Library Economy and History. GENERAL. The PENNSYLVANIA LIBRARY CLUB has issued as no. 3 of the Occasional Papers, published by the association, an address on American libraries, their past, present and future," read at the meeting of Feb. 11, 1895, by G: Watson Cole, of the Jersey City P. L.; and Miss M. S. Cutler's paper on "Two fundamentals," read at the meeting of May 13, 1895. Mr. Cole's address is a review of the library movement in the United States to the present time, with an ingenlibrary situation in the year of grace 1995. Miss Cutler's paper emphasizes the need of thorough organization and adaptation to local needs, to the right administration of a library. The paper on "Fiction" by John Thomson, printed in June, 1894, as No. 1 of the Occasional Papers, is now reissued in a second edition, dated June, 1895. may be found more easily intelligible. 7. Select bibliographies, partly annotated, of several of the more important fields of history. 8. A full list of the works quoted from in this compilation of History for ready reference and topical reading,' with the names of the publishers." Among the especially novel and important features of the supplement are the detailed chronology of universal histov (45 pages); the tables of the lineage of Europ an sovereigns and great historic families (28 pages); the minute special chronologies of African and Arctic exploration (10 pages), which, it is said, are the only records of the kind ever compiled; and the valuable essay upon "Commerce" (32 pages). In the selec-ious forecast of the "future possibilities" of the tions and translations from the German, Mr. Larned has had the help of Ernest F. Henderson, author of "A history of Germany in the Middle Ages," who has also prepared the bibliography of French and German writings. The "selected bibliography" of books quoted concludes the work; it covers 51 pages of solid nonpariel, is classed and briefly annotated, and presents within the least space what is probably the most comprehensive and representative conspectus of historical literature accessible to the general reader. Perhaps one of the chief merits of this work is the promptness with which it has been issued, a promptness which is as desirable as it is usually unattainable in publications of this character. The first volume of "Hi tory for ready reference" appeared in April, 1894, and in July, 1895, it is possible to tender to Mr. Larned hearty congratulations upon the completion of his magnum opus. NORRENBERG, Constantin. Die volksbiblio- renberg asked for reports on the following ques tions: 1. The best and cheapest method of spreading good literature by the means of public libraries. 2. Plans for reform of the existing public libraries, which are wholly inadequate for the work that should be theirs. He pointed out the need of making each library serve the needs of the educated as well as the lower classes; the necessity of having such libraries under the care of trained librarians; the special need of evening use of a well-lighted reading-room, of good catalogs, and of the awakening of such interest in libraries as should lead to bequests and provisions that should be handled with trained minds and methods. LOCAL. Bowdoin College L., Brunswick, Me. (Rpt.) The librarian's report covers p. 239-249 of the Bowdoin College Bulletin, no. 4, for June, 1895. With this issue the publication of the Bulletin is discontinued; its bibliographical department will, however, be published independently under the title Bibliographical contributions. Mr. Little reports as follows: Added 2039; total (exclusive of medical 1., 3600 v.) 55,169. Issued 6090. A brief but urgent summary of the need of additional shelving and more space is made. As to the future growth of the library, Mr. Little says: "In 1892 the librarian reported as the result of eight years of experience that $1500 was the smallest annual appropriation that could insure the normal growth of the library. That sum was appropriated for two successive years. But in 1894, the centennial year, with the college income $5000 greater than before, the appropriation for books was reduced to $1000, the very same amount which was appropriated for the same object in 1803. It is hard to believe that this large reduction in so important an appropriation resulted from the belief that those of previous years had been excessive. It is equally hard to infer that it was for lack of money, since appropriations for other departments were considerably larger than in 1892. Unless a return is made to the former appropriation the Bowdoin library will not be able to longer maintain the position it has held for a century as the largest collection of books in the able to spend a larger amount each year upon state. Four other libraries in Maine are now new books. Without the state there is no col lege, with which we would care to compare our selves, that does not have an income from two to twenty-fold as great as our own." Bradford, Vt., Woods L. The new Woods Library building was dedicated on the afternoon of July 4, the oration of the day being by Col. J. H. Benton, of Boston. The library was incorporated as the Bradford Social Library in 1796, and in 1880 was organized as a free public library. The new building was given by John Luran Woods, of Bradford. CARPENTER, Edmund J. The story of the Boston Public Library. (In New England Magazine for August, 1895, p. 737-756.) il. An interesting sketch of the history and development of the Boston Public Library, from its organization in 1841 to the present time; illustrated with views of the old buildings and portraits of trustees and librarians. Dexter, Me., Abbott Memorial L. The Abbott