The Sub-Librarians Scion of the Baker Street Irregulars in the American Library Association

Students of all ages are attracted to the character of Sherlock Holmes. How can this curiosity be harnessed into active learning experiences in a course structure? Drake University Professor Michael Couvillon and Professor/Library Dean Emeritus Rod Henshaw draw on their experience teaching courses for both first-year college students and for older adults to demonstrate how Holmes' and Watson's methods can be translated into four life-long learning skills: Interaction, Introspection, lntercultural Awareness, and Information Literacy. Participate in active learning exercises that demonstrate Sherlock's methods and serve as springboards for acquiring learning skills; learn proven techniques for use of media, library materials, and other resources; and gain insight into generating joy in the learning experience.

About the Meeting

The Sub-Librarians and Red Circle scion societies of the Baker Street Irregulars will hold a joint meeting during the American Library Association Annual Conference in Washington, DC. The event will take place at the District ChopHouse and will feature keynote speaker Marsha Pollak.

This event is co-sponsored by CORE: Leadership Infrastructure Futures, a division of the American Library Association.

About the Keynote Speaker

Marsha Pollak is a retired librarian who lives in San Jose, California. She is a member of The Baker Street Irregulars (BSI), the Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes (ASH), and several local scion societies across the United States, and has served as the chair of The Sub-Librarians for 40 years.

Marsha’s career and marriage have taken her from her native Cincinnati to New York, Florida, Texas, and California, joining scion societies along the way. As a member of the BSI (her investiture is "A Small but Select Library"), she coordinates the BSI Trust’s Oral History Project, serves as general editor for the BSI Press Professions Series, and presents the "Standing on the Terrace" memorial remembrances at the BSI annual dinners.

In addition, The Sub-Librarians and The Red Circle will continue their traditional, irregular toasts. And, no doubt, Dana Richards of The Red Circle will present yet another diabolical quiz.

Dinner and Reservations

Dinner at the District ChopHouse will cost $70.00 per person, including tax and tip. Reservations and advance payment is required no later than June 17th.

Contact George H. Scheetz to request dinner reservations and make payment arrangements:

The District ChopHouse is located at 509 7th Street NW in the District. See a map here. The dinner meeting will take place in The Vault, on the lower level. There is an elevator

The nearest Metro stops are Judiciary Square, Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter, and Gallery Place Chinatown

NOTE: In order to best provide the safest gathering possible, proof of COVID vaccination will be required to attend our dinner. We are instituting this policy to best protect everyone attending, and to follow the CDC's best-suggested practices. You will be asked to provide proof of full vaccination, including booster.

On the Buffet

• Chicken Picatta (scallopini chicken, lemon, artichoke, capers)
• Oven Baked Salmon (served with roasted corn scallion relish)
• White Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
• Freshly baked corn bread and honey butter
• Coffee and Iced Tea

There will be a cash bar (wine and beer).

The Sub-Librarians Scion of the Baker Street Irregulars in The American Library Association, the oldest profession-oriented group related to Sherlock Holmes, welcomes author Bonnie MacBird, who will be interviewed by Peggy Perdue, librarian and fellow Sherlockian. MacBird will talk about topics such as the process of writing, the role of women in Victorian times, and how she met Sherlock Holmes. Her dramatic reading will provide a taste of her newest book, The Three Locks, which serves as a prequel to her earlier works. This program is co-sponsored by CORE.

Please register in advance for this free virtual 1:30PM Central Time meeting.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

The in-person conference of the American Library Association was switched to virtual only, and therefore the Sub-Librarians meeting was cancelled.

"Horror and Mystery Photoplay Editions: What are they? Why do they fascinate? How do they help historians find lost films?" All fans of mystery and crime fiction are invited to join the Sub-Librarians for its 43rd (irregulars) annual gathering. Sherlock Holmes has been featured in films since the silent movie era so it’s no surprise that he also has been featured in the classic photoplay edition books and magazines that Hollywood has used to promote its product. Come hear retired reference librarian Thomas Mann, author of two books based on his own collection of photoplay editions, talk about the Sherlockian aspects of the old movie tie-ins and the genre in general.

Mann, who spent more than three decades serving patrons at the Library of Congress, will speak at a joint dinner meeting of the Sub-Librarians Scion of the Baker Street Irregulars in the American Library Association and the Red Circle of Washington on Friday, June 21, 2019, from 7 to 10 p.m. This meeting is sponsored by ALCTS.

