Thrall Library, and, at any one time, there are 100-150 students in this program with almost an equal number of tutors, although
Some tutors take responsibility for more than one student. In
this program, as Mrs. Aumick said, "we have had many wonderful
success stories."
The Library was a busy place with Mrs. Gaines as Director. For the first time ever Thrall began to be open on Sundays in the
winter. For a time family films were shown outside in the summer
at various locations in the City. Book discussion groups were
popular and "Coffee and Conversation" was held for mothers of
pre-schoolers who were at the same time attending the popular
pre-school story hours.vo
Much of Mrs. Gaines time and energy was taken up with the
frustrations of working in and serving the public from a small
old building beset with problems.** Collection and storage space
had become totally inadequate. Every available space was used.
Fiction shelves were overflowing. The first floor had only one
large table for studying or reading. Periodicals were unable to be displayed. They were housed in the damp, often moldy basement, and issues had to be retrieved by staff members. The
staff had all their offices and work space there, too. Most of the law collection was housed off-site. Wiring was hopelessly
inadequate for emerging technologies.