Memorial Library, given to Dexter by J: A. Abbott, of that town, was formally dedicated on July 2. The building, which cost $25,000, is in the form of a rectangle, with a wing extending in the rear. The style of architecture is Italian Renaissance. The ornamentation of the exte rior is a continuous facia about the main portion of the facade, ornamented with a decorative panel bearing the names of distinguished men in literature, art, and science, arranged in groups pertaining to each of these individual classes. In the centre, is the entrance portico, with broad steps and buttresses. On either side the buttresses are made to receive ornamental statuary or pottery, and the main pediment of the portico is filled with Renaissance ornamentations, encircling a shield symbolic of liberty, architecture, and science. On either side of the entrance are ornamental shields relating to the departments of literature, and the main archway is supported by ornamental columns. The main entrance is through a large doorway, on either side of which is a window and heavy tracery, and the beauty of the portico is added to by the panelling of the ceiling. To the right and left are smaller entrances to the selectmen's room on the left and art gallery on the right. The main entrance leads into a large hall, 16 x 23, finished in quartered oak, even to the floor. On one side is the delivery-room; at the rear of the hall is the book-stack, with a capacity, of 20,000 v., and on the right of the hall is a room to be devoted to an art gallery. The ceilings are all beautifully frescoed, and much care and artistic taste is displayed in the decoration and fitting of the building. It is piped for gas and wired for electricity. The library now contains but 4000 v., the collection of the old public library; but it is probable that it will be considerably increased after it is fairly established in the new building. Fall River (Mass.) P. L. The board has issued a circular inviting architects to submit plans for the new library building. From among the plans submitted the best five will be selected. Should one of the five plans be selected, each of the four architects submitting other plans will be paid $250. In case all five are rejected, $250 will be paid for each, and the committee will take other means to procure plans. The author of the accepted plan shall be appointed architect of the building, and be paid for his services in accordance with the Schedule of minimum charges" authorized by the American Institute of Architects. The new building is to cost not more than $100,000, Helena (Mont.) P. L. In July it was decided to issue two books - one non-fiction - to all borrowers desiring them. The age limit, which has heretofore been 12 years, has been removed, and children are now allowed cards "(if their parents approve) as soon they are old enough to use the library themselves." Indianapolis (Ind.) P. L. (21st rpt.) Added 4804; total 59,317. Issued, home use 233,776; reading-room use 53,023. New cards issued 3535; total registration 23,483. (4th rpt.) Added 933; total 10,045. Jamestown, N. Y., James Prendergast L. Issued, home use 49,194 (fict. 49.21%; juv. 22.42 %). Visitors to reference dept. 18,808. Total registration 3338. "The most noteworthy fact in the history of 10,000-volume mark, which ranks us with the the library during the year was attaining the 75 libraries of the state that have 10,000 vol umes or more." "Of the 710 accessions in the circulating de partment, 128 were Swedish books, imported the Swedish language added to the library. last September. These are the first books in They are works of high character, classified in philosophy, religion, sociology, literature, and history. In the nine months that these books have been in circulation 644 have been loaned, a daily average of three. They have been highly appreciated by the Swedish people, and the use that has been made of them justifies their purchase. "A travelling library of 100 volumes was loaned us by the state for six months to supplement our own new books. The books were used as if our own, and when they were returned, with report of their circulation, it was found that they had library ever sent out by the state. Another had the largest circulation of any travelling library of 100 volumes on a special subject was also loaned us by the state. "A special effort was made during the past vear to keep in touch with teachers and pupils. The librarian visited the schools, telling of the resources of the library and how they were available. Since that time pupils of all grades have used the reference-room extensively in search of articles and books to supplement their school work. Histories, biographies, books of travel and natural history have been in great demand. Gradually the resources of the library are becoming better known to the teachers, with the result of a largely increased use of books. "In January a 'List of 350 good books for the young people' was published to aid in the selection of the best books for home reading, and the result has proved most gratifying, for the lists have been in great demand and constant use. No part of the library work is more important than in guiding the children to suitable reading matter." of Montana, 2500. Dillon: Dillon Public Library, 940. Great Falls: Valeria Public Library, 2517. Helena: Montana State (two depts.), 16,000; office state supt. pub. inst., 500; office state bureau of agriculture, labor, and industry, 350; Public Library, 15,600; Sacred Heart, 830; St. Vincent's Academy, 550; Wesleyan University, 600; Grand Lodge, Masonic, Soo; Montana club, 1000; I. O. O. F. and fire dept.,_300. Missoula: Free Public Library, 