Thomas Mann, former private investigator, is an independent scholar living in Washington, D.C. He is the author of The Oxford Guide to Library Research (Oxford University Press, 2015) and of Horror and Mystery Photoplay Editions and Magazine Fictionizations (McFarland, 2004; Vol. II, BearManor Media, 2016). In addition to his collection of photoplay editions, Mann has written Doc at the Reference Desk, a book of fictional stories about working in the Library of Congress, and A Christmas Carol at 221B, a Sherlock Holmes pastiche.

Cost is $50.00, including tax and tip for a buffet dinner offering chophouse salad, oven-baked salmon, chicken piccata, white cheddar mashed potatoes, and an assorted dessert table. There will be a cash bar (wine and craft beer), and a vegetarian entree is available if requested in advance with reservation.

Send your check, payable to Peter E. Blau, to Marsha Pollak, 1318 Mildred Ave. San Jose, CA. 95125. Checks must be received by Monday, June17.

All fans of mystery and crime fiction are invited to join the Sub-Librarians for its 41st (irregular) annual gathering. Many Sherlockians have a passion for collecting all things relating to Sherlock Holmes—books, movies, games, dolls, and even chocolates—but there is a point when collecting crosses the line and becomes hoarding. In this presentation, Monica M. Schmidt, a licensed mental health counselor, will explore the pathology of hoarding. Monica M. Schmidt, ASH—that is, Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes—lives near Iowa City. She is the president of The Younger Stamfords, the Sherlock Holmes Society of Iowa City and a member of numerous Sherlockian societies, including The Hounds of the Baskerville (sic) in Chicago and The Norwegian Explorers of Minnesota. When not engaging in Sherlockian events or attending film festivals, Monica works as a mental health counselor specializing in the treatment of substance abuse and is a member of the film critic staff for Cedar Rapids radio station, KCCK. This program is sponsored by ALCTS (Association for Library Collections and Technical Services).

Tim Johnson, E.W. McDiarmid Curator of the Sherlock Holmes Collections at the University of Minnesota Libraries will be giving a presentation titled "A View from the Sherlock Holmes Collections at the University of Minnesota". Tim will offer observations (and, perhaps, heretical thoughts) on various aspects of the Holmesian world, a Minnesotan smorgasbord of Sherlockian food for thought, ponderings on Conan Doyle's relationship to his work, the current state of Holmesian fandom, and recent Sherlockian media manifestations including BBC's "Sherlock" and CBS's "Elementary."

This program is sponsored by ALCTS (Association for Library Collections and Technical Services)

All fans of mystery and crime fiction are invited to join the Sub-Librarians on Sunday afternoon for its 39th (irregular) annual Sherlockian salon (as in “a fashionable assemblage of notables”). Following a round of traditional toasts, a literary figure of note will speak to the assembled mysterians.

This program is sponsored by ALCTS (Association for Library Collections and Technical Services).

View website for event.

Marsha Pollak welcomed everyone to the 38th (Irregular) meeting, briefly mentioning the history of the group. Toasts followed: Lomax by George Scheetz; Sherlock Holmes by Gary Thaden; Hill Barton by Chuck Huber; Baron Gruner by Randall Stock; and Kitty Winter by Paula Perry (in absentia.)

Emily Brightwell spoke to the Sub-Librarians and all Sherlockians and mystery fans Sunday afternoon.

This program was sponsored by ALCTS (Association for Library Collections and Technical Services).

Emily Brightwell lives in Northern California and to date, has written forty-four novels. She is currently working on the 34th book in the popular “Mrs. Jeffries” series of mysteries.

Brasserie, The Cavalier, afterwards for dinner.

Two Decades with The Beekeeper's Apprentice and Sherlock Holmes

Marsha Pollak welcomed everyone to the 37th (Irregular) Annual meeting Monday morning. The traditional toasts were given: Lomax by Paula Perry (in absentia); Sherlock Holmes by Gary Thaden; Hill Barton by George Scheetz (in absentia); Baron Gruner by Joe Coppola; and Kitty Winter by Elaine Coppola.

