LIBRARY OF THE University of California. GIF^T OF^ Class ^Jc^ckXi s .7^\^jR MO>:oaR^i^ii- ^r (Z^^ta. By the terms of his will, dated January 29, 1839, William Maclure, of New Harmony, Indiana, bequeathed $72,000 for the establishment of Workingmen's libraries in Indiana. The money was not distrib- uted until 1855, owing to litigation involving the Maclure estate, at which time 144 libraries were established in eighty-nine of the ninety-two counties of the State. Municipal and Institutional Libraries of Indiana, HISTORY, CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT. CX>AlI»rLEr> BY XTISTDER THE I>IllECTION OE THE LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION COMMISSION OF INDIANA, 1004. ^^.t«^ SCHOOL TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page. Alexandria Public Library 5 Anderson — Public Library of Anderson 7 Angola— Sorosis Library 9 Attica Public Library 10 Aurora Public Library ^ 12 Bedford Public Library T 14 Bloomington— Indiana University Library 18 Bloomington— Monroe County and Public School Library 20 Bluffton Public Library 22 Borden Institute Library 23 Brazil Public Library 24 Butler College Library, see Irvington. Cannelton Public Library 27 Carthage— Henry Henley Library 29 Central Normal College Library, see Danville. Charlestown Public Library 30 Columbus Public Library 31 Connersville Public Library 32 Crawfordsville— Wabash College Library 85 Crawfordsville Public Library 33 Danville — Library of Central Normal College 36 Danville PubHc Library 37 Delphi Public Library 38 DePauw University Library, see Greencastle, Earlham College Library, see Richmond. Elkhart— Carnegie Library 39 Elwood Public Library 40 Evansville— Willard Library 42 Fort Wayne — Free Public Library 43 Frankfort Public Library 45 Franklin College Library 47 Goshen Public Library 49 Greencastle — DePauv/ University Library 50 Greencastle Carnegie Library 52 Greenfield Public Library 54 Greensburg Public Library 55 Hammond PubHc Library 55 Hanover College Library 56 Hartford City Public Library 57 Huntington — City Free Library 58 Indiana Library Association 59 Indiana State Library, see Indianapolis. Indiana State Normal School Library, see Terre Haute. Indiana University Library, see Bloomington. Indianapolis — Indiana State Library 63 Indianapolis — Public Library Commission 73 Indianapolis Public Library 77 Irvington — Bona Thompson Memorial Library of Butler College 80 Jeffersonville Township Public Library 83 Kokomo PubHc Library 85 Lafayette — Purdue University Library 89 Lafayette Public Library 87 Laporte Public Library 90 Lebanon Public Library 92 Logansport Public Library 93 Madison Public Library 95 Marion Public Library 95 H Markle Library 98 Michigan City Public Library 99 Monticello Public Library 102 Moore's Hill College Library 103 Morrison-Reeves Library, see Richmond. Mount Vernon — Alexandrian Library 103 Muncie Public Library 104 New Albany Public Library 108 Newcastle Public Library 109 New Harmony— Workingmen's Institute Library Ill Noblesville Public Library 114 Notre Dame— Lemmonier Library of the University of Notre Dame. 115 Orland— Joyce Public Library 117 Peru Public Library 117 Plainfield Public Library , 119 Portland — Carnegie Free Library 121 Posey ville— Public Library of Poseyville 122 Public Library Commission, see Indianapolis. Purdue University Library, see Lafayette. Rensselasr Public Library 123 Richmond— Ear Iham College Library 125 Richmond— Morrison-Reeves Library 127 Rising Sun— Mahlon Brown Library 128 Rose Polytechnic Institute Library, see Terre Haute. St. Meinrad— St. Anselm's Abbey Library 129 Salem Public Library 132 Seymour Public Library 133 Shelbyville— Carnegie PubHc Library 134 South Bend-Pubhc Library 136 Spiceland Academy Library 138 Sullivan— Carnegie Library 139 Terre Haute — Indiana State Normal School Library 140 Terre Haute — Library of Rose Polytechnic Institute 144 Terre Haute Public Library ■. 145 Tipton Public Library 147 Union City Public Library 149 Valparaiso College Library 152 Vincennes Public Library 153 Wabash — Carnegie Library 157 Wabash College Library, see Crawfordsville. Warsaw Public Library 159 Washington— Carnegie Public Library 160 Westfield Public Library 161 Willard Library, see Evansville. Workingmen's Institute Library, see New Harmony. Zionsville Public Library , 162 PREFi^CE. Eleven years ago Mr. Jacob P. Dunn prepared for the Columbian Exposition, a monograph on the libraries of Indiana, in which he ade- quately treated the yarious library movements within the State up to that time. It seems now more desirable, in the light of the recent growth of individual libraries under the new impulses to permit each library to present its own history and working condition rather than to present the general history and thereby duplicate the work of Mr. Dunn without the hope of doing it so well. We had hoped that we might have a brief sketch of each municipal and institutional library in the State for the sake of completeness of a record that is to be placed in permanent form and to become a part of the library history of the State, but a few libraries chose to remain unre- corded, after being repeatedly urged. We greatly regret this fact. We wish, however, to most sincerely thank all who so generously aided in the collection and preparation of the material here presented. W. E. Henry, March 1, 1904. Between January 1, 1901, and March 1, 1904, Andrew Carnegie gave $872,000 for the erection and equipment of library buildings in Indiana, in thirty-nine cities situated in thirty-six of the ninety-two counties of the State. Indiana Libraries, 1904. INDIANA LIBR ALEXANDRIA. Alexandria Public Lirrary. The movement for a public library in Alexandria was started in 1895 by Mr. I. V. Busby, who was then superintendent of the city's schools. The city council co-operated cordially and a tax levy was made by that body for the establishment and administration of the library. The administrative body was organized under the library law of 1850, and began its work very modestly with but fifty-five bound volumes on its shelves and with but few periodicals. The first librarian was Miss Edna Erlick, and during succeeding years and amid trying events the work has been, for terms of various lengths, in charge of the following Hbrarians : Effie Bertsche and Daisy Lindsey. In November, 1901, the necessary appointments were made for the reorganization of the Library and its Board of Directors under the law of 1901. The Rev. J. Challen Smith was largely instrumental in bringing about this reorganization and he became the first president of the new Board, which is officially entitled The Public Library Board of the City of Alexandria, Indiana. Mr. Smith continued in the capacity of president for two years and until his removal to San Jose, California, where he now resides. The year after the reorganization Mr. Smith began a correspondence with Mr. Andrew Carnegie, which resulted in bringing from that world's benefactor a gift of $12,000.00. This sum was subsequently increased to $14,000.00, and the whole has been expended in the erection and equip- ment of an excellent library building admirably adapted to the purposes for which it is intended. The Library now contains 2,069 volumes, of which 275 were added within the year 1903. The total circulation for the year gave an average of seventy-five loans per day. The city has a population of 10,000 and there is now a list of 1,221 borrow- ers. Twenty-two periodicals are regularly received. Since January 1, 1903, the free use of the Library has been accorded to the entire town- ship, but the number of borrowers from the rural districts is yet far from what it should be. By a tax levy of six cents on the hundred dollars in the city, and two cents in the township outside the city, the fund esti- mated to be made annually available for all Library purposes is $1,600. There was expended during the year 1903, exclusive of the Carnegie gift, $1,302.03. The Library is now under personal direction of Miss Sarah Cunning- 6 INDIANA LIBRARIES ham, with Miss Irma Pierce as assistant. Miss Cunningham has had charge of the work for the past four years. No accepted system of classification of books has yet been perfected here. The open stock is used throughout in the loaning of books. There is as yet no special work with children and no system of bulletins is used. The schools and various clubs are invited to co-operate in the selection of books. The Library is open each day, except Sundays and fixed holidays, from 9 A. M., to 9 P. M., and on Sundays from 2 to 4 p. M. There is no provision for vacation period for employes other than the universal holidays. The Library recently received a gift of $500.00 from Mr. R. H. Han* nah, who has been a member of the Board for two years, and out of this there has been created the Hannah Book Fund, which is to be so known in perpetuity. In the annual re-organization of the Board, which took place on December 17, 1903, Mr. Hannah was chosen president. The other members of the Board are as follows: Dr. F. G. Keller, vice-presi- dent; Rev. J. Baker, secretary; Mrs. Abigail McNairy, Mrs. Katharine Miller, Mrs. ComeHa Bertsche, W. T. Baker, E. P. McMahan and Joseph G. Brannum. The new Library building was auspiciously opened and dedicated on December 3, 1903, when addresses were given by Mr. Robert Lincoln Kelly, Ph. M., president of Earlham College, and Miss Merica Hoagland, of the Public Library Commission. There is a wide and growing inter- est in the success of the institution, and its future is one of gratifying promise. INDIANA LIBRARIES 7 ANDERSON. Public Library of Anderson. The first circulating library of Anderson was owned and maintained by a few private citizens, and was founded in 1881. To promote the cause of the Y. M. C. A., it was afterwards donated to that institution. When the free public library was established by the city, the books of the old subscription library and of the Y. M. C. A. were used as a found- ation, Mr. Marcus Kilboume serving as the first librarian. The present library, which is now known as the Public Library of Anderson, Indiana, is an outgrowth of these libraries, and was opened to the public in 1894 with about 1,000 volumes. The first borrower's card was issued November 3, of that year, bearing the number one; the serial numbers now run into fourteen thousand, which gives some idea of the growth in membership. Mr. Stephen Metcalf was especially instrumental in organizing the library. He was a member of the first Library Board, and has continued to serve upon the Board to the present time. Books have been added to the shelves from time to time as the funds permitted, sometimes over 1,000 volumes per year, at other years not so great a number, making at the present about 10,000 volumes. During the life of the subscription library, Anderson had a population of about 5,000, now it is an enterprising city of 25,000. Changing hands so often, the library has never been systematically catalogued, but when the last organization was effected, the Dewey classification was introduced, and modern ideas of library economy adopt- ed. Miss Ritta May Metcalf acted as cataloguer, and performed this duty from time to time as the work required. Mrs. David Yount was librarian at that period, and served a short term, resigning on account of ill-health, and Miss Anna B. Myers was her successor. In 1898 Miss Katharine A. Chipman was appointed to the position, and is the present incumbent. Mr. W. H. Stanton, chairman of the Library Board, at that date, was instrumental in getting an increase in the levy, which is derived from the city tax permitting the employment of additional help that the growing work at the library demanded, and Miss Carrie Lake was ap- pointed to the position of assistant librarian, and is still serving in that 8 INDIANA LIBRARIES capacity. The librarian and the assistant librarian constitute the present force at the library. With the increase in the levy, which now is 5 cents on the 100 dollars, the total revenue being about $5,000 per year, it was decided to have the library re-catalogued, Miss Nellie Fatout being employed for that purpose. The cataloguing is now done by the librarian, and the card catalogue kept up to date. The circulation being small at the beginning of the library experi- ment, it was only open to the public one hour and forty-five minutes each evening, Sundays excepted. As the work increased the hours were lengthened, until now the library is open twelve consecutive hours per day, comprising the six working days in the week; each attendant serving for fifty four hours per week. Vacations of two weeks each are allowed the librarians each year, with pay. The open shelf has been introduced into the library, and has been in operation for about two years. It seems to give general satisfaction to patrons, especially to the student, who can spend as much time as he de- sires in search of books without feeling that he is infringing upon the rights of others. The Reading Rooms are well supplied with periodicals and newspapers. Fifty-six different periodicals treating of literature, art, science, religion, sociology etc., and newspapers voicing the various political parties attract daily a large number of readers to this depart- ment. The teachers are allowed to take extra books for the use of their pupils, and for the supplementary school work. Lists are made for special occasions, and books are purchased which the teachers suggest would be helpful in the school course. A graded list of juvenile books contained in the library, has been made by the librarian for the Superintendent, and published by him in