stations. He also instituted a collection refresh for these libraries. He wrote to public libraries and asked them to compile six different catalogs of exactly 30 books, with the caveat to avoid any "trashy literature" as well as "books that are over the heads of the people for whom they are intended."[3]
By 1919, lighthouse library service was suffering from lack of funds. That year, the American Library Association offered assistance, beginning by distributing left over books from the Library Service War Committee's work during World War I. Soon after, under the direction of Assistant to the ALA Director, Forrest B. Spaulding, the ALA began a large-scale program to refurbish and restock all lighthouse libraries in service, which was completed in less than a year.[3]
It is not known exactly when lighthouse libraries were officially discontinued, but according to archival records, it was likely sometime during the 1930s.[3]
Description
The libraries were housed in wooden bookcases made to specification by Lighthouse Board carpenters. They measured 2 feet tall, 2 feet wide, and 9.5 inches deep, with doors that opened outward. Two metal handles were mounted to the sides for carrying horizontally.[3] A library catalog and circulation log were attached to the inside of the doors. Inside the bookcases were three shelves: two main shelves for books and bound periodicals, and a thin shelf about 1.5 inches tall, intended for two volumes of religious material, laid flat.[4] The libraries were stocked with a selection of novels, nonfiction works, religious works, and magazines.[2] Some libraries were stocked with children's books for keepers that requested them.[5]
In 1916, the Lighthouse Service approved the purchase of eighty dictionaries to be distributed to select lighthouse libraries, with preference given to the most isolated stations and those with children.[3]
Lighthouse keepers were required to check out books by signing the log as well as indicate the date it was returned. The Lighthouse Board intended to use circulation statistics to inform future acquisitions.[2] A lighthouse inspector would review the log and assess the condition of the books during quarterly visits. Keepers were required to replace damaged or missing books. Books were not allowed to be lent outside the lighthouse or lightship.[4]
The Lighthouse Board outfitted 50 libraries in the program's first year. By 1885 there were 420 lighthouse libraries in circulation.[4]
By 1901 the Lighthouse Board had accumulated some 3759 volumes at the general lighthouse depot in Tompkinsville, Staten Island with which to stock the circulating libraries.[6] Some books were purchased by the Board while others were donated by the public.[2]
References
- ^ a b The National Cyclopædia of American Biography. Vol. 16. New York: James T. White & Company. 1937. pp. 180–1.
- ^ a b c d e Holland, F. Ross (1972). America's lighthouses: their illustrated history since 1716. Brattleboro, Vt: S. Greene Press. p. 50. ISBN 978-0-8289-0148-2.
- ^ a b c d e f Yarborough, Margaretta J. (1992). "Library Service to the Strands: North Carolina's Lighthouse Libraries". North Carolina Libraries. 50 (1): 27–30. doi:10.3776/ncl.v50i1.2511. ISSN 0029-2540.
- ^ a b c d Johnson, Arnold B (Jan 29, 1885). "Lighthouse Libraries". Christian Union. 31 (5): 9.
- ^ a b Weiss, George (1926). The lighthouse service: its history, activities, and organization. Baltimore, Maryland: The Johns Hopkins Press. p. 80.
- ^ a b Avery, Myrtilla (1901). "Summary of New York and other traveling library systems". Traveling Libraries. Home Education Department. Bulletin 40. Albany: University of the State of New York. p. 115.
- ^ Johnson, Arnold Burges (1889). The modern light-house service. Washington: Government Printing Office. p. 104.