Laurie R. King spoke to the Sub-Librarians and all Sherlockians and mystery fans. Celebrating the Twentieth anniversary of the first of Mary Russell's memoirs, The Beekeeper's Apprentice, Laurie talked about the adventures shared by Russell and the World's Greatest Consulting Detective.

This program was sponsored by ALCTS (Association for Library Collections and Technical Services). Laurie R. King is the New York Times bestselling author of 22 novels and other works, including the Mary Russell-Sherlock Holmes stories (from The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, named one of the 20th century’s best crime novels by the IMBA, to 2014′s Dreaming Spies). She has won or been nominated for an alphabet of prizes from Agatha to Wolfe, been chosen as guest of honor at several crime conventions, and is probably the only writer to have both an Edgar and an honorary doctorate in theology. She was inducted into the Baker Street Irregulars in 2010, as “The Red Circle”. From the author's website.

An afternoon with Sherlock Holmes sponsored by ALCTS, the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services. At the 36th (Irregular) Annual meeting, Marsha Pollak welcomed the group, local area scion representatives brought greetings, and the traditional toasts followed: Lomax, The Sub-Librarian of the London Library by George Scheetz; Sherlock Holmes, Bookman and Special Librarian by Gary Thaden; Hill Barton (John H. Watson, M.D.), Library Patron by Susan Diamond; Baron Gruner, Collector by Marsha Pollak; and Kitty Winter, a Wronged Woman by Lyndsay Faye.

Charles Finch, author of the Charles Lennox series of mysteries set in Victorian era England, spoke. He presented through the courtesy of Macmillan Publishers, who also provided books for signing.

Local assistance thanks to Susan Diamond of the Criterion Bar Association, Don Terras of the Hounds of the Baskerville (sic), and other scions for spreading the word.

The Sub-Librarians, members of the Criterion Bar, and local Sherlockians met at Blackie's in Chicago on Sunday, July 12th at 12:00pm. Marsha Pollak, Sub-Librarians, and Allan Devitt of The Criterion Bar Association welcomed the group. The traditional toasts were made: Lomax by Valli Hoski; Sherlock Holmes by Bob Coghill; Hill Barton by George Scheetz; Baron Gruner by Marsha Pollak; and Kitty Winter by Gayle L. Puhl. The featured speaker was Jon L. Lellenberg, presenting "History Detective: Researching the BSI Archival Histories."

Lellenberg has written numerous volumes on the history of the Baker Street Irregulars, and presented on his detective work and some of his most interesting discoveries from the BSI's origins and early decades.

View full text of speech.

Local arrangements thanks to Susan Diamond and Allan Devitt of the Criterion Bar Association of Chicago.

The Sub-Librarians, the Trained Cormorants, the Curious Collectors of Baker Street, and other local Sherlockians met on June 29th, 2008 from 4:00pm-5:30pm in Room 207 D in the Anaheim Convention Center for the 34th (Irregular) Annual meeting. Marsha Pollak and John Farrell, a member of The Trained Cormorants, welcomed the group, and the traditional toasts followed.

Leslie S. Klinger, one of the world's foremost authorities on Sherlock Holmes and Dracula presented on the twin icons of the Victorian era: Dracula, Sherlock Holmes, and Other Victorian Friends.

Klinger is the editor of the three-volume collection of the short stories and novels, THE NEW ANNOTATED SHERLOCK HOLMES, published by W.W. Norton in 2004 and 2005, winner of the Edgar Award for Best Critical/Biographical Work and nominated for other major awards in the mystery genre.

His presentation referenced his latest work, THE NEW ANNOTATED DRACULA, published by W.W. Norton on October 31, 2008.

Thank you to the Curious Collectors of Baker Street and The Trained Cormorants of Long Beach for their help in organizing this gathering, and especially to Vinnie Brosnan for the keepsakes: Photograph of the London Library, Rerpint of The Case of the Illustrious Predecessor from the Wilson Library Bulletin and The Sherlock Holmes Mother Goose.

Members of the Sub-Librarians and the Red Circle of Washington met for dinner at the National Press Club during the ALA Annual Conference in Washington, DC on Monday, June 25th, 2007 from 6:30pm-8:30pm

Marsha Pollak, Sub-Librarians, and Peter E. Blau of the Red Circle of Washington welcomed the group and were hosts to a night of Sherlockian toasts and presentations. Speakers included Daniel Stashower, author of Teller of Tales: The Life of Arthur Conan Doyle, Gayle T. Harris, former librarian at the Library of Congress, and Francine Swift, long-time member and former chair of the Sub-Librarians. Francine revealed the traditional close of a Sub-Librarians gathering, the reading of Vincent Starrett's poem, "221B", is to be read in unison by all attendees. Juxtaposing the new and the old: Christy Allen has created a Sub-Librarians website, and Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson were also in attendance.

