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and at a later, better-attended meeting the proposal was voted down and the Library Board resigned. So the library remained at Gemmill's as before. After this first split among members, the Hollyburn Library emerged stronger and the new Board was "fired with energy and enthusiasm," the library prospered, membership grew and fund-raising events were again well attended. Council made no commitment for annual grants, but in May (1929) approved one of $50.00. In 1930 things continued to go well. By September, 1931 there was still an air of optimism, and in spite of hard times, 250 new books were purchased, in addition to 400 received through the Public Library Commission. Annual circulation was 15,000. In January, 1932 there was some discontent among the Board as attendance at meetings fell off, and the same occurred at the February, 1933 Annual Meeting. Provincial grants to libraries had always been small (Hollyburn's ranged from $12.94 to $6.34 annually) but money for libraries was sharply reduced in the Thirties and eventually cut off entirely for some years. Many small libraries in B.C. folded, being unable to raise enough money to carry on, and it appears that this was the fate of the Hollyburn Library. In August 1935, there was a sale of all the books at Gemmill's store. The library had not submitted an annual statement for several years and the sale was a public announcement of its demise. Failure of such small libraries was not surprising in the light of harsh economic times. So the little Hollyburn Library which started with such high hopes became a casualty of the Great Depression. It lasted longer than many and was sadly missed. However by the mid-thirties, there were several small libraries scattered conveniently throughout West Van operated by merchants (with stationery, gift or book shops), offering an unlimited choice of books at small monthly fees from 25 cents to 65 cents. Nevertheless West Vancouverites still dreamed of the day when, the Depression over, they would once again have a public library, hopefully a larger, permanent one. But when the Depression finally ended, World War II began and with the all-out effort to meet the needs of war, all such dreams were put on hold, but were not abandoned. (To be continued) Don't forget the Book Sale! Many hands make light work. Tony Scammell Editor