the School Manual. The members of the study clubs are encouraged in every way to come to the library for their reference work. If the programs are hand- ed in before their season of work begins, the subjects are looked up, classified, and held ready for them when needed. When suflScient mate- rial can not be found upon any topic in the library, books are ordered es- pecially for them, if they can be found. The evolution in the housing of the library has kept pace with the growth of the institution. One room over a store building was its first home, later two larger rooms were secured, and a third move into the INDIANA LIBRARIES 9 Masonic Temple furnished still more commodious quarters. In 1902, through the instrumentality of Hon. M. M. Dunlap, then Mayor of the city, Mr. Carnegie donated $50,000 for a library building. The Common Council gave a valuable lot in the heart of the city, upon which to erect the edifice, and at last the library has a home of its own. "Beautiful for situation." The good that Mr. Carnegie has done for the library cause will, *iive after" him, and the coming generations will be blessed by his munifi- cence. The Library Board is appointed by the mayor. The first Board con- sisted of six members, this number has since been increased to fifteen. It is now composed of all the Common Council, as follows: W. W. Ather- ton, Dr. A. W. Miller, H. Van Horn, J. K. Johnston, C. L. Friel, Dr. W. Kneal, and the following well known citizens interested in library work : Stephen Metcalf , Prof. J. W. Carr, Hon. E. E. Hendee, F. A. Walker, W. J. Woolley, C. H. Neff, Hon. M. M. Dunlap, T. B. Orr, and A. C. McKee. To their cordial support, and their efficiency, is due in a great measure, the present usefulness and importance of the library. ANGOLA. SoRosis Library. Angola, the county seat of Steuben county, Indiana, with a popula- tion of about 2,200, is a flourishing, up-to-date town, in most every respect, but does not handle the Library question in the right spirit. The College and High-School have excellent Libraries but they are not open to the public. Once upon a time there was a "Working Man's Library" but the books are now scattered to the four winds. And it was not until the women took it into their hands that a permanent library was established. August 16, 1895, "The Sorosis Circle," one of the leading Hterary soci- eties of the town, having a membership of fifty, called a special meet- ing for the purpose of establishing a circulating library. All necessary committees were appointed, the town canvassed, and October 3, about 350 books were placed in one of the stores ready for circulation, with a mem* bership of 103. In February, 1898, the Circle hired a room in which to keep the Library, the Circle paying the rent and using the room for their meetings. The Library is open to the public every Saturday after- noon. Any one may become a member by paying one dollar per year. 10 INDIANA LIBRARIES Books may be kept two weeks with the privilege of renewal. A fine of two cents is charged for each day the book is kept over two weeks unless renewed. There is a librarian appointed by the Circle who examines the books quarterly, sees that the books are kept in repair and that the Lib- rary is open on the appointed days. The ladies of the Circle act as assistants. All services are donated. At present the Library contains 686 volumes, besides many paper bound books, magazines, and State publications not catalogued. It con- tains "Charles Dudley Warner's Library of the World's Best Literature," histories, many of the old standard works, as well as the best of the new fiction, and an excellent line of juvenile books. From twenty-five to fifty books are added each year, bought from a Library fund made up of a certain per cent, of the Sorosis dues, all fines, and an occasional dollar from outside subscribers. Sometimes the Circle becomes discouraged from the lack of interest shown by the outside, and has talked of withdrawing it from the public, but has not done so, and the good work still goes on. And who knows but that some day Angola will awaken to the fact that she has in her midst a Library of which she can be proud ? ATTICA. Attica Public Library. The Ladies' Library Association of Attica, was an outgrowth of a history class, belonging to the "Society to Encourage Study at Home," founded by Anna Eloit Ticknor, of Boston. As this class had to borrow, out of town, what books they needed, they organized a library in order that they might have access to its books. This association was organized at the home of Mrs. James Martin, was incorporated in 1885, under act of April 7th, 1881, passed by the Indiana Legislature. The ladies solicited library members at two dollars a year member- ship; this was changed in two or three years to one dollar a year, with this money they bought their first books. These were kept in the Mayor's office in the city hall and moved from there to a front room, second floor, in a business block. While the librarian was always appointed by the officers of the association, her services were voluntary. The association no sooner found itself in possession of a few books and a name, than it felt the need of a local habitation. The thought at INDIANA LIBRARIES 11 first of having a building of their own suggested itself, only to be van- ished as an absurdity, but like Banquo's ghost, it would not down. The city deeded them a lot, which they had asked for, and with this and other encouragements they began a library building. With continued efforts and struggles by the ladies at times when it seemed impossible to make ends meet, they succeeded in completing the building in the year 1889. This building, every inch of timber so full of memories, the ladies deeded, in May, 1902, to the city of Attica to be used as a Pubhc Library, under the act of 1901. The city council voted a tax levy of six cents on the hundred dollars, and voted $250 for expenses until the tax levy would become operative. The Board are Mrs. L. S. Levor, president; Mrs. Charles Zeigler, vice president; Mrs. Caroline Finney, appointed by the judge; Mayor W. B. Reed; Dr. M. S. Case, appointed by the council; Mr. H. C. Martin, secretary, and F. W. Macoughtry, appointed by the school board. By act of 1903 the library was entitled to a tax from the township, and the township trustee, Mr. Ed Connell, by virtue of his office, became a member of the Library Board with power to appoint another, Mr. George Stafford, a resident of the township. The Library was closed for three months, until the books, nearly 1,500, were catalogued, the Dewey deci' mal classification being used, and the work very satisfactorily done by Miss Daisy Henley, of Wabash, Ind., now librarian of that city, and assisted by the Attica librarian. The Library was opened to the pubhc in October, 1902, with two circulating days a week, Wednesday and Saturday, from two until five o'clock, the public having access to the shelves. The circulation for the first year was 11,628, making an average of about lOY for every circulating day. Open shelves are used. The borrowers number 664. One librarian is employed— Miss Katharine Fisher, who was in the Ladies* Library Association for four years, and one assistant. Miss Pearl Haller. The Library has an income of about $1,000 a year, used in defraying the necessary expenses; the bulk, of course, going for new books. This year 500 new ones were added, most of them being books of substance, with a few new novels. The rents and fines, which amount to three dollars a month, pay the jani- tor, and buy the few little things needed by the librarian. As the Library is just getting under way, the librarian has not been able to do any special work, but is just coming to that. The patrons have been learning to use a public library, and judging by the growth 12 INDIANA LIBRARIES of the reference work, they are learning rapidly. Of course the club members, teachers and pupils come oftenest. Teachers are allowed to take as many books at one time as can be spared, or as they may need in their work. The Library is liberal to club members also and the Hbrarians spend much time helping them. The Art Club books and magazines are kept in the Library. These, of course, no one but Art Club members are permitted to use. The children have an hour on Wednesday from four until five. The time so far has been used in trying to show them what they want and where to find it. The Library prepares for the celebration of special days in appropriate season, such as Bird Day, etc. In a few months the books will be moved into a new building, a $10,000 gift from Mr. Carnegie. AURORA. Aurora Public Library. The PubHc Library of the city of Aurora occupies a unique position in the history of our city in that it was first provided for by the wise fore- sight of the founders of the city. It was first organized by the voluntary contributions of a number of public-spirited citizens, and it was finally put on a more favorable footing by the enactment of a state law which had Aurora particularly in mind. When Aurora v/as incorporated, in 1819, one lot, located on Fifth Street (then called Literary Street), was set aside for a public library. At that time and for many years afterward the town was not in a condi- tion to support a Hbrary, so the lot stood vacant and nothing was done. Finally, in 1882, Mr. James R. Vail and others, who were of the same spirit as the broad-minded founders of the city, conceived the plan of selling the library lot and, by the organization of a stock company of citizens, to establish a library. This was done after one hundred and forty-one (141) shares at five dollars per share had been subscribed for by fifty-one people. The lot was sold for seven hundred dollars making a total of fourteen hundred and five dollars to be put into the hands of the Board of Directors. This consisted of E. H. Davis, J. P. Coulter, John A. Conwell, Captain Alex B. Pattison, Rev. A. C. Davidson, Captain H. P. Sparth, and Captain David Lostutter. At this time the share holders were subject to assessments besides being required to pay one dollar INDIANA LIBRARIES 13 per year into the association. Persons who were not share holders might enjoy the privileges of the Library by the payment of one dollar and a half a year if women, and two dollars and a half a year if men.. Under this arrangement the organization prospered and was of great benefit to the city, but in the course of time interest fagged somewhat, and finally it seemed that some change should be made so that the public generally might make use of the hbrary privileges. Accordingly, in 1901 Frank B. Shutts, with State Librarian W. E. Henry, framed a bill which was enacted into a law by the state legislature, which provided for the transference of the Library to the city, and for its permanent maintenance. This Library, which is in two well lighted rooms in the city building, contains thirty-five hundred volumes and several current magazines and papers which are used by six hundred and seventy subscribers, who have access to these books three afternoons and two evenings each week. It is under the efl^cient care of Miss Luella Wymond, Librarian, and Miss Lois Wymond, Assistant Librarian, who devote about eighteen hours each week to this work, and who make the institution particularly help- ful to the schools and literary clubs of this city by their co-operation and assistance in research work. The annual circulation is about 11,000 vol- umes. The city supports this valuable institution by a tax of three cents on each one hundred dollars of taxable property, which gives a total income of about three hundred and seventy dollars per year. This is barely suffi- cient for the running expenses of the Library, but it has been reinforced by the donations of books and money until about four hundred volumes have been added in the past two years. A book shower was held last fall which brought more than eighty volumes to the shelves. During its existence as a stock company the following persons acted as Librarians: Miss Rosa Foulke, Miss Fannie Foulke, Miss Lizzie Folber, Miss Grace McGuire and Miss Margaret Wymond. Under the new law the control of the Library is vested in a Board of three citizens selected by the city council. When first organized the Board consisted of Captain Alex B. Pattison, Superintendent J. R. Hus- ton, and James R. Riddell, and this Board has not been changed. These men are all good men for this Board as they are interested in the Lib- rary; and Captain Pattison especially has had a wide experience in this work. Aurora now has a good, free, public library operating under a very 14 INDIANA LIBRARIES favorable law and there is no reason why, fostered as it is, it should not fulfill the expectations of the liberal minded founders of the city who planned for a community where culture would be general and where ignorance should have no place. Thomas W. Records, January, 20th, 1904. BEDFORD. Bedford Public Library. To properly chronicle the history of the Bedford Public Library one must go back to an early date. While the Bedford Public Library, strictly spoken of, is of recent date, it is really the product of early years. The framers of the constitution of the state of Indiana, while themselves not all men of culture and education, and representing pio- neer communities, fully realized the value of books and book learning, and in the constitution provided that in the erection of every new county there should be set aside a certain fund for the purchase and maintenance of county libraries. In 1818 the legislature created the county of Lawrence, and in the Act creating it we find this