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.