1330. Twin Bridges: Normal training school, 350. White Sulphur Springs: W. C. T. U. L., 350. Total, 68,622 v. In addition to this total of 68,622 v. in the 21 libraries of 10 cities, 23 towns have public school libraries ranging from 100 to 900 v. each. Kansas State Hist. Soc., Topeka. (9th biennial rpt.) Details of the growth of the library during the past two years are given in the report. Additions are 5708 (3378 pm.); total 79,900 (48,617 pm.). The library now contains 10,689 bound v. of Kansas newspapers and magazines," a larger collection of local historical materials of this class than is contained in any other library in the world "; it is also becomOf public free libraries there are but sevening very full in works relating to the discovery, at Anaconda, Bozeman, Butte, Dillon, Great exploration, and settlement of the Western coun- Falls, Helena, Missoula -five of which are suptry. The report calls attention to the fact that ported by taxation; of college and academy liup to the present time the appropriations for pur-braries there are five; the remainder are subchases have been wholly inadequate to supply scription libraries, school collections, or small deficiencies as contemplated by the law. They libraries belonging to clubs and organizations. have been usually but $500 annually, a trifling Statistics of church and Sunday school libraries and insignificant amount compared with the acare not given. cessions by gift, and compared with what is being expended by other states for such pur poses. Lake George (N. Y.) F. L. The Lake George Free Library, recently established with aid from the state, has been duly chartered. It contains 450 volumes, and is open three days of the week, from 3 to 4 p.m.; books may be kept for one month. Middletown, Ct. Wesleyan Univ. L. Added 821; total 42,046. This does not include the medical library of the late Jarvis N. Husted, M.D., consisting of about 1000 volumes and 500 pamphlets; nor the library of the late Prof. G: Prentice, D.D., consisting of 1569 bound volumes, 326 unbound volumes, and 612 miscellaneous pamphlets and periodicals. The Prentice library, presented to the university by some of the alumni, is especially rich in books in German literature, and French and German theology. During the year $500 was received from an alumnus for the purchase of mathematical and astronomical books, and $23 from the class of 1894 for the purchase of books on political economy and social science. The sum of $2500 has been pledged by the alumni for the immediate purchase of books, and over $6000 have been pledged to the endowment fund of the library. The intention is to raise at least $21,000, increasing the endowment fund to $40,000. Montana libraries. In a recent article in the Helena Independent, F. C. Patten, librarian of the Helena (Mont.) P. L., gives an interesting summary of the libraries of Montana, based upon replies received to over 70 letters of inquiry. The libraries of the chief cities of the state are as follows: Anaconda: Hearst Library, 1842 v. Bozeman: Bozeman Librarv, 2877; Ágricultural College, 1500. Butte Free Public Library, 17,396; Miners' Union, 500. Deer Lodge: College total not given. Issued 42,969 (fict. 35.342); New York. Harlem L. (Rpt.) Added 810; membership (estimated) 479. Receipts $11,132.86; expenses $5978.02. The action taken last autumn, making the rates of quarterly and semi-annual subscriptions larger proportionately than the annual rate, has resulted in a larger number of annual subscriptions and a more reliable income. Norwich, Ct. Otis L. The publication of the library Bulletin is still continued, in spite of the fear expressed early in the year that lack of funds might compel its discontinuance. The age restriction has been removed from the use of the library, and "children of any age who are recommended by their parents or teachers or guardians can now have a card of their own." Paterson (N. J.) P. L. (1oth rpt.) Added 1766; total 22,531. Issued, home use 124,057 (fict. 80.5%); teachers' use 1514; lib. use 1768. No record of books used in the reference-room is kept. New cards issued 1595; total registration 17,472. Receipts $20,028.47; expenses $21,404.21. tion be made of the best photographs of the most famous works of art in painting and sculpture to be found in the great European galleries. The making of such a collection is entirely practicable, would not involve a very large outlay, and would be sure to become at once a very popular and a most valuable and useful acquisition." Mr. Winchester recommends that "a collec The president of the board of trustees says: "When the Danforth Library building was opened to the public, less than five years ago, it seemed so commodious that we believed the accommodation would be sufficient for many future years; but the steady yearly growth has been such that the trustees are now beginning anxiously to consider how the building might possibly be enlarged, and how the necessary funds might be procured for the work. In every department the library is now crowded, and the utmost limit of growth and convenient use will soon be reached. The weight of the books was found to require additional support for security, and this was only recently effected at considerable expense." " The Passaic County Medical Society has transferred to the library its collection of professional books and journals, which includes many valuable medical works and sets of professional periodicals, transactions, etc. A special catalog of the collection has been prepared and may be consulted by request. The books may be drawn by any physician, medical student, or adult person interested in medical subjects, and special