provision: "The agent who shall be appointed to superintend the sale of lots at the county seat of the county of Lawrence shall reserve 10 per cent, out of the proceeds thereof and pay the same over to such person or per- sons as may be appointed by law to receive the same for the use of a library ft)r said county. ' ' The early records of the county show that this fund was collected, invested in books and the Library started at Palestine, the first county seat of Lawrence County. When the county seat was changed to Bedford, in 1826, the same pro- vision was made in the law for the sale of lots here, and the Library was moved. For a number of years it was kept in different oflfices about the public square, the librarian being usually some one who was willing to administer its affairs in exchange for his office rent. Under such man- agement its growth was not along the best lines nor were the books care- fully preserved. In 1852 an act of the legislature made the clerk, auditor and recorder the trustees of county libraries, and under that law the Law- INDIANA LIBRARIES 15 rence County Library was adminstered until the legislature of 1899 per- mitted its consolidation with the Bedford Public Library. In 1856 the state furnished this county with eight township librar- ies, each containing about three hundred volumes and one of them was kept with the County Library. Late in the fifties one, and perhaps more of the ''McClure Libraries" came to Bedford. In 1897 the total number of volumes belonging to three libraries, the Lawrence County, the Shawswick township, and the McClure, did not exceed eight hundred, and of these scarcely six hundred were in a condition fit for circulation. No volumes had been added for several years, and Bedford was a growing town, with a population athirst for books. In the early part of December, 1897, at the suggestion of Mrs. A. C. Voris, Messrs. R. N. Palmer, T. J. Brooks, and J. R. Voris con- stituted themselves a committee to organize a Public Library. A sub- scription paper was started and met with such success that at a meeting of the subscribers held on the 20th of December the committee was able to report a total subscription of $1,250.00 The meeting was organized by the appointment of T. J. Brooks, chairman, and W. A. Webb, clerk, and determined that the Library should be known as the "Bedford Public Library." Thomas J. Brooks, W. H. Smith, J. R. Voris, George M. Dodd, J. W. Newland, Isaac H. Crim, and Robert N. Palmer were made directors of the institution. This Board of Directors, has been contin- ued up to the present writing. The Library is organized under the law of 1852, in force May 6th, 1853, and the acts supplemental thereof, and amendatory thereto. The following named were the subscribers: Moses F. Dunn, A. C. Voris, John R. Walsh, J. W. Cosner, E. B. Thornton, Thos. J. Brooks, Joseph R. Voris, Wm. H. Martin, C. H. Emery, J. T. Freeland, A. J. McDonald, Wm. N. Matthews, W. H. Smith, C. S. Norton, F. D. Nor- ton, J. W. Newland, Mrs. J. W. Newland, E. K. Dye, George M. Dodd, W. H. Cosner, R. N. Palmer, I. N. Glover, Wm. A. Webb, J. F. Hamer, Jno. L. Tilford, C. A. Durrenberger, John Haase, John W. Owen, H. H. Walls, J. A. Gunn, S. F. Buchanan, O. M. Cosner, C. M. Dobbins, Ham- let Brosius, E. D. Mitchell, W. M. Dobbins & Son, J. B. Duncan, J. B. Stipp, C. M. Lemon, I. H. Crim, T. 0. Daggy, J. B. Malott, E. R. Dob- bins, Hodge & Day, John A. Rowe, F. E. Stipp, G. M. Foster, Braxtan Bros., Charles Walker, J. R. Pope, W. M. Dennison, Newton Crooke. At a subsequent meeting of the Directors T. J. Brooks was elected presi- 16 INDIANA LIBRARIES dent of the Library and J. R. Voris, secretary and treasurer, and they have been continued in office from year to year, up to the present by the directors. The directors reahzed from the first that to insure the permanent success of the institution it was just as necessary to provide for the main- tenance and proper care of the Library as to provide books, consequently it was agreed that a small fee should be charged for the use of the books, so that at its inception the Bedford Public Library was not free to the public. A proposition was made to the Trustees of the Lawrence County Library asking them to turn over the custody of their books to the new institution. This they not only did, but turned over sufficient money that had accumulated as interest on the County Library fund to purchase eight hundred volumes more. The city council subscribed $2, 500, to be paid in annual installments, but after the first payment of $1,000 was made it became unnecessary to use the balance and in that far the subscription was cancelled. Rooms on the second floor of the Tresslar building were secured, Mrs. Carrie Winstandley was selected the Librarian, and the Library opened to the public March 5, 1898. At the session of the legislature in 1899 a bill was introduced by Senator Brooks, and passed, which legalized the transfer of the books of the Lawrence County Library to the Bedford Public Library, provided that the city should levy a tax for its support, and made the library free to the citizens of the whole county. In July 1899, the directors purchased the old Baptist church building and the Library was housed there in March of the ensuing year. The legislature of 1901 passed a bill authorizing the Bedford Library to buy, hold and convey real estate, and also provided that the County Library fund should be turned over to it. In January 1902, Mrs. J. R. Voris, in response to a letter she had written him, received from Mr. Andrew Carnegie an offer to donate $15,000 for the erection of a building for the Bedford Public Library, pro- vided that the City Council would furnish a suitable site, and pay $1,500 per annum for maintenance. The Council promptly agreed to the con- ditions, and the donation and maintenance fund were afterward increased to $20,000 and $2,000 respectively. The site finally selected (at the North West corner of 14th and **K" Streets) was purchased for $4,000, of which the city furnished $3,000 and the Hbrary from its fund $1,000. The total INDIANA LIBRARIES 17 cost of the building, including the furnishings is about $21,000. This new building was occupied and opened to the public April 6th, 1903. The building is classic. It is one story, with a full basement below. The walls present the best qualities of our own Bedford stone. The basement is of blue stone and the upper walls of buff. It presents a con- trast to most of the stone buildings of the city in that it is of cut stone, while the taste of our builders has usually led to the ashlar or rock face being used here. The directors of the Library have quietly gone about their work of love and civic duty. No ceremony has marked the beginning nor fruition of the purpose. No corner stone laying, nor dedication exercises have been used to glorify the work. Modestly it has moved to completion. At no place on or in the building is placed the name of architect, builder, or directors. The name of Andrew Carnegie is the only one that appears. Since its organization, the Library has had three librarians, Mrs. Carrie Winstandley, Miss Addie Riley, (now Mrs. G. C. Houston), and the present Hbrarian, Miss Georgia Friedley. To their courteous and efficient administration m-uch of the growth and popularity of the Library is due. The first annual report of the secretary, made April 4th, 1899, showed that for the first year there had been issued from the Library 8,025 vol- umes, this being an average weekly circulation of 146, or an average daily circulation of twenty-one. In the year ending Dec. 31, 1902, there were issued 35,212 volumes, a weekly average of 607 and a daily average of 97. The Library is classified according to the Dewey classification and has now on its shelves 6,559 volumes, and has in pamphlets and uncata- logued books fully 1,000 more. Library statistics recently compiled show that the Bedford Public Library, in proportion to the population of the city, has a larger circulation than any other Library in Indiana. There are added annually about 800 volumes. Of the total number of volumes in the Library, about 1,100 are juvenile, special care having been taken by the directory to make this department interesting and instructive to the httle folks. The old and young alike have free access to the books. In the reading room may be found thirty-six of the best magazines. These are carefully preserved, and at the close of each year, are securely 18 INDIANA LIBRARIES bound and placed upon the shelves. The total expenses of the Library per year reach the sum of $2, 500, all of which is raised by direct tax- ation. Yet the tax is so light that it is scarcely felt, being only one mill per dollar. 3,246 borrowers, are registered all of whom may at any time between 1:00 and 9:00 o'clock, p. m. daily, except holidays, have free access to books, reading room, magazines and reference works. The care of the books and the wants of the patrons are looked after by Miss Georgia Friedly, and her assistant. Miss Sue Dodd, who are paid forty-five and twenty-five dollars respectively, per month, with a month's vacation within the year. Bedford is proud of her Library. It has become such a source of pleasure and education that it would be now almost impossible to do with- out it, and the wonder is, how we did without it all these years. BLOOMINGTON. Sketch of Indiana University Library. Indiana University was founded by legislative act January 20th, 1820, and opened its doors for the reception of students on May 1st, 1824. It is believed that the beginning of a Library was made in those earliest days, and the result of this effort is given as late as 1842 in a pamphlet bound catalogue which abounds in high sounding classification terms and lists of Latin tomes. Tradition has it that the first students received their inspiration from the imposing external appearance of those folios and octavos of the 17th and 18th centuries, rather than from actual contact with the books. But who can say they did not serve a purpose. On April 9th, 1854, the fire brand of an incendiary destroyed the first Library. The catalogue alluded to above and a life of Washington in Latin, by Glass, alone were saved from this fire. The story of the second Library is quickly told. A bolt of lightning at midnight July 12th, 1883, a brilliant but an appalling spectacle and 12,000 volumes met the fate of the first collection. Not rare editions this time, but good workaday books, that being gone it seemed almost useless to try to carry forward the work of the University. This loss so keen and so hard to recover from is now replaced by a growing Library of 50,000 volumes. The Library is mainly a reference one, and is fast becoming known for the advantages it offers to advanced students in research work along INDIANA LIBRARIES *9 various lines of scholarly activity. It is supported by the bounty of the state and about 4,000 volumes are added yearly. These are accessible to students (by calling for them at the delivery desk) from 7:45 A. M. to 10 p. M. every week day with the exception of Saturday, when the hours are from 8 A. M. to 5 p. M. There is no free access to the shelves in the general meaning of that term, but advanced students are given stack permits which admit them at all times to the departmental seminaries wherein they are doing special work. Certain classes of books are loaned over night. Formerly the Dewey classification was used, but the sequence of classes was not suited to the Library and the intimate relation it bears to the courses of instruction. A carefully worked out system has been adopted which allows of great expansion and elasticity, and at the same time adjusts itself readily to the individual needs of the various university departments. In 1843, and for many years afterward, Dr. T. A. Wylie, professor of Natural Philosophy, and a ripe scholar of the old school, acted as librarian in conjunction with his other duties. Today one finds a staff of five salaried officers and five student assistants. The students act as desk attendants, and give the Library from four to eight hours each, daily. In classification technique, the life of the Library may be divided into three chronological divisions. From its beginning to 1854 was the * 'form- ative period," 1854 to 1880 may be termed a "restoration,'* and that from 1880 to the present, * 'later 19th century." With the last period came new problems, new methods to solve these problems, new curricula in this and other universities, and a profession but lately recognized — modern librarianship. Men who have served Indiana University in this capacity are William W. Spangler, of Indiana University, Alexis V. Babine, of the St. Petersburg Institute of History and Philosophy and Cornell University, George F. Danforth, of Cornell University. Louise Maxwell, of Indiana University, was Acting Librarian until the appoint- ment of Mr. Danforth' s successor, Mr. William E. Jenkins, of Indiana University. Since 1891 the Library has been housed in a beautiful stone fire proof building, Maxwell Hall, provided for it through the generosity of the State. 20 INDIANA LIBRARIES BLOOMINGTON. The Monroe County and Public School Library. The foregoing title at once suggests a combination. To differentiate, the Monroe County Library had its origin in or about the year 1818, when an early law of the state brought about the organization of Monroe county and also ''provided that ten per cent, of the sale of town lots should be used to found and maintain a County Library.'