Why do we need a public library? Part 7

NEW YORK LIBRARIES.

SOME ADVANTAGES OF MUNIc.i.p.aL CONTROL

First--A free public library under munic.i.p.al control has a regular, known income, which increases with the growth of the munic.i.p.ality.

Second--It is not dependent solely upon subscriptions, contributions and the proceeds of entertainments arranged for its benefit.

Third--With an income that is certain, the trustees are able to make plans for the future, and more economically administer the affairs of the library.

Fourth--A munic.i.p.ally-controlled library is owned by the people, and experience has demonstrated that they take a much greater interest in an inst.i.tution belonging to them.

Fifth--Public libraries supplement the work of the public schools.

"Reading maketh a full man," wrote Lord Bacon; and Thomas Carlyle thus expressed the same idea: "The true university of these days is a collection of books." Libraries, like the schools, should be supported by the people.

Sixth--The library is not a charity; neither should it be regarded as a luxury, but rather as a necessity, and be maintained in the same manner that the schools, parks, fire departments and public roads are maintained--through the tax levy.

Seventh--Where all contribute the burden is not felt; each aiding according to his ability.

Eighth--Permanency is acquired for the library, and many valuable governmental, state and other publications may be obtained without cost, a privilege that is often denied to subscription libraries.

Ninth--The trustees and librarian are not hampered in their work by inability to collect subscriptions or the failure of an entertainment to return a profit.

Tenth--There is a more efficient and closer co-operation with the public schools and other munic.i.p.al inst.i.tutions and interests.

Eleventh--Public ownership secures more democratic service and broadness in administration.

Finally--All are interested in a Free Public Library, and in an emergency there will be a more generous response to an appeal for financial a.s.sistance.

NEW JERSEY PUBLIC LIBRARY COMMISSION.

+Foreign Book Lists+

List of selected German books. 50c.

List of Hungarian books. 15c.

List of French books. 25c.

List of French fiction. 5c.

List of Norwegian and Danish books. 25c.

+Library Tracts+ (5c. each)

2 How to start a public library, by Dr. G. E. Wire.

3 Traveling libraries, by F. A. Hutchins.

4 Library rooms and buildings, by C. C. Soule.

5 Notes from the art section of a library, by C. A. Cutter.

8 A village library, by Mary Anna Tarbell.

9 Training for librarianship.

10 Why do we need a public library? Material for a library campaign, by Chalmers Hadley.

+Library Handbooks+ (15c each)

1 Essentials in library administration, by L. E. Stearns.

2 Cataloging for small libraries, by Theresa Hitchler.

3 Management of traveling libraries, by Edna D. Bullock.

4 Aids in book selection, by Alice B. Kroeger.

5 Binding for small libraries.

6 Mending and repair of books, by Margaret W. Browne.

+Card Publications+

1 Catalog cards for current periodical publications.

2 --for various sets of periodicals and for books of composite authorship.

3 --for current books in English and American history, with annotations.

4 --for current bibliographical publications.

5 --for photo-reproductions of modern language texts before 1600 in American college libraries.