A small group of Sub-Librarians met for dinner at the Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant in downtown New Orleans on June 26th, 2006 from 6pm to 8pm.

At the 31st (Irregular) Annual meeting, the Sub-Librarians toured the Arthur Conan Doyle Collection, one of the world's finest collections of materials by and about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, at the Toronto Reference Library. Marsha Pollak, Doug Wrigglesworth of the Friends of Arthur Conan Doyle and Bob Coghill of the Bootmakers welcomed the group. Victoria Gill, Curator, gave an introduction to the Collection, emphasizing Sherlock Holmes. Afterwards there was a "Coffee and Sticky Buns" light reception, hosted by The Bootmakers of Toronto, the local Sherlock Holmes scion society. Bob Coghill gave a talk and slide presentation. The Sub-Librarians met and mingled with the Bootmakers and the Friends of the ACD Collection.

Marsha Pollak and the Confederates of Wisteria Lodge welcomed the Sub-Librarians to the 30th (Irregular) annual meeting in Atlanta. The traditional toasts were given, and we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the publication of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles.

Tim Johnson, Curator of Special Collections and Rare Books at the University of Minnesota Libraries, spoke on "The Hound Underground: Sherlockian Exploits in a State-of-the-Art Library Facility." He talked about both the renowned holdings of the Sherlock Holmes Collection, focusing on the Hound, and the Elmer L. Andersen Library's arrangement of underground storage and research facilities.

Courtesy of Jon Lellenberg, a reproduction of Elmer Davis' "A Message to American Librarians," about the continuing importance of libraries in war-time, was distributed to each attendee. Elmer Davis, noted Sherlockian and author of the Baker Street Irregulars' Constitution and Buy-Laws, was director of the Office of War Information in Washington, D.C. The message was originally published in the Bulletin of the American Library Association on October 1, 1942.

Thanks to Bill Leonard, Kitty Klein and Kay Pinckney for local assistance.

Marsha Pollak welcomed the Sub-Librarians and members of local scions, including the Scowrers and Molly Maguires, the Tide-Waiters, the Knights of the Gnomon, and Disjecta Membra, to the 29th (Irregular) annual meeting. Once again the group met in the Savoy Room (now a Crowne Plaza Hotel) and had a delicious afternoon tea with tea sandwiches, scones and pastries.

The traditional toasts were made to Lomax by Marc Kaufman, to Sherlock Holmes by Joe Coppola, to Baron Gruner by Bridget Stearns, to Kitty Winter by Alberta Hankenson, and to Hill Barton.

Dianne Day was our featured speaker. Day is the author of the Fremont Jones mystery stories. The first book in this series, The Strange Files of Fremont Jones, was set in 1905 San Francisco where Fremont has a career as a "type-writer" and buys a copy of Collier's Weekly with the latest Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes mystery.

The meeting closed with the reading of "221B."

The Sub-Librarians planned and advertised a program with renowned science fiction and fantasy author Philip Jose Farmer. George Scheetz was instrumental in making that introduction. However, due to ill health, Farmer was unable to travel and had to cancel close to the program date.

However, on very short notice, Ace Atkins agreed to come to Chicago and speak to the group. Atkins had spoken to a very appreciative group of Sub-Librarians the previous year in New Orleans, and he gave another stellar performance in Chicago. He talked about his new book, Leaving' Trunk Blues, which is another Nick Travers mystery, this one set in Chicago, from St. Martin's Press.

St. Martin's also stepped up and offered to have author M.C. Beaton join Ace as a speaker. M.C. Beaton is a pseudonym of Marion Chesney, who may be best known as the author of romance novels set during the English Regency. Her first detective story as M.C. Beaton came out for St. Martin's in 1985. She has two series-one set in Scotland with Hamish Macbeth and one set in the Cotswolds with Agatha Raisin.

St. Martin's generously provided copies of both authors' books for signing after the program.