* A treasurer was appointed to take care of the fund. The first purchase of books was made in 1821, when sixty dollars was spent for a few dozen standard works. They were bought of B. Ferguson, whoever he may have been. The first sale of town lots was made June 22, 1818. The proceeds of this sale amounted to $14,327.85. Out of this sum $1,945.53 went to the Library fund. By July 1, 1830, the total proceeds from sale of in lots and out lots amounted to $29,899.72^. The total Library fund at this date was $4,327.32. Meantime $2,328.14 had been received by the Lib- rary in the way of running expenses and money actually invested in books. The Library fund had also sustained a loss of $625.50 from bad debts, relinquished lots and other causes. On July 1, 1830, the Library had due it the sum of $1,272.68. From the foregoing it is readily discernible that the founders of this Library started on a substantial basis, and they set apart what for that day, and for a long subsequent period, proved a munificient fund for the maintenance of a Library. In the course of time three county officers to-wit: the auditor, the recorder, and the clerk became the trustees of the Library. Through this Board of Control the business of the Library was transacted. But records were poorly and scantily kept, so that it is not possible to give any detailed account of purchases, expenditures, and additions to the Library. A one-story brick building was erected directly east of the court house during the twenties. This was the home of the Library until the year 1894 when, with the consent of the trustees, it was combined in the Central School building, with the Public School Library. Since that year (1894) the two Libraries have been kept in a room in the Central build- ing in charge of a Hbrarian appointed and paid by the city Board of Educa- tion. In 1855 began the distribution of funds for the establishment of Work- INDIANA LIBRARIES • 21 ing men's Libraries under the provision of the will of William McClure of New Harmony, Indiana, and under this distribution donations were made to 144 associations in 89 of the 92 counties of the state. Monroe county has been a participant in the benefits from this fund. The combined funds, namely the original County Library fund and the McClure fund, have now become very small, hardly $500. This sum rep- resents the resources of the Library aside from an occasional donation from the city Board of Education. The present Library of about 2,000 volumes is a valuable and help- ful accessory to the educational agencies of the city. During every school month not less than 500 books and a goodly number of current magazines are taken from the Library . and read by the children of the schools. In addition to this use of the Library a moderate number of books are taken from the Library by citizens of the city and surrounding county, so that the Library is serving the wants of ail who avail them- selves of its help. Its past has been useful and honorable as an educa- tional force in the hands of all classes of citizens. The outlook is that its future will not be less valuable and it is believed that it may furnish the nucleus of a much larger and better equipped collection of useful, interesting and practical books, managed and used under modem methods. Miss Zora Miller is the present librarian. Her intelligence and prac- tical knowledge of the tastes of children in reading are doing much to cultivate the reading habit in the children. 22 • INDIANA LIBRARIES BLUFFTON. Bluffton Public Library. Preceding the year 1893 there was just the semblance of a Library in Bluffton, books having been donated by children and a few by adults. This was managed by any teacher who had the time each evening after school. Finally in June, 1892, Superintendent W. P. Burris advised the school board to take advantage of the state law to levy a tax of one-third of a mill on the dollar for the building up of a City Library. The first books were placed on the shelf in December, 1893, and the Library, then known as the School Library, was officially opened. Several hundred volumes were placed in the Library at this time. From this small begin- ning has grown the Library as it is today, numbering between seven and eight thousand volumes. One high school teacher was elected to fill the place of librarian, S. E. Hitchcock, holding the position until in June, 1896, when Miss Bertha Craven was selected for the place upon the resignation of Mr. Hitchcock. Miss Craven still holds the position of librarian. Our present Library was presented to the city under the name of the Bluffton Public Library, in June, 1902, when a new board was organ- ized under the rules for Library organizations, according to the statutes of 1901. As stated before, the Library contains eight thousand volumes, about five hundred being added each year. At least seventy of the best magazines of the day are received by the Library. Both the books and magazines are due to a levy of six mills on the dollar as a source of income for all Library purposes. During the year 1903 the circulation was over 25,000, average circula- tion per day being about eighty-one. The borrowers' list numbers about 700, with about 5,000 population. By the payment of $1.00 per year any one outside the corporation may have access to the Library. The Library hours are: 12:30 to 5:00 o'clock, p. m., and 6:30 to 9:00 o'clock, p. M. The books are classified according to the Dewey system, and patrons have access to the shelves. It has been found impossible to do special work with the children and clubs with the limited room, having only two small rooms at the present time, located in the basement of the court house. As only one librarian is employed, without any assistant, for all INDIANA LIBRARIES * 23 hours, and no relief whatever, only about two weeks' vacation in July, she finds it impossible to do much with bulletin work. Bluff ton has received a gift of $14, 000 from Andrew Carnegie for a new Library building, the construction of which will begin early in March, 1904, with expectations of its completion in the October follow- ing. The names of the present Board of Trustees are: President, J. W. Goodyear; Vice-Pres., Mrs. W. H. Eichhom; Sec'y., J. P. Hale; Mrs. Dana Brown; Mrs. Abe Simmons; W. H. Tribolet and S. E. Hitchcock. Bertha Craven. BORDEN. Borden Institute Library. Wishing to found a school in a section of Indiana where farmers' sons and daughters and persons in moderate circumstances could obtain an education sufficient to enter college at medium price for board and tuition, the Borden Institute was founded, in 1885, by William W. Borden, at the village of Borden, Clark county, Indiana. At the time the Institution was opened for reception of students, a library of some fifteen hundred volumes of the best literature was installed as a necessary part of the school outfit, and named the Borden Institute Library. From fifty to one hundred volumes were added per year, also many bound volumes of the best monthly magazines. In a few years the library assumed the following classification: early American history; the more recent history of the United States; early school books as Dilworth, Dabal and Webster, etc. ; text books on geology and various state reports on the same subject; samples of early printing, as the Golden Legends of 1502; illuminated missals; the large quarto illuminated edition of the birds of North America, by John J. Audubon, and five other volumes on that subject. A prominent feature of the library is the British Encyclopedia, Johnson's, Chamber's, etc. The number of volumes in the library at present is about 3,000. No tax is levied. This library was originally intended for the use of the students attending the college. In a few instances the books have been loaned outside of the town, which has at present about 375 inhabitants. The building containing the library is built of brick and stone with a slate roof. The building cost 24 INDIANA LIBRARIES thirteen thousand dollars, and was not built exclusively for a library building, nor is it strictly fire proof as all library buildings should be, yet the heating is by furnace (steam) in the stone basement. This library is in charge of a librarian, and books can be obtained free at any time upon application. No special work is done for children, but the library contains a collection of juvenile books, in order to show what progress, if any, has been made between old and more recent books, and also to show the great variety of new subjects at the present day. The Board of Trustees are William W. Borden, Mrs. Emma Borden, and Dr. D. F. Stalker, all of the town of Borden, Indiana. An item of local interest connected with this place is the Borden Museum, which has a fine collection of crinoidas and also a very full col- lection of fossil corals. William W. Borden. BRAZIL. Brazil Public Library. The history of this library, although not of much volume, covers a considerable space of time. The exact date of its organization is lost; but some time late in the seventies a few of the then leading literary people consisting of E. S. Holliday, W. R. Torbert, R. H. Irwin and A. S. Baldwin, at a meeting for the purpose, organized what was then called the Brazil Public Library Association. A small nucleus of books was procured by purchase and by donation and the library was duly installed in an upstairs room in the old Turner hall building. The first efforts were assisted by the Ladies' Literary Society, which made the first substan- tial donation for the purchase of books— about $75. The president of the association was E. S. Holliday, secretary R. H. Irwin. At the next election C. W. Crawford was elected president and this position alter- nated between Messrs Holliday, Crawford, Capt. T. M. Robertson and perhaps others until recently. A short time after its inauguration an entertainment was gotten up on the anniversary of Robert Bums, 24th of January, consisting of songs, dances, recitations, etc. The proceeds of this performance, about $50 to $75, aided greatly in buying books. The association at that time being a mercantile adventure depended upon entertainments for its support, together with a membership fee of one dollar a year, and donations of books, etc. The Httle entertainments were not liberally patronized and funds be- INDIANA LIBRARIES 25 came so low that it was difficult to keep the concern alive. Mr. L. 0. Schultz, librarian, in whose office the library was kept, assisted greatly in trying to make it popular, but people found their own business more interesting and it was found after many years that it could not longer be supported by direct popular effort. Advantage was then taken of the state law of that time to make it a free library, securing a certain small per cent of the taxation amounting to about $150 a year at first, increas- ing afterwards to about $250 a year. About this time it was removed to the City building, north side of Main St., where it remained rent free for years, suffering neglect and little patronage by the people. It was cared for by Thos. Henderson, then city treasurer. After becoming an eyesore and a reproach to the town it was determined to reorganize it with the assistance of the various Ladies' Literary clubs in the hope that it might receive better attention and pat- ronage in their hands. The result of this change was beneficial. The ladies together with some of the gentlemen friends of the library at once recommended a public reading room to be kept open at nights and three afternoons each week. A room was procured and the books cleaned and placed in improved shelves and some new books added; six of the gentlemen and three ladies volun- teered to attend as hbrarian one night, and one afternoon respectively each week. Magazines and papers were added to the reading matter and the attraction became popular at once and the interest continues to the present. Miss Alice Stone was then appointed as librarian. It ought to have been mentioned that the remnant of the McClure library was secured, soon after the library was installed, through the courtesy of E. S. Hussey, John Ackelmire, E. W. Smith and others of Brazil Lodge, 264, F. & A. Masons. This made a substantial addition to the reading matter. Other donations of books were made and cash contributions have vari- ously aided in tiding the library over. Much of the work of con- ducting the library through its darkest days is due to some of the patriotic ladies of Brazil, prominent among whom were Mrs. W. H. Gifford, Mrs. L. 0. Schultz, Mrs. J. E. Sherfey, Mrs. Col. Zimmerman, Mrs. John Richardson, deceased, Mrs. C. H. Knight, deceased, Mrs. W. P. Blair and others. In 1901 the Library Association was reorganized under the Mummert Law, and the following persons appointed members of the Board: Messrs. C. W. Crawford, H. F. Bucklen, J. F. Smith, R. H. Morrish, Mrs. W. W. Moore, Mrs. C. B. Greenough, and Mrs. Charles Hutchison. The 26 INDIANA LIBRARIES Board organized, electing R. H. Morrish, president; H. F. Bucklen, sec- retary. Late in the same year application was made to Mr. Carnegie for a donation to erect a library building, which was granted in the sum of $20,000. At the request of the Library Board the City Council appoint- ed the following persons as an Advisory Board to hold office until the completion of the building: C. S. Andrews, Col. Zimmerman, Capt. Rob- ertson, Silas Brosius, C. H. Kattman, John Rawley, and the three mem- bers of the Building Committee of the Council, B. A. Scofield, John Apple and R. M. H. Briton. A site was selected and paid for by public sub- scription, and early in 1903, the contract for a handsome stone building was let to the Brazil Stone Co. The cornerstone was laid by the Masons, August 6th, 1903, Capt. W. E. English, of