Report of Librarian, October 26th, 1938
The idea of a Free Library for Sharon Hill originated with the Ladies of the Literary Group of whom Mrs. Arthur C. Manll is President. Through the efforts of its members and the splendid cooperation of the citizens of the Borough, the Sharon Hill Free Library was opened to the public on Monday, September 12th, 1938, from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Of 260 invitations that were sent to the associate members, there were 161 adults and 54 children, or a total of 215 persons who attended the opening. The ladies of the Literary Group acted as hostesses and refreshments were served.
During July, August, and the first part of September of 1938, ladies from this group volunteered their services and worked in the Library, receiving books, accessioning and cataloging them in readiness for the shelves, and, up to September 30th, 1938, there are 2,389 books on the shelves. A few of these books were purchased, the greater majority having been given by associate members and friends. These books include Fiction, Biography, Travel, History, Classics, Religion, Poetry, Juvenile, and current issues of magazines. There are also, 50 of the latest publications for rental at the rate of 10 cents for seven days.
The library has subscribed to Times Magazine for two years and National Geographic for one year.
The library was opened for service to the public on Tuesday afternoon, September 13th, 1938, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM, and from that date on, each Monday and Friday Evenings, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 2:30 PM-4:30 PM.
The work of operating the Library is performed by 24 members of the Literary Group, who give their services a certain number of hours each week.
The first afternoon the library was opened to the public there were 15 adults and 25 juvenile borrowers’ cards applied for, a total of 38. To date, on September 30th, 1938, there are 56 adults and 124 juveniles.