Marsha Pollak chaired the program, welcomed the audience, explained the change in speakers, called for toasts and introduced the authors.

The Sub-Librarians gathered in New Orleans' French Quarter at the Royal Sonesta Hotel to hear Ace Atkins, reporter for the Tampa Tribune, talk about his first book, Crossroad Blues. It immediately became apparent that the Bourbon room, which sat 50, was woefully inadequate. Hotel staff graciously moved the meeting to the hotel courtyard, setting up 200 chairs for the overflow crowd, which included members of the local Sherlockian scion, The Mystick Krewe of Sherlock Holmes, and the Friends of Mary Russell.

Marsha Pollak welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced Atkins, who talked about his first book and took questions from the audience. Crossroad Blues is a mystery set in contemporary New Orleans with a plot centered around the 1938 murder of legendary guitarist Robert Johnson. Because of the size of the crowd, the walking tour of places in the novel had to be canceled.

The Sub-Librarians joined The Red Circle of Washington for drinks and dinner at the National Press Club. Marsha Pollak was unable to attend due to a major library renovation in California, and Maxine Reneker very capably stood in to host the program with Peter Blau. Toasts were given by visiting Sub-Librarians and locals: Lomax by Rosemary Michaud, Sherlock Holmes by Frank Sadowsky, Hill Barton by Barbara Lattimer, Baron Gruner by Eugenia Ryner and 221B by Ray de Groat.

Our senior Sub-Librarian, Francine Morris Swift, spoke about the "Good Old Days of the Sub-Librarians." Francine followed founder John Bennett Shaw as Chair. She attended her first Sub-Librarians meeting at the second gathering of the Sub-Librarians in 1968 in Kansas City, Missouri.

Gayle T. Harris, retired librarian from the Library of Congress, spoke about "Skeletons in the Stacks" and Peter Blau's topic was "Insights and Revelations on the World of Sherlockian Scholarship and Conviviality."

The meeting closed with a read of "221B."

Marsha Pollak and Robert Steele welcomed the Sub-Librarians to the Holiday Inn for afternoon tea once again and reminded them to take a look at the shadow boxes representing Sherlockian stories and the re-creation of 221B sitting room after the program. Greetings from various scions were given: Steele from the Scowrers and Molly Maguires, Michael Kean from the Diogenes Club of Monterey, and Ray de Groat of the Persian Slipper Club. Everyone then stood and sang "God Save the Queen."

The traditional toasts were given to Sherlock Holmes, to Lomax by Maxine Reneker, to Hill Barton by Don Yates, to Baron Gruner by Frank Sadowsky, and to Kitty Winter by Rosemary Michaud. This last was a particularly rousing ditty, a tribute in song to Kitty, sung "expressively" by Michaud.

Our first speaker, Ron Miller, is the award winning, syndicated television columnist for The San Jose Mercury News. The author of Mystery! A Celebration: Stalking Public Television's Greatest Sleuths, he spoke on detectives on the small screen.

Paula Brown, our next speaker, is a well-known Sherlockian who started a scion called The Noble West Enders. Paula is an expert on, and paid tribute to, the late Jeremy Brett, portrayer of Holmes on Mystery!

The meeting ended with the singing of "A Song for Sub-Librarians" and the reading of Vincent Starrett's poem "221B." Many then walked across the hall to the S.Holmes Esq. Pub for a drink and more conversation.

At the 24th (Irregular) meeting, the Sub-Librarians met with members of several New York City area Sherlockian scion societies, including the Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes and Montague Street Lodgers, at the Renaissance Hotel. A last minute room change moved the group into the bar area, very handy for toasts. Paula Perry made the toast to Lomax, Joe Coppola to Sherlock Holmes, Frank Sadowski to Hill Barton, Bill Vande Water to Baron Gruner, and Maxine Reneker to Kitty Winter.

Susan Rice, author of A Compound of Excelsior, spoke on "Sherlock Holmes: Possessor or Possessed," dealing with conservation and classification. She revealed her belief that there are only two ways to divide the human race: everyone is either an accumulator or discarder. She then proceeded to apply her findings to the Canon and Sherlock Holmes.

The meeting closed with a reading of "221B" and the singing of "A Song for Sub-Librarians."

Local arrangements and thanks go to Paula Perry, ASH and Andrew J. Peck, BSI.