Indianapolis, officiating as Grand Master. It is expected that the new building with its 10,000 vol- umes will be dedicated to the public about May 1st, 1904. In 1903 the Library Board lost two efficient members by the resigna- tion of H. F. Bucklen, and the moving away of Mrs. Charles Hutchison, but they were succeeded by Prof. B. A. Munson, as secretary, and Mrs. R. H. Crouch, both of whom are intelligent and zealous workers, an exem- plification of the old saying : * 'The workman may die, but the work goes on." Knowledge is like salt water, the more one takes, the thirstier one is; hence, fast as has been the growth of the Brazil Library in the last few years, it has scarcely kept pace with the demands of its patrons. C. W. Crawford, R. H. Morrish, Members Library Board. INDIANA LIBRARIES 27 CANNELTON. Cannel"ton Public Library. Cannelton may claim with pride to have been among the first of Southern Indiana towns to possess a pubHc hbrary, but the endowment for its maintenance was unfortunately lacking, so that half a century's interval separates the modest little collection of books brought together in the early fifties under the title of ''Workingmen's Institute" from the present officially acknowledged * 'Cannelton Public Library." The taste for reading never died out, however, and while no record is in evidence as to the dissolution of the Workingmen's Institute, its existence is only to be traced by some of its volumes that are yet treasured on the private shelves of old families whose members were among its original patrons. In 1893 some fifty citizens joined in forming a subscription library, open to members and their families on payment of entrance fee and small monthly dues. At the beginning three hundred volumes were purchased, and others were added as rapidly as the limited income would permit. The books (kept in a private office) circulated widely, even beyond authorized bounds, proving the existence of a genuine demand for good reading matter which the City Council came to recognize in 1896, by making a tax levy of one-half of one per cent, for the establishment and support of a free ))ublic library under jurisdiction of the municipal Board of Education. This was felt to mark an era of progress by those who had so long and patiently striven to create and mould a local sentiment toward this end, and the instant popularity which followed the opening of the library fully justified the sanguine hopes of its enthusiasts promoters. In recog- nition of the long and arduous individual efl^orts exerted in three special instances, Mrs. Isabelle de la Hunt, Mr. Solomon H. Esarey, and Mr. Thomas J. Truempy were appointed the original book committee, and in such capacity still continue to supervise the selection of new books, pur- chases being usually made twice a year, thus keeping somewhat abreast of current literature, though the standard classics have never been ignored, and the two thousand volumes now catalogued (which closely ap- proximate in number the city's population) represents a liberal judg- ment along many lines. Miss Mary Adkins was the first librarian, holding the position until 1900, when she was followed for two years by Mr. Edward E. Cummings, whom the present incumbent, Mr. Charles A. Lcesch, succeeded in 1902. 28 INDIANA LIBRARIES The small salary available from the funds at command only allows the library to be open three afternoons and evenings of each week (Monday, Wednesday and Saturday), but the daily circulation of volumes is never less than one hundred, while the twelve or fifteen carefully-choosen peri- odicals are regularly read by adults and juveniles alike. The five or six hundred borrowers (who must reside within the corporation and show a card signed by a tax-payer, entitling them to two volumes for fourteen days with privilege of once renewing) are permitted direct access to the cases which are numbered by shelves simply for convenience in locating. Classification is similarly arranged under general divisions, but not ac- cording to any of the standard systems of library cataloguing, the im- portance and value of which are not yet estimated at their full value by the Trustees, Dr. George W. Rial, Mr. Ernest Rinkle and Mr. Michael D. Casper. In September, 1902, the library was moved from its previously cramped quarters in a narrow hall-way to an airy, spacious and well lighted room on the ground floor of the city building where it is now permanently es- tabhshed with room for expansion, in every sense of that much used word. The structure is somewhat old, yet capable of renovation which time and further prosperity will undoubtedly accomplish. It was built for a school, then used during some two-score years as the county court- house. Upon erection of the present beautiful court-house (a rare archi- tectural gem and free gift from Cannelton to Perry County) the old edifice was returned to the city for public purposes as might be required, and of these the library is by no means the least important. Commodious grounds surround the city-hall, and are planted with shade trees, laid out in walks, etc., as a park, corrresponding to the county property on the opposite side of the street. The city school is also quite near, making it convenient and beneficial to the pupils, although a library of special ar- rangement to their needs is maintained in the High School. It is to Can- nelton's credit that such an institution has been founded and kept up, even on so small a scale, by local pride, as no donations have ever been received other than the volumes originally embraced in the subscription library, but the eye of Hope still turns toward the munificence of Ind- iana's already liberal benefactor— Andrew Carnegie. Thomas James de la Hunt. INDIANA LIBRARIES 29 CARTHAGE. The Henry Henley Public Library. Henry Henley was one of the founders of Carthage, a httle village thirty miles east of Indianapolis. He was a Quaker from North Car- olina, as were most of the early settlers in the neighborhood. This town still has no more than 1,100 inhabitants, but has a thing hardly par- allelled among similiar villages— a library of 3,300 volumes and a $6,500 building all paid for by its own citizens. Always desiring the best for his fellow-townsmen, Henry Henley proposed to establish a free public library, offering for that purpose $1,000. A library association was at once organized under the state law of 1852, in regard to libraries, as amended in 1879 and 1885. Twenty persons became stockholders with equal interests, and August 1, 1889, the following directors were elected: William P. Henley, J. M. Stone, N. C. Binford, Levi Binford, J. F. Publow, Eunice H. Dunn, and Lezena Thomburg. The gift of $1,000 was formally accepted and the Associa- tion, wishing in some measure to show its appreciation of this gift, called the books, over which it had control. The Henry Henley Public Library. In addition to the gift of $1,000, Henry Henley defrayed all the additional expenses of establishing the Library. Already there were small collections of books in the village and these were added to the new collection by the various owners : the Carthage Literary Association, the W. C. T. U., and the Carthage Monthly Meet- ing of Friends. One room in the Carthage Bank building was made use of for a number of years till the increase of books made it evident that there must be a suitable building. The sum of money provided by taxation was only sufficient for the maintenance including small yearly additions to the stock of books. A second time private donations gave new impetus to its life. The children of the founder gave $2,000 to the building fund and, with sub- scriptions from other citizens, two-thirds of the cost of the new build- ing was assured. The other third was raised by taxation. The library building was completed in 1902 at a cost of $6,500. The books in the library now numbered 3,300 volumes. Two hundred new books are added each year. Ten current magazines and four weekly periodicals are found on the tables. The one cent tax levy for books and an addi- 30 INDIANA LIBRARIES tional two cent tax for running expenses amounts to $500, which covers the entire annual expenditure. Eleven hundred citizens of Carthage and those of Ripley township have free use of the library, while those from adjacent townships may use it by the payment of a small annual fee. The circulation of books for the past year was 6,335 volumes, with an average of forty -nine vol- umes loaned each library day. The number of borrowers was 474. The library is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 2 to 5 P. M. and from 6 to 8 P. M. with an additional morning period, 9 to 12. A. m. on Saturdays. A part of the time on Sunday afternoons, the Women's Literary Circle has had charge of the Library as a reading-room. This makes eighteen hours a week, with a librarian in attendance, the follow- ing persons having acted in that capacity: Luzena Thornburg, Rose Henley, Grace Steere, Mattie Clark and Pearl Coffin. The books are classified according to the decimal system, and open shelves add to the pleasure and profit of the patrons. In the arrangement of children's books, their needs have been carefully considered. The shelv- ing is convenient while tables and chairs especially planned, invite them to remain in their own domain. Not much bulletin work has been attempted, but all available material for such work is carefully preserved with a view to making use of it as soon as practicable. The needs of club- workers, teachers and schools have always received special attention. CHARLESTOWN. Charlestown Public Library. Notwithstanding our repeated solicitations from the authorities for a historical sketch, we are unable to secure any information concerning this library. INDIANA LIBRARIES '*• 31 COLUMBUS. . The Columbus Public Library; Ten years ago the board of education, of Columbus, made a small tax levy for library purposes. That levy was repeated annually until 1899, when the accumulated funds amounted to more than $5,000. In August of that year the library was opened to the public. Very large credit is due the Ladies' clubs of Columbus for their efforts and success in creating public sentiment favorable to a free library. The library was housed in very cramped quarters until June, 1903, when, through the munificence of Mr. Andrew Carnegie, by invitation of the board of trustees: Messrs. John Stobo, J. N. D. Reeves and William May, the city of Columbus found its library installed in a commodious building of Bedford limestone with every convenience needful for the reading public. The basement floor has a heating plant, toilet rooms, unpacking room, office for the board of education, government document stack room, students' study room and ladies' club room. The main floor has a rest room, librarian's private oflSce, librarian's pubHc desk, stack room, twenty-four by forty feet, children's reading room, twenty-six by thirty-eight feet, and a general reading room, twenty-four by forty feet. The conditions for ventilating and lighting are ideal. For a city of 8,500 population the growth of the hbrary in number of volumes, and in public appreciation and utility, has been very gratifying. The library now has 6,300 volumes and 800 pamphlets, and is increasing at the rate of 600 volumes annually. There are, also, fifty-two current magazines. The number of borrowers is 3,651, with an annual circulation of 23,787, being an average daily circulation of seventy-seven. The borrowers are not limited to the residents of the city. Any citi- zen of the county may secure all the privileges of the library by paying an annual registration fee of one dollar. To the residents of the city the library is free. The library is open five days in the week from 1:00 to 9:00 P. M. and on Saturday from 9:00 A. M. to 9:00 p. m. The public has access to the shelves. The Dewey classification is used, and the public school children receive systematic training in the use of the library equipment. The management is in the hands of the board of education which now consists of J. N. D. Reeves, president; John L. Bonham, treasurer, and 32 INDIANA LIBRARIES M. H. Snively, secretary. This board meets all expenditures by a local tax levy, which is now six cents on the hundred dollars. The immediate administration of the library is under the direction of a librarian who is assisted at the desk, in busy periods, by the custodian of the building. Miss Jennie Elrod, now of the state library, was the first librarian, serving until July, 1902. Miss Anna Owen followed Miss Elrod as lib- rarian, serving until November, 1902, when she resigned. At this time Miss Jose Sayer became acting librarian, serving in that capacity until May 1st, 1903, when the present librarian, Miss June Deming was selected. CONNERSVILLE. CONNERSVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY. The articles incorporating the Connersville Public Library were filed with the county recorder November 18, 1893. Previous to that date it had existed, through the aid of private contributions, for three years. By far the larger portion of these contributions was given by the fac- tories as individual institutions. As many as eight of them subscribed $50 each, annually, for the three years. Public-spirited citizens also aided in the furnishing of means. Hon. F. T. Roots was quite influential in getting the library and reading-room into good running condition. At the beginning of its life as an incorporated library, three directors, R. C. Wright, L. L. Broaddus, and W. F. L. Sanders were chosen, the latter being appointed secretary and treasurer. Some time after the death of Mr. Wright, Mrs. C. D. Beck