Registration. Since the opening 8,958 persons have registered as borrowers and there are now 4,866 cards in force. This number however does not represent all who use the libraries. There are numerous readers daily using books at the tables and there are school room collections which are used by the school children.
Circulation. Since the opening of the libraries 595,048 volumes have been drawn for home use. The following table of circulation by years is interesting:
| Year | Volumes |
| 1905-06 | 17,838 |
| 1906-07 | 30,419 |
| 1907-08 | 35,910 |
| 1908-09 | 50,386 |
| 1909-10 | 58,870 |
| 1910-11 | 65,175 |
| 1911-12 | 73,462 |
| 1912-13 | 72,222 |
| 1913-14 | 85,995 |
| 1914-15 | 104,771 |
| ——— | |
| Total | 595,048 |
Interior Eastern Colored Branch
Reference Work. A large amount of reference work is done with the pupils and teachers of high schools and graded schools. Since the opening of the libraries 27,968 persons have been assisted in reference work by the librarians. It is impossible to keep an accurate account of the questions asked and information given.
Apprentice Class. The library conducts annually an apprentice class for those who desire to enter library service. An examination is held in June to enter a class which begins work in September. In preparing for service apprentices are given three months’ work under the direction of the branch librarian, heads of departments and chief librarian. The course has been taken by twelve persons, four of whom came from other cities, Houston, Evansville, Memphis and Cincinnati, preparing for service in colored branches in these cities. Arrangements are being made to admit three young women from other cities to take the apprentice work with this year’s class.
Educational Center. Close co-operation with teachers is sought in work with the schools. The libraries not only help pupils during the school life but enable them to continue studies after leaving school.
Story Hour