In message <[log in to unmask]>, [log in to unmask] writes
>There have been a couple of messages recently (I think) about hygienic
>libraries, which then expanded into notes about what was done with books
>returned from households suffering from infectious diseases. Well, I was
>wondering how far this concern is dependant on the type of library involved,
>and whether it became an issue in the early days of the public library, as
>a result of the expected clientele, the working class, the lower orders or
>whatever you wish to call them.
I think it may have been related to the attitude to health and hygiene.
In the 30s I was expected to wear gloves when travelling by train as a
protection against germs!
Some illnesses, for instance TB, were incurable and infectious. People
were really afraid of them.
If I remember correctly, in the British public libraries of the early
50s some books used to be returned via the public health department.
I also remember, and this time quite clearly, how in 1951 the librarian
in my first branch library (Islington West) invited the staff to witness
the burning of a book in which a bed bug had been found. I was the only
one who knew bed bugs, the other juniors had never seen any.
--
Sylva Simsova
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