At the 23rd (Irregular) meeting, the Sub-Librarians greeted members of multiple Chicago area scion societies at the Harold Washington Library Center. The meeting began with a champagne and dessert reception in the lower lobby and then moved into the video theater for the program. Toasts were given by Katherine Rankin, Deborah Schlesinger and others.

Marsha Pollak, ASH, welcomed everyone and introduced Ely. M. Liebow, professor of English at Northeastern Illinois University and author of Dr. Joe Bell: Model for Sherlock Holmes. Liebow spoke on the topic "Let a Woman in Your Life: The Women in Arthur Conan Doyle's Life and Fiction."

The Sub-Librarians joined The Tropical Deerstalkers for drinks and dinner at the Sheraton River House. Edna Buchanan, Pulitzer Prize-winning Miami Herald reporter and author, was the featured speaker. Buchanan talked about her newest book, Miami It's Murder, a plot featuring bad cops, a serial rapist, and a politician with a dark past. She also included personal remarks to ALA members.

The story Dancing Men was discussed.

Eve Titus, author of the Basil of Baker Street books also joined the gathering and signed books.p

Many thanks to Arlyn Katims of the Tropical Deerstalkers.

Marsha Pollak, ASH, welcomed everyone to the 21st (Irregular) annual meeting of the Sub-Librarians. Toasts were given to Lomax by Doris Dale, Sherlock Holmes by Frank Sadowski, Hill Barton by Douglas Cook, Baron Gruner by Ellen Ellickson and Kitty Winter by Connie Walker. Jon Lazar, Supervisor of Technical Services at Rochester Public Library, gave a slide presentation on Sherlock Holmes on the stage and screen.

The meeting ended with the reading of "221B" and the singing of "A Song for Sub-Librarians." Those interested in dining in the Big Easy continued on.

Please join the Sublibrarians Scion of the Baker Street Irregulars in the American Library Association at the S. Holmes Esq. for A Victorian High Tea including assorted teas, tea sandwiches, scones, shortbread cookies and strawberries with Devonshire cream and fascinating talks by Colonel Ted Schulz, winner of the Two-Shilling award from the BSI, on the Strand Magazine, and Poul Anderson noted science fiction and mystery writer.

Welcome by Marsha Pollak and Robert Steele, Bodymaster of the Scowrers and Molly Maguires. The obligatory toasts: Lomax, given by Maxine Reneker; Sherlock Holmes, a limerick by Rosemary Michaud; Hill Barton by Doris Dale; Baron Gruner by Ted Schulz; and Kitty Winter by Eugenia Winter. An additional toast was given to Irene Adler by Phyllis White and a Standing on the Terrace by Ray de Groat as well as a spirited singing of "A Song for Sub-Librarians." The meeting closed with a reading of 221B.

Jennie C. Paton, Media Services Librarian, gave a multi-media presentation on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, showing the 1929 Fox interview, and the Sherlock Holmes stories, showing how they have been used in various commercials.

Marsha Pollak, ASH, and Bill Leonard welcomed the group to the 19th (Irregular) annual meeting of the Sub-Librarians. Obligatory toasts were given to Lomax by Maxine Reneker; Sherlock Holmes by Ruth Carr; Hill Barton by Ed Oram; Baron Gruner by Doug Highsmith, and Kitty Winter by Eugenia Winter. Bob Ludemann and Kay Pinckney also gave toasts.

Door prizes were courtesy of Players Press, Inc. and the meeting ended with a reading of "221B" by Vincent Starrett.

Local arrangements and thanks to Maxine Reneker, Kay Pinckney, Bill and Mary Leonard and Steve Schaefer.

Forget Eliot Ness! The original untouchable comes to Big Al's hometown. Norman M. Davis, BSI will present a lecture on the Master Detective and share Sherlockiana from his collection. Refreshments will follow. There will be the customary toasts to Lomax, Sherlock Holmes, Hill Barton, Baron Gruner and Kitty Winter. Anyone wishing to give a canonical toast may notify Maxine Reneker or Marsha Pollak upon arrival. Local arrangement thanks to Maxine Reneker.

