Dupee, Gordon G. "A Richer Comprehension." ALA Bulletin (March 1956) 174-175
Caption: Continued Success of Great Books Programs in Public Libraries

The partnership between public libraries and the Great Books Foundation had been shown to be the most successful individual program offered by public libraries and was the largest liberal adult education program in the country. According to the 1954 "Adult Education Activities in Public Libraries Survey", of the 1500 discussion groups, eighty percent met in public libraries.

"Vote...But Don't Vote in the Dark." ALA Bulletin (April 1956)
Caption: Public Libraries Serve Voters

This brief notice explains that local library programs will use the slogans "Vote - But Don't Vote in the Dark" and Listen, Read, Look, Talk, Argue, Think" as part of a campaign to inform voters.

Stevenson, Grace T. "In the Mill." ALA Bulletin (February 1957): 134.
Caption: ALA Participates with President's Committee on Education

In April, 1956, President Eisenhower established the President's Committee on Education in order to study the problems of education beyond high school. In May, the US Office of Education asked ALA to aid in the preparation of material related to the needs of libraries in meeting the problems of education after high school. The Association of College and Reference Libraries assumed the responsibility of working with the President's committee on behalf of ALA.

"Memo to Members." ALA Bulletin (June 1956): 334.
Caption: The Long-awaited Library Services Act is Signed

On May 8, 1956, President Eisenhower signed the Library Services Act which he described as "an effort to stimulate the States and local communities to increase library services available to rural Americans." The signing of this bill climaxed a ten year effort on the part of ALA and other organizations. Julia Bennett did an outstanding job "interpreting libraries and librarianship."

Moore, Mrs. Merlin M. "Operation Library." ALA Bulletin (October 1956): 574-576.
Caption: Partnership for Success

Operation Library was a highly successful venture between public libraries and the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce. The initial program originated in Arkansas and resulted in vast improvements in services to rural communities as well as urban areas. This effort moved to a national level as ALA Public Libraries Division furnished heads of State Library Agencies and presidents of State Library Associations with information about developing "Operation Library" possibilities in their communities with local Jaycees.

Herrig, Inez, R. "Know Your Library." ALA Bulletin (October 1956): 569-572.
Caption: Women's Clubs Advocate for Libraries

In 1956, the General Federation of Women's Clubs and the American Library Association sponsored the third consecutive observance of November as "Know Your Library Month."
This activity is one of the components of the "Know and Grow" program in which women's clubs will be urged to become informed as to their state and local involvement with the long-awaited Library Services Bill. In this way, they can be an invaluable help in public relations, an important phase of the library projects.

Phinney, Eleanor. "ALA Projects." ALA Bulletin (October 1956): 591-595.
Caption: Milestone For Fund for Adult Education Grants

This article explored the effectiveness of grants to public libraries from the Fund for Adult Education. It encompassed a five year period in which $1,034,712 was allocated to the Office of Adult Education and to a variety of library projects. A wide range of public libraries across the nation received grant help. The author conclued that the grants succeeded in their function. They will aid in continuing to cause expansion and growth in the field of education services to adults.

Little, Minnie J. "Bookmobile Cost Accounting." ALA Bulletin (May 1957): 341-344.
Caption: ALA Focuses on Bookmobile Services

In May 1957, the ALA Bulletin began a series on articles about bookmobiles and bookmobile services. Several pertinent topics were addressed including accounting, scheduling and programming, specifications and equipment, relationship of the bookmobile department to the library, and bookmobile service in cities. The title of the ongoing review was "Bookmobile Service Today."

Phinney, Eleanor. "Putting the Library-Community Studies to Work." ALA Bulletin(March 1957): 196-198.
Caption: ALA Focuses on Adults

During the years of 1956 and 1957 the ALA Bulletin included a series of at least five articles related to issues of adult services in libraries. The title of the series is "Focus on Adults"

"Public Libraries." ALA Bulletin (April 1957): 294.
Caption: Three challenges for the Public Libraries Division of ALA

The Public Libraries Division of ALA was in a very challenging position due to three extremely important projects. First, was the coordination of ALA activities in the implementation of the Library Services Act. Second, they were involved with the promotion of the new public library standards, and finally, cooperation with the United States Junior Chamber of Commerce in its project "Operation Library."

"New Adult Education Grants Available." ALA Bulletin (June 1957): 449-450.
Caption: ALA Continues to Promote Adult Education Grants

Extension of the ALA Library-Community Project for the period of Sept. 1, 1957 to Aug. 31, 1959, had been funded through a grant of $200,000 from the Fund for Adult Education. States may apply for grants of $12,000 for a two year period. A consultant service will be available to all states through their state library extension agencies.

"Memo to Members." ALA Bulletin (July-August 1957): 488.
Caption: National Book Week

The National Book Committee in cooperation with ALA will sponsor a national program in the interest of books, reading, and libraries. They will organize National Library Week to be celebrated March 16-22, 1958. The value of books and reading will be stressed all over the country in a variety of ways.

Phinney, Eleanor. "Library Service to an Aging Population." ALA Bulletin (Sept. 1957): 607-609.
Caption: Evaluation of Services to Older People

The first step in this study involved a post card survey sent to public libraries in towns of 2500 and over. These libraries were asked to check a list of services provided for older adults. The results showed that four services were mentioned more than others. These were providing books, publicizing the materials available, providing shut in service, and working with other agencies. The post card survey was mainly a screening operation, and the Office for Adult Education hoped that from the information gained, along with that from other studies, a full-scale report about how libraries are meeting the needs of an aging population can be launched.

Fyan, Mrs. Loleta D. "Progress and Prospects Under the Library Services Act." ALA Bulletin (November 1957): 761-763.
Caption: The Coordinating Committee for the Library Services Act Assesses Progress

ALA's Coordinating Committee for the Library Services Act held an open meeting to assess the progress of the new federal program during its first year. Several favorable results were noted. Along with evaluating progress, the committee tackled future policy decisions as well as areas for continued action.