was chosen to fill the vacancy. This lady and the other two of the original directors, constitute the present board. The number of volumes is 1,954; the number added yearly being at present about one hundred. The council supports the library by a tax levy of three cents on the $100. The average circulation per day is fifteen. The number of borrowers is approximately 500. The population of the city is 7,000. The use of the library is limited to the city. The library is kept in a rented room, on a second floor; open six days per week from 2:00 p. M. to 5:00 p. M., and from 7:00 p. M. to 10:00 p. M., except on legal holidays. The books are partially classified accord- ing to subjects. The young people have access to the shelves con- taining the books suitable for them. The high school pupils are INDIANA LIBRARIES 33 becoming much intereisted in making the library serve them in their study. The present librarian is Miss Belle Ball, who is well qualified for the duties, having taken special pains to prepare herself for the work. The total annual expenditure for all Hbrary purposes is $900. The annual expenditure for periodicals is about $100; the most important of these are bound and placed upon the shelves as reference books. We are well aware that our library is, as yet, very small and our means very limited; but we believe that it will never be smaller, and that it will, in a few years, be reckoned among the best in the state. W. F. L. Sanders, Sec. and Treas. CRAWFORDSVILLE. Crawfordsville Public Library. The Crawfordsville Public Library, of Crawfordsville, Ind., is the out- growth of an organization perfected in December, 1897. A public library association was then formed, rooms rented, a librarian employed, and a library established by the public donation of books and money. This as- sociation was continued until October, 1899, when its property was turned over to the city school board, that body having agreed to maintain the public library by levying a tax on the property of Crawfordsville. On March 8, 1901, Andrew Carnegie donated $25,000 to Crawfordsville for the erection of a library building, which building was dedicated on July 29, 1902. The cost of the building completed was about $27,000, the amount in excess of the Carnegie donation having been voted by the school board in order to render the building absolutely fire proof and to provide a portion of its equipment. In accordance with the agreement with Mr. Carnegie, the city raises by taxation an annual income of $2,500 for the library, which sum is slight- ly increased by the collection of fines. Before the Carnegie donation the income raised by taxation was not so large as at present because for more than a year after the erection of the building a considerable portion of the money had to be devoted to the expense incidental to the estab- lishment of the library in its new home. Last year only 750 volumes were purchased, but it is now estimated that in future the money left, after providing for maintenance, will enable the book committe to add 34 INDIANA LIBRARIES about 1,200 volumes annually to the shelves. This will be materially augmented by government publications and gifts. The library now contains about 6,000 carefully selected volumes, many of which are valuable works of reference, while upon the periodical tables may be found about forty of the best magazines besides a number of high class newspapers. The library has about 2,500 borrowers, the daily circulation being about 100 volumes. The purchase of books is in the hands of a specially appointed book committe of seven persons. The schools and clubs of the city are well represented on this committee as especial attention has always been given to their claim. As the demand for fiction has been so great as to somewhat embarrass the committee in its endeavor to equip the library with proper reference books, relief has been sought and, to a considerable degree, afforded, by permitting the Tabard Inn Library to operate its local business in the library building. The library is open between the hours of 11:00 A. M. and 8:30 P. M. without intermission. Miss Sue Beck has been the librarian since the organization of the pubHc hbrary, her assistant being Miss Bessie Bridges. The trustees are Dr. W. H. Ristine, Henry Campbell, and J. A. Greene. In the library building is the office of the superintendent of schools and also that of the school trustees. In the basement of the building the several clubs of the city have recently finished and furnished a large and handsome room for club meetings. A second large room is soon to be fitted for occupancy by a historical society, thus centering about the library, the club and school interests of Crawf ordsville. INDIANA LIBRARIES 35 CRAWFORDSVILLE. Wabash College Library. Wabash College was founded at Crawfordsville, Indiana, in the year 1832. While it is safe to say that in those early years of beginning, a collection of books did not quickly form itself, and the library was hardly a tangible object for several years afterward, yet the library spirit was present. Until as late as 1891, professors whose names are a part of the history of the college, divided their time and labor in the interests of the Hbrary. From 1834 to 1891, Wabash College Library was a growing collection of books, shifted to various quarters to accommodate its growth. Books were turned over from the private libraries of those interested in the welfare of the college, and soon endowment funds were established by donors for the purchase of current literature for the library. The literary societies of the college, with the Hbraries they accum- ulated, were of service, and finally donated their collections. In 1891, the unique, and what has proven to be admirably arranged building, a gift of the late Simon Yandes, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was completed, and bears the name * 'Yandes Library Hall. " It is a library building exclusively, built in the form of a cross extending 110 feet east and west, 90 feet north and south, and two stories in height. Into this thoroughly fire proof building, the library of 29,000 volumes was moved, and is at present approaching the 40,000 mark. The pamphlets, as well as bound volumes, are classified according to the Dewey decimal classification, and card catalogued. The library looks mainly to the income from endowment funds, established by private donors, for the support of the library, and is enabled to add on an average, 1,000 volumes per annum. The periodical Hst is large in proportion. The files, as volumes are bound and added from year to year, including the standard periodical Hterature of the day, and are becoming a valuable part of the library. Books are selected through a committee, consisting of professors from the faculty. Department libraries are necessary to a college or university as are branch libraries to the PubHc Library, and these are growing institutions. The circulation of a college library is perhaps of importance, only as it may show the amount of * 'light reading" being done by the scholarly body. We are liberal to the extent that a record is not kept of this. Non-fiction books, and a great many are drawn, may be kept for 36 INDIANA LIBRARIES two weeks with the privilege of renewal, but the reference work, done in the library and of which it would be difficult to make an estimate, is encouraged in every way. The library, the only one in the city, until very recently, being a college library, has not been understood as open to the public, but its influence has reache'd out farther than the immediate bounds of the college. The Hbrary hours are from 8 A. m. to 5 P. M., except Saturdays, 9 A. M. to 12 M. DANVILLE. Library of The Central Normal College. This library had as its beginning the private library of but a few score volumes, of the first president of the college, in 1876. For many years it contained numerous good books loaned by the professors of the college. Additions were made from year to year, by purchase and donations, until the number of volumes is upward of 2,000, exclusive of statistical reports that are still kept but not given shelf room. The books have been carefully selected. The needs of the students of the college alone have been considered. The general public have always been invited to use the library, but not many have accepted on account of the special character of the books. That the selections have been wisely made is shown from the use of the library by the students. Those taking literary courses can be found there every day. Men who have had wide opportunity to observe say this is the most generally used of any college library they know. There are seven sets of encylopedias. The Hbrary is strongest in history and philosophy, though there is something pertaining to all sub- jects taught in the college. The Library is now located in Chapel Hall, in a room 24 feet by 70 feet, especially constructed for it. The book cases line the walls and study tables fill the floor. A librarian is in charge, but students are at liberty to go to the cases and select for themselves. The librarian's consent must be obtained to take a book from the room. The bound volumes of magazines and the valuable reports have all been indexed so that finding a desired article is an easy matter. Daily papers and mag- azines are provided. The library is open six days each week while the college is in session. INDIANA LIBRARIES 37 DANVILLE. Danville Public Library. Danville, Indiana, a beautiful county seat town, twenty miles west of Indianapolis, with a population of about two thousand people, has long felt the need of a public library. The Central Normal College, located here, enrolls hundreds of students from many states. In February, 1902, the president of the Commercial Club, Mr. Mord. Carter, wrote a letter to Mr. Andrew Carnegie, explaining the needs of the town for funds to build a library building, which resulted in an offer from Mr. Carnegie to donate $10,000, for the erection of a building, provided the town would make a levy that would raise $1,000 per year, and provide a suitable site for the building. The Commercial Club, ladies' clubs, college faculty, town trustees, school board, and citizens came forward with aid and a library board was organized under the Acts of 1901. A lot was purchased by popular subscription, and the plans submitted by Mr. S. C. Dark, of Indianapolis, Ind. , were accepted, and a contract let to W. C. Halstead & Co., of Franklin, Ind., for the erection of the building. The township afterward came in under the provisions of the law and made a levy of two-tenths of a mill on each dollar, and the town a levy of one cent on the dollar, the two levies raising about $1,500 annually for the support and building up of the library. The building was dedicated on the fifth day of December, 1903. The ladies' clubs raised about $300 for books, and many books were donated, making in all about 1,500 volumes. About a dozen magazines, are taken. The present board is as follows: Mord. Carter, president; Mrs. Jennie Hill King, vice-president; Mrs. Josephine K. Thomas, secretary; Henry C. Hadley, treasurer; Mrs. Mattie A. Keeney, Dr. Joel T. Barker, Otis T. Spencer, George W. Scearce, and David Hadley, township trus- tee. Miss Lou Robinson is the present librarian. The Ubrary is open each day except Sunday and legal holidays, from 10:00 A. M. to 12:00 M. 1:00 P. M. to 5:30 P. M., and 6:30 p. M. to 8:00 p. M. Some bulletin work is done but no special work with children. Although the Library has just recently opened, it is being well patronized and promises to be of great value to the community. 