100 years for Sherlock Holmes; 50 years for the Golden Gate Bridge. Tthe 17th (Irregular) annual meeting took place in the Savoy Room, adjacent to the S. Holmes Esq. Pub on the 30th floor of the Holiday Inn-Union Square. The program included a Victorian high tea, announcements/toasts, Sherlockian door prizes, and a reading of Vincent Starrett's "221B". Presenters included Howard Lachtman, writer of "Sherlock Slept Here," on Conan Doyle's San Francisco Visits and Otto Penzler, publisher of the Mysterious Press, on the increasing popularity of mystery fiction. Local arrangements thanks to Eugenia Winter for her spectacular planning.

At the 16th (Irregular) Annual Meeting, library personnel from all over the United States met at KeensRestaurant with representatives of several local societies, including the Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes, the Montague Street Lodgers of Brooklyn and The Three Garridebs. The program included toasts, Sherlockian door prizes, a reading of the poem "221B" by Vincent Starrett, and a presentation by Andrew J. Peck, editor of "The Commonplace Book," discussing his experiences as a collector of Sherlockiania. Local arrangements thanks to Paula J. Perry, ASH.

A Sherlockian cocktail party at the Newberry Library, featuring wine, soft drinks, hors d'oevres, and displays of Sherlockian books, including books which might have been found in Holmes's own library. Gunnar Sundin, of the Criterion Bar Association, gave a talk on Sherlock Holmes's London Today. George Scheetz read Vincent Starrett's poem "221B". Local arrangements thanks to Karen Skubish of the Newberry Library.

The Crew of the Barque "Lone Star" are delighted to welcome The Sub-Librarians and The 1st Bangalore Pioneers to the Grand Sallon of the Barque "Lone Star" on this 24th Day of June, A.H. 151. There is no formal program planned, but we would like very much for a number of our members to present Sub-Librarian toasts. Dinner is at the Old Spaghetti Warehouse. The cost is $10.00 for veal parmigiana, spaghetti, salad, bread and drink. The Crew offers the song The Irish Ballad.

This was the Thirteenth (Irregular) Annual Meeting of the Sublibrarians Scion with the Non-Canonical Calabashes of Los Angeles. On Friday evening there was an informal cocktail party in the Biltmore. On Saturday evening the main meeting at the Biltmore Hotel was chaired by Sean Wright, the Cherrywood of the Non-Canonical Calabashes, and Marsha Pollak of the Sub-Librarians. George Scheetz was unable to attend. The program included canonical toasts given by Lloyd Shapoff, The Cherrywood (aka Sean Wright), Robert Kirste, Barbara Elder, Susan Carger, Dorothea Brown, Donna Crosland, Norma Butts, and Heidi and Denny Ward. Toasts were followed by the Ash Ceremonial, an induction ceremony for new members also called "The Musgrace Ritual". Other items on the program included a quiz related to "The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans" organized by Willis Frick and the following presentations:

"V.R. - It's Real Significance!" by Robert Kirste

"Thirty Years: I was Irene Adler's Butler... and a Red Herring to Doctor Watson" by Mr. John Abbott, eminent actor, who appeared in Pursuit to Algiers and Sherlock Holmes in New York.

"Bedevilled Angel" an episode of the "Rosetti & Ryan" television series (1977-1978) based on the Sherlock Holmes story "The Red-Headed League" followed by a discussion by Mr. Leonard Stern and Mr. Don Mankiewicz, producer and story editor, respectively, for the "Rosetti & Ryan" series.

The program included: greetings, roll call, announcements, toasts, scion reports (from the Sub-Librarians and the Master's Class), Breaks, Farewell, and the following presentations:

"Christopher Morley on the Road to Baker Street" by Steven Rothman, SOCB

"Was Sherlock Holmes Illiterate?" by Peter E. Blau, BSI

"Sending Down to Stamfords" by J.B. Post

Books donated by Avon Books

"Quiz" created by John Bennett Shaw, BSI (in absentia)

Marsha Pollak and George Scheetz met at the S. Holmes Esq. Pub to discuss the revival of the Sub-Librarians Scion of the Baker Street Irregulars after 4 years of inactivity

The program included a simple cocktail buffet at 6pm held at the apartment of Francine Morris Swift (nee Margaret F. Morris) with members of the Red Circle. The buffet was followed by a screening of "A Study in Terror" at the American Film Institute at 8pm.

Program included toasts, a quiz compounded by John Bennett Shaw, sundry reports, sales pitches, etc., and the "Song for Sub-Librarians", a Sherlockian poem set to the tune of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Francine Morris Swift presiding.

