Readers' Adviser records

1932-1970

The New York Public Library created the position of Readers' Adviser in March 1929. Jennie Maas Flexner (1882-1944) was the first head of the department, which assisted adult readers pursuing self-education. The Readers' Adviser produced bibliographies for Library patrons, counseled individuals on the selection of reading matter, and in later years functioned as a clearinghouse for adult education information. During Flexner's tenure, the service expanded from a single office to a corps of librarians working under her direction in numerous branch libraries. Flexner's salary was paid primarily by the NYPL Reference Department, with a small supplement provided by the Circulation Department. The Circulation Department paid the salaries of clerical staff. In January 1948, the Readers' Adviser began reporting to the Circulation Department's Office of Adult Services. The department edited Branch Library Book News from 1954-1962. For a period of time during the 1960s the Reader's Adviser was a department within the Central Circulation branch. In January 1971, the department moved to the new Mid-Manhattan building. In 1981 the Readers' Adviser became a part of Advisory Services based at the Mid-Manhattan Branch Library.

The following individuals held the position of Readers' Adviser: Jennie Maas Flexner (1929-1944), Beatrice Libaire (1944-1946), Robert Kingery (1946-1947), Mildred Mathews (1948-1953), Leona Durkes (1953), Harry S. Weeks (1954-1955), Mary C. Hatch (1956-1962), Robert Sheehan (1963-1967), Adele Greenberg (1981-1989).