The period covered by this report is from June 1, 1900, to July 1, 1901,
and includes all gifts and bequests of $500 or more, as well as all
gifts of 250 volumes and over, given by any single individual. A few
gifts have been included which fall below these figures where the
importance or value of the gift seemed to require mention. This report
has been increased by the addition of over 50 gifts, information of
which was received too late to be inserted before its presentation to
the Waukesha conference. A few others, which have been announced since
July 1, have also been inserted.
Much of the information here given has been obtained by a careful
examination of the _Library Journal_ and _Public Libraries_.
Communications were sent to all the state library commissions, several
state library associations and clubs, and to the librarian of libraries
known to have 50,000 volumes or more. The responses to these
communications have been quite general, and the information contained in
the replies has been embodied in this report. The thanks of the compiler
are herewith extended to all who have assisted him in collecting the
material for this list.
It was suggested by Miss Hewins in 1896 that it would be desirable to
have the library commission of each state appoint some librarian, or
library trustee, who should be responsible for the collection of
information regarding the gifts and bequests made within his state.
Judging from the replies received this year the suggestion has never
been carried out.
Following the example of my predecessor, I wish to emphasize the
importance of the suggestion, and would further recommend that the
information so gathered be divided as nearly as possible into the
following classes: