Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3.

[p. 85] library the proceeds of their exhibition, $27.20,—a good example for the friends of the library now. In 1861, the room in the railway station becoming too small, one much more ample and convenient was secured upon the second floor of the Medford Exchange. From the report of that date: ‘It is very desirable that ladies should, if possible, make all their exchanges of books in the afternoon, as the crowd sometimes present in the evening is too great to make the room a convenient or a proper place for them. The number of volumes taken from the library each year is supposed to be about 10,000.’

‘In obedience to the instructions of the town, most of the works purchased the past year have been standard, and we think that reference to the new catalogue will satisfy the impartial that the several departments are now very appropriately balanced.’ This time $3.35 was paid for moving the library. In 1869 the library was moved to the Town House and a reading-room was opened daily, Sundays excepted, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 P. M., the library being opened only on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, and Saturday evenings. In 1871 it was opened every evening except Sunday and Wednesday, and also on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. By act of the Legislature the dog tax was devoted to the use of the library. In 1872 the charging system of the Boston Public Library was substituted for the ledger system, which had up to this time been used. In 1875 was the generous donation by Mr. Thacher Magoun of the present home of the library.

In 1886 about $20 was received as income of the fund left to the library by Miss Lucy Osgood. In 1897 the library received a gift of $500 under the will of Mrs. Adeline A. Munroe, formerly with her husband, the late Mr. Charles Munroe, a resident of this city. This was given at the request of her husband, in consideration of the pleasure derived from the library by him.