physicians' cards are issued, on which two or more books may be drawn at a time. Additions to the collection will be made annually by the library board and the Medical Society. Philadelphia (Pa.) F. Ls. Arrangements have been completed for the establishment of two new branches of the free library system. One of these, to be established at Seventh and Lombard streets, is really an extension of the College settlement branch opened in October, 1894. This branch has grown so largely that the accommodations afforded by the College settlement house are insufficient, and the library is to be removed to new and adequate quarters. The other new branch will be established at the Evening Home Association, on Aspen street, above Chestnut. The free library will supply 2000 volumes and engage two assistants out of the appropriation of Councils. Both branches will be open to the public by October 1. Port Jervis (N. Y.) F. L. (Rpt.) Added 751; total 6124. Issued 13,578, showing an increase of 3200 over previous year. Rochester, N. Y. Reynolds L. On August 1, the library was closed for two months, pending removal to its new quarters. The rooms occupied in the old building as reference department are to be used for an independent public reading-room, devoted to popular periodicals, encyclopædias, and duplicate books of reference. The scientific and special journals will be kept in the new building. It is also intended to establish a downtown office for the return and delivery of books. The library will probably be opened in its new home on October 1, when the reading-room will also be opened. Rome, N. Y. Jervis L. The Jervis Library was informally opened for inspection July 1213, and on the afternoon of July 15 the formal dedicatory exercises were held, when the audi ence assembled on the lawn and the addresses were made from the broad piazza of the building. The library is established in accordance with the will of John B. Jervis, who died Jan. 12, 1885, leaving three-tenths of his estate for the founding of a public library, the bequest to take effect upon his wife's death. Mrs. Jervis died on May 14, 1894, and steps were at once taken towards carrying out the provisions of the will. Mr. Jervis left minute directions for the erection of a library building, but his heirs finally decided to turn the family residence over to the board for library purposes, in lieu of $20,000 of the legacy. The offer was accepted, and on January 10, the Jervis Library Association was organized. On January 22, the estate was distributed, the share of the library association being $147,219.46, and the work of altering the building, buying and classifying books, was at once begun. Mr. Jervis left his own private library of 2449 v. to the city; the library of B. J. Beach, of 3000 v., was loaned to the association for five years; the school library of about 1000 v. was transferred to the same body, and about 2000 new books were bought, giving the library a total of about 8000 v. The library will be open every week-day from 10-12 a.m., 2.30-6, and 7.30-9 p.m. Free access to the shelves is granted. Salisbury, Ct. Scoville L. The Scoville Library was formally opened on July 11, before an audience of about 400 people. It is the successor of several libraries established from time to time in the town, extending back to 1771, and originating in the Smith Library, founded by a Loyalist before the Revolution. The present library association was organized in 1892, in order to receive and use the bequest of Jonathan Scoville, who left the sum of $12,000 for a town library. Mr. Scoville was a native of Salisbury, who removed with his brother, Nathaniel Church Scoville, to Buffalo before the war, and made there a large fortune in the iron business. He was Congressman from that district several times, and succeeded Grover Cleveland in the mayoralty of Buffalo. His bequest was largely added to by the widow and children of N. C. Scoville, so that it was possible to erect a beautiful and spacious building. The building was designed by Stone, Carpenter & Willson, of Providence. It is of Norman architecture, built of gray limestone quarried in the vicinity. It contains a reading-room, an auditorium, and a tower which contains the bookroom below and a clock and chimes above. The clock was made by the E. Howard Company, has four dials, and strikes the quarters and hours. The chime is an adaptation from a refrain in Wagner's "Parsifal." The number of books is about 3000, many of them recently purchased. The reading-room is supplied with the leading periodicals. The cost of the building and furnishing is about $25,000. Southport, Ct. Pequot L. (Rpt.) Added 5275; total 6609. Issued, home use 11,112 (fict. 73 %, including juv. fict.; juv., 26%.) New cards issued 314; total registration 627; reading room attendance 16,721. Springfield (Mass.) City L. A. (34th rpt.) Added 3601; total 90,544. Issued, home use 150,796 (fict. 79,924); hall use 30,007; visitors to reading-room 56,105 (Sunday attendance 4619). New cards issued 1720; total registration 18,356. Receipts $23,105.74; expenses $20,406.68. "We have spoken from year to year of the relation between the library and the schools; we are gratified to say that this relation is be coming more and more intimate, and the study of books for school purposes by teachers and pupils more thorough and systematic, and this study results not only in the improvement of the work of the schools, but also in giving the pupils familiarity with the use of books, and habits of independent investigation which will be likely to lead them to prosecute their studies after their school life ends. Moreover, the reading of such books as are recommended to