38 INDIANA LIBRARIES DELPHI. Delphi Public Library. The Delphi Public Library was organized in June, 1897, under the law of 1883. The school library, the old township Hbrary with the books donated by the Oracle Club formed the basis. The Oracle Club was also instrumental in its establishment. The partition between two cloak rooms on the second floor of the school building was removed and the long room resulting was fitted up for library purposes. Book shelves extend to the ceiling, rolling ladders making accessible the upper shelves. The School Board has charge of the library fund which is derived from a tax of three-tenths of a mill and amounts to about six hundred dollars a year. The present members of the board are J. H. Mount, H. M. Montman and Dr. C. E. Angell. In the spring of 1900 the library was reorganized and classified according to the Dewey decimal classification and its card catalogue begun. The library now contains about three thousand volumes, about two hundred and fifty being added each year. It subscribes for twenty of the current magazines. The library is open each day from 8 A. M. to 12 M. and 1 p. M. to 5 P. M. The public has free access to the shelves. Of the two thousand people of the city about five hundred are borrowers. No one outside of the city is allowed to draw books with the exception of the pupils of the surrounding country who are attending High School. The circulation for home use is about 8,500 a year, an average of twenty-eight a day. This, however, does not begin to show the use of the library. It would be hard to estimate its value to the school; being in the same building it is used constantly by the pupils. The clubs and missionary societies make frequent use of the library and it endeavors to provide itself as fully as possible along the lines of their studies. Miss Emma Meyer has been librarian since the establishment of the library with the exception of the year August, '97, to August, '98, when Miss Mabel Almond had charge. The librarian has no regular assistant. She is given a vacation of two weeks. The library's present quarters are becoming very crowded and it is hoped a larger room may soon be obtained. INDIANA LIBRARIES 89 ELKHART. Elkhart-Carnegie Library. The new Elkhart-Carnegie Library was completed and opened to the public October 1st, 1903. A gift from Mr. Carnegie of $35,000 was secured through the enter- prise and solicitation of two of Elkhart's most prominent citizens: Messrs. A. H. Beardsley and George B. Pratt, who appreciated the infinite need of their city in this direction. These gentlemen first secured written pledges from their councilmen to vote for an annual appropriation of $3,500 for the maintenance of the library and also to give a suitable lot for the building. They then visited Mr. Carnegie, in New York, and returned with this generous and pleasing result. The ordinance was adopted on March 13th, 1901. A board was ap- pointed according to the state law, and was organized on the first day of April. The board decided on a plan on May 19, and the work on the build- ing was begun in September, 1901. The building is constructed of Indiana dressed stone and is of a classic style of architecture. The main rooms, the reading room and children's room and the large hall are only separated, the one from the other, by large pillars, so that all public portions of the main floor may be under the oversight of one attendant at the loan desk, if necessary. The hbrary contains about 7,000 volumes, including public documents, and numbers 112 current magazines in the reading rooms. There was a basis of 3,000 volumes from the public schools to build upon, and 1,500 volumes more were added by the different literary clubs of the city. There is an annual appropriation by the city of $3,500 for the yearly expenditures, raised by a tax levy of five-tenths mill per cent. This sum purchases books and covers the salaries of the librarian, librarian's assist- ant, and the janitor, and any additional help required of a cataloguer or a typewriter comes out of the book fund. The catalogue and shelf list cards are all typewritten. Of the book fund, $4,264.25 was raised October 15th, 1903, by 1,040 contributors, in amounts ranging from two cents to $200.00, in response to an offer by an unknown friend to duplicate any amount not less than $3,500, raised by the citizens of Elkhart for the purchase of books for the library. The hours are from 9 a. m. to 9 p. m. for the senior reading room. 40 INDIANA LIBRARIES The loan department, children's room and reference room are open from 9 A. M. to 8 p. M. The building is closed on Sundays and legal holidays, and each member of the staff is given one month's vacation. The open-shelf system is in use in all departments and the books are arranged according to the Dewey classification. Two cataloguers from the University of Illinois did the bulk of the work. The Brown charging system is used at the loan desk. The number of borrowers is 3,027 and but one lives outside the city limits, there being a charge of $1.00 per year to the latter. The average circulation per day is about 183. The population of Elkhart is 18,000. The children's library is especially strong. Bulletin work has not been taken up as yet but will come in its time. The present board con- sists of seven members: President, A. H. Beardsley; vice-president, J. F. Werner; secretary, Mrs. E. A. Carpenter; treasurer, George B. Pratt; Mrs. 0. C. Hill, Mrs. Wm. Hackman and Dr. C. C. Bower. Kate Sage, Librarian. ELWOOD. Elwood Public Library. Elwood has been a city for less than fifteen years, its population having increased from 2,284, in 1890, to 12,950 in 1900. Under these con- ditions our library history is of necessity brief. During the winter of 1898-^9, the people of Elwood became interested in establishing a free library. The women's Hterary clubs, the labor unions and the business men entered heartily into the work. Stock was subscribed in ten dollar shares, and the Elwood Public Library Association was organized under the law of 1852. The books belonging to an old subscription library were purchased and many volumes were donated. A store room was rented. Mrs. F. L. Saylor and Mrs. P. T. O'Brien gave their time and services in accession- ing and preparing the books for circulation. Mrs. Eva Gilmore was chosen librarian and the library was opened to the public May 3, 1899. On the completion of the new city building in the fall of 1900, the library was moved into a room in this building. In the spring of the following year, through the persistent efforts of a few members of the Board, various reforms were carried through. The arrangement of the room was altered and the public was given free access to the shelves. INDIANA LIBRARIES 41 In June, it was decided to secure a trained librarian and Miss Nellie B. Fatout was chosen to fill the position. The gift of $1,000 by the American Tin Plate Company enabled the Board to greatly increase the number of volumes in the library. These now number 4,500. Five daily papers and forty magazines are on the subscription list. When the new tax levy of six mills goes into effect, it is expected that 1,000 volumes will be added annually. The books are arranged according to the decimal classification and a dictionary card catalogue is practically complete to date. In the fall of 1901, Mr. Carnegie offered the Elwood Library $25,000 for a building. In spite of some opposition from the labor unions, this offer was accepted and the usual conditions were complied with. The amount was afterwards increased to $30,000 and the building is now nearly completed. Two persons are regularly employed, the librarian and an assistant, each working fifty-six hours a week. Two weeks* time is given for the summer vacation in addition to the legal holidays during the year. The Library is kept open from 9 A. M. to 9 p. M. on all week days and for two hours on Sunday. Its use steadily increases. Special work with the school children has been done .by means of picture bulletins and talks given by the librarian at the schools. The local papers have been very willing to publish items of library interest and have been used extensively in advertising new books. The total circulation for home use for the year ending July 1, 1903, was 31,551, an average of 110 volumes per day. Juvenile books form forty-five per cent, of the circulation. The patronage of the reading and reference rooms has been large and and many different classes of people are reached by the Hbrary. The Library Board consists of fifteen members, elected by the stock- holders. The members of the present Board are as follows: C. W. Bennett, president; Mrs. John M. Rodefer, vice-president; Mrs. F. L. Saylor, secretary; J. A. Hunter, treasurer; Mrs. A. D. Moffett, Mrs. J. H. Elliott, Mrs. J. W. Call, Mrs. Florence Leeson, Mrs. P. T. O'Brien, Mrs. W. H. Jones, E. C. DeHority, C. M. Greenlee, Dr. H. M. Brown, Joseph A. Field, John Finan, Jr. 42 INDIANA LIBRARIES EVANSVILLE. WiLLARD Library. Willard Carpenter, founder of Willard Library, Evansville, Indiana, Was born in Stafford, Orange county, Vermont, March 15th, 1803, and died in Evansville, November 6th, 1883. On August 23rd, 1876, Mr. Car- penter conveyed by a deed of trust real estate in the city of Evansville of the value of $200,000 to a board of trustees for the purpose of estab- lishing a public park, library, and gallery of art, free for all inhabitants of the city. Subsequently a board of trustees incorporated under the name of Willard Library. Mr. Carpenter devoted the latter years of his life in constructing a library building paid for out of the property con- veyed, costing $75,000. The library contains 29,000 volumes to which is added yearly 500 volumes. The library is located in the center of the city in a public park containing eight acres. It was opened to the public March 18th, 1885. The library is open from 9 A. M. to 6 P. m. daily, and Sunday afternoons for reading. It has a yearly circulation of 68,000; a daily average of 200. Fifty standard magazines are taken. The Poole system of classification is followed. Three librarians are in charge, serving eight hours a day, with one month vacation during the year. The public does not have access to the shelves. The gross income of the library, derived from rents, amounts to $6,000 per annum. The library is not aided by any public taxation. The art gallery feature contemplated by the donor has never been realized, except in part, for want of funds. No special Work is done. The names of the members of the Board of Trustees are: Hon. Thomas E. Garvin, president; Otto F. Jacobi, treasurer; Robert D. Richardson, secretary; Alexander Gilchrist, Samuel G. Evans and John H. Foster. Vacancies on the board are filled by the trustees. Miss Otilda M. Goslee is the librarian, with Miss Kate Imbush and Mrs. Mary 0. Flower assistant librarians. The building consists of two main floors and a basement, with lobby and reading room adjoining. The city of Evansville has a population of 70,000. Trustees serve without compen- sation. INDIANA LIBRARIES 43 FORT WAYNE. Free Public Library of Fort Wayne. In 1894, The Free Public Library of Fort Wayne was established, in accordance with the library act of 1881, as the result of the intelligent and energetic efforts of the Woman's Club League, which in the begin- ning of its existence determined that a prominent part of its work should be to secure the establishment, in Fort Wayne, now numbering 50,000 inhabitants, of a public library commensurate with its needs. They took legal advice as to what law it would be best to organize under, gained the hearty co-operation of the school trustees, and obtained the signa- tures of the members of the various clubs and of many other citizens to petitions asking that a tax be levied for library purposes. The petitions were presented to the city council, July 25th, 1893, and were promptly granted. The Club League turned over to the new library 117 books, which it had collected for its own members, and also the rooms which had been granted for its use in the City Hall. The Allen County Teach- er's Association gave it's library of 800 volumes. The Public Schools gave 1,028 volumes; 1414 volumes were purchased and 247 volumes of public documents were given by various parties, making in all 3,606 vol- umes. Mrs. S. C. Hoffman was appointed hbrarian with Mrs. J. M. Evans as assistant. When, with the assistance of several volunteers from the Club League, the books were catalogued in accordance with the Dewey classification, on the evening of January 28, 1895, the library was formally opened and the next morning the issuing of books began. To name all the ladies who took active part in this work would be to transcribe the membership rolls of the club. Their influence on the library is still felt. Four ladies nominated by the League and four gentlemen chosen by the school trustees, with the librarian as a member ex-officio, constitute a committee for the selection of books. The library grew so rapidly that in September, 1895, it was moved to more commodi- ous quarters at the comer of Wayne and Clinton. A reading room was then opened which at once justified its existence. The library's source of income is a tax levied by the school trustees. The year just closing (1903) the rate has been five cents on the hundred dollars and the total expenditure for all purposes was, for the year ending July 31, 1903, $8,736,51. In 1898, the school board bought as a permanent home for the 44 INDIANA LIBRARIES library the property at the southwest corner of Wayne and Webster streets. The new quarters were a great improvement, but soon it became evident that a larger building and one specially adapted to library work would in a little while be indispensable. The Woman's Club League again took up the work and, with the co-operation of the mayor and some of the prominent business men of the city, obtained from Mr. Andrew Carnegie a gift of $75,000 for a library building conditioned only on an appropriation of $7,500 per year for the support of it. The gift was accepted and a very large and stately building of imposing appearance was erected, on the property purchased by the school board, and was ready for occupancy January 1, 1904. On the completion of the building Mr. Carnegie added $15,000 more to his already liberal gift, making a total gift of $90,000. During the erection of the building the library found a comfortable temporary home in the Elektron. It has been practicable to give the frequenters of the library free access to the books, an innovation that has been helpful to all parties. One thou- sand to twelve hundred volumes have been added to the library each year by purchase. The whole number, including public documents, is now 17,510. For the reading room seventy-seven magazines and nine- teen newspapers are subscribed for. The library is open twelve hours per day for six days in the week ; the reading room on Sundays from 2 to 5 P. M. The number of books taken out in 1903, to December 26, was 53,302, a daily average of 175. These figures do not include the number of volumes read or consulted in the reference room, which is very consi- derable and growing. The total number of persons using the reading room during the year 1903 was not less than 24,000, averaging seventy- six daily. A comparison of the circulation for the year ending July 31, 1896— the first year for which there are full returns — with that for the present year, 1903, shows an increase of 14,051 — 35 per cent. In the former year there were issued 34,553 works of fiction; in the latter, 44,715, an increase of 10,162—29 per cent. Thus it appears that the