The Great Library Misery

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The executive committee of the Grouch Club meets in the office of the Grouch Master to review an application for membership from Mr. F.T. Smith. As the Grouch Master reads Mr. Smith's letter, we see the events enacted. He's been in the city two weeks and goes to the free public library to check out James Hilton's "We Are Not Alone." The librarian explains to what he must do as a new resident to get his card: complete an application, have a property owner vouch for him, be in the phone book, or own a home are four ways to qualify. Mr. Smith tries strategy after strategy: will he ever get to read Hilton's book? And what about his application to join the club?