the pupils for use in their school work constantly creates a taste for a better class of books for general reading than would otherwise be chosen, and thus a higher class of literature finds its way into the homes of the city. It is a noteworthy fact that the percentage of fiction given out in our library has been reduced by the pupils in our schools. "The lower story of the library building is now in process of reconstruction. The old museum room is being fitted up with steel stacks for the reception of the popular department of the library, and will be made the delivery-room for the circulating department. The readingroom has been enlarged by connecting with it the janitor's room, and these rooms, together with the hall, are being supplied with steel ceilings. The whole of the walls and woodwork will be thoroughly renovated and painted. | It is proposed to expend about $6500 in this work of reconstruction and improvement. These changes will provide room for the better arrangement of books in the upper hall, and will leave it free from the confusion incident to the coming and going of the multitudes that throng the library on busy days. These changes will furnish greatly increased facilities for the use of the reference department for purposes of special investigation and study, which is so important a function of the library. Opportunity will be given also to place a larger number of the more important reference books where they can be easily accessible to the people. It will be necessary to renumber and recatalog the books transferred to the lower room, and this will involve the necessity of closing the library, or at least some portion of the circulating department, for a time." The new art building is rapidly nearing com. pletion and the museum, heretofore stored in the library building, has been removed to its new quarters. Washington, D. C., Congressional L. An investigation of the accounts of Ainsworth R. Spofford, librarian of the Congressional Library, was inaugurated some weeks since by the treasury authorities, and is still in progress. When the accounts of the library for the year and a half ending April 1, 1895, were received by the government auditor, they were found to be in considerable confusion, showing an apparent discrepancy between the fees for copyright received at the library and the sum covered into the treasury. The deficit is undoubtedly due to the complicated and unbusinesslike methods that overpressure of work and lack of proper clerical force have entailed upon the library of congress. The immense copyright business and the entire work of the library itself are performed by a force of 45 employes, hardly enough for a single one of these departments. It is probable that the present investigation into the condition of affairs will result in a general reorganization, the employment of an adequate force, and the appropriation of a more liberal income. Mr. Spofford intends to present a plan of relief in a recommendation to congress at its coming session. “This plan," he says, "is for the establishment of a separate bureau or division for the registering of copyrights. As it is now, the librarian has about four times as much work as one man can get through with. It is no small task to manage the largest library in the United States, to oversee all the work of cataloging and the receipt of new books, as well as to keep informed so as to supply congress, officials of the government, and the public with such information as the librarian is constantly being called upon to furnish. In addition to this there is the supervision of the matter of copyrights. This latter involves a great deal of labor and an immense amount of details. There is no inherent reason why this should be in the charge of the librarian, and I shall recommend to congress that a special officer be provided for this department of the work of the library. He should be a bonded officer, but he should not be detached from the library, for the reason that the library depends for its growth largely upon the books which are received for copyright.' Washington (D. C.) F. L. The Washington City Free Library was incorporated July 5, under the laws of the District of Columbia. In accordance with the provisions of the articles of incorporation, nine trustees have been chosen for the first year. They are: Judge A. B. Hagner, Gardner G. Hubbard, Miss Josephine A. Clark, S. M. Woodward, General J. K. McCammon, General A. W. Greely, Dr. C. Hart Merriam, Dr. Robert Reyburn, and W. A. DeCaindry. Mr. Rice concludes his report with an interesting summary of the history and work of the library. He thus sums up the work accomplished since its organization in 1857: "We have sent out into the families of the city since the library was opened 2,490,812 volumes. Besides this outside circulation we have supplied during the years since the record of hall use has been kept, 137,300 persons with books for reading and Pending the adoption of by-laws to govern special study; and about 417,500 volumes have the corporation, the following temporary or been given out. Moreover, since the free read-ganization was made: chairman, General A. ing-room was opened in the fall of 1882 it has been visited by more than 430,000 persons, and in addition to the papers read, of which no record has been kept, 317,000 of the higher class of periodicals the magazines, scientific journals and reviews have been given from the desk." W. Greely; first vice-chairman, Judge A. B, Hagner; second vice-chairman, S. M. Woodward; treasurer, W. A. DeCaindry; secretary, Oliver L. Fassig. A little over $10,000 have thus far been subscribed towards the establishment of the free li |