Viewing of the film "A Study in Terror" at the American Film Institute

The program includes toasts by John Nieminski, Marilyn Levinson, Jon Lasar, Marcia Jebb, John Storck, and John Harvey. There was also a quiz by John Bennett Shaw, honors by Ely Liebow, and a recording of Basil Rathbone reading the Vincent Starrett poem "221B". The following presentations were also given:

"Tribute to Allie Beth Martin, founding Sub-Librarian and President of the American Library Association" by Hunter Miracle

"Greetings from the Sub-Librarians Scion of the Sherlock Holmes Society of London within the Canadian Library Association" by John Barkhill

"The Adventure of the Aged Librarian" by Bob Hahn, B.S.I.

Program includes toasts, sentiments from Dean W. Dickensheet of the Baker Street Irregulars, luncheon presided over by Francine Morris Swift and the following presentations:

"Hatty Doran's San Francisco" by Richard H, Dillon, Sutro Library

"Holmes, Blackmail, and Early English Charters" by Margaret F. Morris

"The Horrible Headline Quiz" by John Bennett Shaw, B.S.I.

"221B" by Vincent Starrett

Program included drinks, annual luncheon, toasts, and quiz.

The Sixth Conference Program includes a chant led by Edward S. Lauterbach; toasts by Francine Morris, Edward Lauterbach, John Nieminski, Helen Quinn, and David Levinson; and a reading of the Vincent Starrett poem "221B" by Robert W. Hahn. The presentation was:

"Hogs, Holmes, and Harpoons" by Gayle Lange Puhl

The program included toasts from Helen Quinn, Dr. J.H. Shera, Francine Morris, and Laverne Prewitt. Research papers were presented by Jason Rouby, B.S.I; E.W. McDiarmid, B.S.I, and John N. Storck, Chief Drone of the Beekeepers of Lima, Ohio. In lieu of a toast and as a tribute to The Great Detective a reading of "221B Baker Street" Vincent Starrett's noted sonnet given by John Bennett Shaw, B.S.I.

The Fourth Annual Meeting of the Sub-Librarian Scion of the B.S.I. in A.L.A. program includes toasts by Russell McLauchlin, Harry Hartman, and William T. Rabe, a slideshow with commentary by James Stokley, addresses by Francine Morris and David Skene Melvin, as well as socializing and reading the Vincent Starrett poem "221B'.

Credit and thanks to Robert H. Schutz, B.S.I. for the Watson entry library card, to Edward S. Lauterbach, B.S.I. for the poem by his late father Charles E. Lauterbach, B.S.I. and to Henry Lauritzen, B.S.I., for the illustrations to the poem, both here published for the first time.

Program includes drinks, luncheon, toasts, conversation, chit-chat, witticisms, bon mots, a quiz created by John Bennett Shaw, a reading of the Vincent Starrett poem "221B", and two distinguished monographs presented by John N. Storck and Rev. Henry T. Folsom.

The Sub-Librarians Scion of the B.S.I. in A.L.A. will hold its Second Annual Meeting during the American Library Association Annual Conference. Cost $4.00 plus cash bar. Menu -- Beef (what else in Kansas City).

This Scion is open to all Sherlockians, of either sex, who are in any way in the world of libraries. We will have some papers (an excellent one is already scheduled) and volunteers will be welcome.

We will be joined by the local members of The Great Alkali Plainsmen, the Kansas City Area Scion Society.

John Bennett Shaw and Howard Haycraft conceived the idea of a Sherlockian library group at The Baker Street Irregulars Dinner in January 1967. The first meeting of The Sub-Librarians of the Baker Street Irregulars in the American Library Association took place at a luncheon six months later on June 28 during the Annual American Library Association conference. Local Scowrers and Molly Maguires attending included Robert Steele, Dean and Shirley Dickensheet, Phyllis and Tony White (aka Anthony Boucher), Helan Halbach of Santa Barbara and Ray de Groat.

In addition to Shaw and Haycraft, other guests included Molly Haycraft, Keith Jennison, and Luther Norris.

The large-type edition of Sherlock Holmes' Greatest Cases, with an introduction by Haycraft, had been recently published. The book was distributed to everyone present, and was autographed by Haycraft, who was active in the Round Table on Service to the Blind among many ALA committees, and Jennison, its publisher.