Hartford Public Library / Edwin Jackson, Librarian, 1961-1973

File — Box: 5

Staff Only

Scope and Content

From the Collection:

This collection contains the annual reports for the organization known originally as the Hartford Young Men’s Institute 1839-1878, then the Hartford Library Association 1878 - 1893 and then the Hartford Public Library 1893 - present. The Reports begin in 1840 and continue to the present with only the years 1842, 1843, 1845, 1859, 1863, 1867, 1881 missing.

Dates

1961-1973

Access Restrictions

The records are stored in a restricted area and therefore may not be available on a same-day basis.

Extent

From the Collection: 3.5 linear_feet (7 boxes)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Abstract

Reports document the neighborhood population shifts that occurred due to public housing, Students and children became the largest group using the library, 50% of the school population non-white and from non-reading households. In response, the Library focused on pre-school story hours, library staff visits to schools, summer reading programs, cultural and fine arts performances. The social unrest of the late1960’s and early 1970’s, saw a drop in evening hour use due to increased street crime, need for alarm systems and guard services. 1970’s the library began hiring Spanish speaking staff to better communicate with library users. The financial downturns took a toll with nearly 20% of the library’s budget cut resulting in reduction of hours, services and layoffs. During the same period, the library saw the introduction of computers and increasingly professional library practices.