Extract from the minutes of the Library Committee 1931
Librarian
The Secretary reported that the Librarian, Miss E Mantle, had been indisposed during the past nine weeks and was still unfit for duty. During the first eight weeks he had obtained temporary help in the evenings but from Monday last a whole-time substitute had been engaged.
It was resolved to recommend to the Council that the ladies engaged temporarily be paid £8 for their services, and that Miss Elliott be paid at the rate of 30/- per week until such time as Miss Mantle recovered.
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Letter from Mr J E Mantle (brother of Miss E Mantle)
35 Park Road
Leyton
E10
6th June 1934
Dear Sirs
I hope you will pardon the liberty I am taking in writing to you. But I feel bound to take this step as a brother of Miss Ethel Mantle with regard to her relinquishing her post as Librarian with your Council, especially at a time when she felt she had sufficiently recovered from her indispositions to resume duties at an early date. I understand that she feels that she would like to have the opportunity of trying once again to continue her work and I should like to know if the Council or Committee could see its way to re-consider its decision in asking her to resign and thus let her have the chance of trying again if only for a specified period to see how she gets on.
I should like to express to the Council my sincere appreciation of the way they have dealt with my sister’s case in the past. I consider they have been very patient and considerate, and I am sure my sister also appreciates the many considerations she has received as well. But in the circumstances I do sincerely urge that the responsible Body be asked to review the situation on the lines I have suggested.
I know something of Council administrative work myself and fully realise that a Local Body is responsible to a Higher Authority on the one hand and the Ratepayers on the other hand; but if the Council can possibly take a more lenient view and withdraw their request for her resignation I am sure she will do her best to carry on to the Council’s satisfaction.
I am dear Sir, yours faithfully
J E Mantle
Rushden Urban District Council
8th June 1934
Dear Sir
Free Library
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instant relative to the Library Committee’s action in connection with Miss Mantle’s appointment as Librarian.
I am afraid it is useless to ask the Committee to re-consider their decision, Miss Mantle, as you are probably aware, has been absent from duty now for nearly six months, and has also been away for considerable periods during each of the past few years. The Library is consequently in a deplorable condition and the complaints received from the users generally make it imperative for the Committee to take action both in the interests of the Library and the public.
As you state, every consideration has been shown to your sister. The Committee still feel [sic] very sympathetic towards her and it was with great reluctance that they arrived at their decision but there was no alternative.
It is hoped tht Miss Mantle will tender her resignation as requested, otherwise I am sure steps will be taken to terminate her employment.
Yours faithfully
(un-named)
Clerk of the Council
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Meeting of the Free Library Committee 23rd November 1934
The Clerk reported that the Council at their Meeting held on 14th instant, adopted the Committee's recommendation that Miss M Perkins be appointed Librarian at a salary of £135 per annum.
It was agreed as follows:-
The duties to be the usual ones of Librarian, including the minor repair of books when necessary, and that the hours of duty be from 9am to 12.30pm and 4pm to 8pm each weekday with the exception of Thursday, when only the morning duty be performed.
Two weeks' holiday annually be allowed, the Librarian to provide a substitute for that period, to be approved by the Chairman and Clerk, at the expense of the Council. In case of absence from duty, for whatever reason, other than holiday, a substitute to be provided, to be approved by the Chairman and Clerk, at the expense of the librarian.
Lending Library
It was resolved that as from 1st December, 1934, the hours of lending be from 11 to 12 each morning, and from 6pm to 8pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 5pm to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Medical Examination
In accordance with the terms of the appointment of the new Librarian, it was resolved that Miss Perkins be examined by Dr R W Davies as to physical fitness, and the Clerk was instructed to make the necessary arrangements.
Temporary Librarian
Attention was called to the services rendered by Mrs Stringer as temporary Librarian during the past four months, and also to the great assistance rendered by her during the illness of the late librarian, Miss Mantle, and the Clerk was instructed to convey to her the Committee’s thanks therefor.
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