Association Memories

IN indulging in these reminiscences of days before the war of 1914–18, and set forth in the comparative tranquillity of the late thirties, I am preparing the way as it were to pay a tribute to the organisations which have made it possible for me to enjoy the privileges which have been mine, and to commend to you the benefits to be derived from taking advantage of the spirit of association. By taking active part in the affairs of the former Library Assistants' Association I entered a world which vastly increased my knowledge of human nature, intensified my interest in everything appertaining to libraries and librarianship, and provided me with a host of friends such as any man might be proud to boast about. Though well aware that temperament plays an extraordinarily important part in this matter, and equally alive to the fact that possibly I might have found the same happiness in Nalgo, Freemasonic, Photographic or any similar circle, I cannot help feeling that one's vocation has a paramount claim over all others, and that by allying oneself to any organisation having the furtherance of one's life‐work as its purpose, such a sphere offers the greatest opportunities for self‐expression, and the exercise of the creative impulse. Perhaps my enthusiasm deludes me into imagining golden glories where only bleak desolation exists, but it would take a lot to convince me of error in this direction, feeling absolutely confident that anyone who is willing to give cheerful service in promoting the welfare of his own professional organisation will not go unrewarded.