increase of novel reading has not kept pace with the circulation. On the other hand, during the same period, the circulation of works on phil- osophy, fine arts, science, history and the useful arts, which in 1895-96 was eleven per cent of the total, in the present year has been over six- teen per cent, showing that while novel reading has relatively declined, INDIANA LIBRARIES 45 the reading of the best books has increased. The number of borrowers is now 8,301. The privilege of borrowing however, is not limited to citizens of Fort Wayne. Residents of Allen county outside the city limits, who pay city taxes, and all others who pay one dollar per year for each card taken out, are entitled to the full and free use of the library. In addition to their ordinary labors the librarian and her assistant do a great deal of work for pupils in the public schools and for other children, and members of the literary clubs, in the selection of books and in direct- ing them to the best authorities on the subjects they wish to investigate. A bulletin of the books received is prepared each month and the card catalogue is kept up to date. The present library force consists of five persons. The hours of labor are for the day staff forty-eight per week; for the evening assistant twenty-one; each person has a yearly vacation of two weeks. The first librarian, Mrs. S. C. Hoffman, after two years' service resigned and was succeeded by Miss Clara M. Fowler, at whose death, in 1898, the present librarian, Miss Margaret M. Colerick, was appointed. The entire management and control of the library is vested in the Board of School Trustees, the present members of which are Messrs. Charles S. Bash, Allan Hamilton and Eugene Smith. FRANKFORT. Frankfort Public Library. In 1882, the Frankfort Public Library was in a dark back room of a law office and was open to the public two afternoons in the week from 4 P. M. to 6 P. M. About 1888, the few hundred books, which were mostly remnants of the McClure and Township libraries, were installed in a small room of the new city building with the city council as the Library Board. A hbrarian was appointed and the Library was open two afternoons each week. The new High School building, erected in 1892, provided the present quar- ters for the Hbrary, which, until the Spring of 1903, was open to the public each afternoon of the week during the months from October to March, and two afternoons in the week during the months from April to September. After its removal into the High School building the club women championed the cause of the library and were instrumental in persuading Mrs. Virginia Stein, librarian of the Lafayette Public Library, to come to 46 INDIANA LIBRARIES Frankfort for a few days and instruct the librarian in the reorganization of the library. At this time the Dewey classification, the Cutter author table, and the Newark charging system were adopted, an author and classed finding list begun, and the library made a reference library as well as a circulating library. In the Spring of 1903 the Public Library was turned over to the School Board, which constitutes the Library Board and since that time it has been open to the public daily from 8:00 a. m. to 5:00 P. M. The rate of taxation has always been two-fifths of a mill on the dollar. Reference work is done for the High School students and club women. No special work is done for the children except the bulletin of current events. The accession book shows two thousand volumes, and the average daily circulation is fifty volumes. The following are names of librarians and dates of administration so far as they could be ascertained: 0. E. Brumbaugh, (date not known.) Kate Gordon, 1887-1891. Belle Sheridan, 1891-Nov., 1894. Anna G. Hubbard, Nov. -1894, - Jan. -1897. Cora Cooper, Jan. -1897, - April-1903. Ethel Brumbaugh, April-1903, to date. INDIANA LIBRARIES 47 FRANKLIN. Franklin College Library. Prom the beginning in 1834, to 1869, all the books belonging to the library could easily be placed in a case of shelves six feet wide and seven feet high. And many of the volumes were old and scarcely standard, although some of them were excellent. In 1872, under the new regime there was an earnest attempt to build up a library. Many old students agreed to give from one dollar to five dollars a year with which to buy books, and the president, as he travelled among the churches, did not hesitate to ask for gifts of books worth asking for. In this way he brought in several hundred volumes. By such means as these the college was, after ten years, able to report more than three thousand volumes in its library. As yet it was not open every day, and there was no system- atic classification. Still the students showed considerable appreciation, especially of history, v/hich was the most largely represented subject. After ten years more, or in 1892, the college catalogue reported more than 6,000 volumes. A good room in the Central building is given to the library. It is open each day, a librarian and an assistant are selected by the Board of Direct- ors, a good reading room is operated in connection with the library and the decimal classification was adopted and put into operation in 1895. To Professor R. J. Thompson is due most of the credit for organizing the library. She studied the system in the Morgan Park Theological Seminary and afterwards in the University of Chicago, and with patience and per- severance brought order out of chaos. By this time the Literary Society libraries were incorporated with the general library, and added not a lit- tle to its value. The work of cataloguing, of necessity proceeded slowly; but the card cabinet soon began to be appreciated by the students in their research in special lines. At this time too the periodicals taken for the reading tables were bound as the volumes were completed, and when Poole's index was added these periodical volumes were much in demand and have been ever since. At the end of ten years more, 1902, the num- ber of volumes was reported to be about 14,000, and the number of mag- azines on the reading tables has considerably increased. From almost the beginning, different friends, some of them in Con- gress, sent various books to the college. Some of these, such as the Proceedings of the First Congress, American State Papers, etc., at the time were thought to be of little value, but have proven to be very valu- 48 INDIANA LIBRARIES able and are much sought after by newer institutions. When Benjamin Harrison, afterwards president of the United States, was in the Senate, President Stott wrote him saying that whatever in the way of books, maps, charts, etc., belonged to the colleges, he would be glad to receive without special and repeated request. This led to the districting of the state among the senators and congressmen; and from that time on the government has regarded the college as one of its depositories. To the casual observer these volumes seem comparatively worthless, but to the student seeking particular and exact information, they become extremely useful. In a somewhat like way President Stott became interested in collect- ing documents and reports of the state; and in this way he was greatly assisted by Judge D. W. Howe, of Indianapolis, who has a complete set of them. It might be supposed that such books as these composed the bulk of the library, but the larger part of the books are such as are of interest to the general reader, being bought from time to time from a fund composed for the most part of students' fees. After departmental collections were given up, it became the custom for the librarian to ask the head of each department of instruction for a list of books most needed in his department, and purchases were made from these Hsts. In this way, to a considerable extent, the library has been built up. There is a small library fund, the interest of which is used in the purchase of books, but the main dependence is on students' fees. A special effort for a few years past has been to complete sets of important periodicals. At this time the college has an almost complete set of the North American, the Atlantic Monthly, Littell's Living age, the Bibliotheca Sacra, and the Edinburg Review. It should be noticed that a smaller choice library was begun by Prof. J. W. Moncrief when he had charge of the History department. He named it for Freeman, the distinguished historian, secured many vol- umes from the authors, and made a fair beginning for what has now become a valuable collection for the student of general history. The present Hbrarian is Prof. E. S. Gardiner, and his assistant upon whom much of the daily work devolves, is Miss Francis M. Dean. The new library building, capable of shelving 50,000 volumes, will soon be finished, being ready for dedication in connection with the 1904 INDIANA LIBRARIES 49 Commencement. The Reading Room will also be in the new building. The cost of this building complete and furnished will be $25,000. The policy of the library management is to keep the books in the best condition possible, and users are liable for damages, but the shelves are open to those who come for consultation. The conviction is clear that it is worth much to the student to handle the books. In this way alone can he become widely acquainted with the hundreds of volumes that he will afterwards need in his work. It might also be added that the use of the library for consultation is not confined to the students. Any one who will conform to the rules is welcome to come and read. There are many, especially from the High School and members of Literary clubs, who avail themselves of this privilege. W. T. Stott. President. GOSHEN. Goshen Public Library. The present organization of the Goshen Public Library dates from March, 1901, when it took advantage of the Mummert law of that year and succeeded a small Public Library which was maintained by the vari- ous Ladies* Literary Societies of the city, which societies are therefore responsible for the inception of library work in this city. The number of volumes at present is 5,286, between 800 and 900 being added annually. Forty-four current magazines are taken which are bound and placed in the reference rooms as fast as the volumes are completed. Our total annual expenditure is $1,975 which is raised by a six mill tax, levied under the Mummert law under which we were organized. Our total circulation since the opening of the present library Janu- ary 15, 1903, to December 1, 1903, was 24,104, making a total daily average of ninety. There are 2,051 borrowers' cards on file, this being from a total population of 9,250, and but four of these are country bor- rowers who pay an annual fee of one dollar. The library is open from 10:00 A. M. to 12 M. and from 2:00 P. M. to 8:00 P. M. for the charging of books. The general reading rooms re- main open until 9:00 P. M. on week days only. Open shelving is used to which the public has access. Especial attention is given to children's work, a room being set apart for their use and the children's books are 50 INDIANA LIBRARIES on open shelves. During the summer months the schedules of work of the various literary clubs are obtained and especial preparation made to assist them in reference work during the ensuing winter. Our library building is of Bedford stone and was erected in 1901-2, at a cost, furnished, of $25,150.00, in addition to the cost of the lot which was raised by popular subscription. Twenty-five thousand dollars of the building fund was received from Andrew Carnegie. The Library is in charge of Mrs. Ella R. Heatwole, librarian; Eliza- beth Li Rockwell, assistant, and the following Board of Trustees: Presi- dent, Mr. I. O. Wood; Vice President, Mrs. M. E. Mitchell; Secretary, Mr. H. H. Gortner; Treasurer, Mr. D. A. Sanders; Mrs. F. P. Abbot, Mrs. J. M. Bowser and Mr. Frank Kelly. H. H. Gortner, Sec'y. GREENCASTLE. Depauw University Library. The * 'Depauw University Library," situated at Greencastle, Indi- ana, had its beginning in 1840, when, as we read in the catalogue of that year, * 'through the liberality of friends of the institution a small library containing some rare and valuable books had been collected. The library grew very slowly for many years, the most notable additions of these early days being through the Whitcomb bequest, by which the library, in 1853, came into possession of about 4,500 volumes from the private library of Governor Whitcomb, then but lately deceased. This was a very valuable collection of books, remarkable in its day, among which were found many rare editions. In 1882, 5,000 volumes were donated from the library of the Hon. Henry S. Lane. In 1884 the Hbrary was moved from the basement of East College to its present quarters, the the third floor of West College, which had been fitted up to receive it. The reading room, in the center, is a large one, 53x106 feet, and on each side of this room are the stacks. The departmental libraries, first noticed in the catalogue of 1879, are scattered through the various buildings. The total number of volumes in all the libraries is now 26,500. The increase for each year varies because of donations; but would average 1,000 volumes of which about 100 volumes are bound numbers of periodicals. Ninety-eight periodicals are received by the library. The annual expenditure varies, but averages $2,000. Last year, 1892-3, it was much more. The funds INDIANA LIBRARIES 51 for the general library are derived from an annual appropriation by the Board of Trustees, and the departmental libraries are sustained by fees and endowment funds. During the academic year the general library is open each week day, except holidays, from 8:30 A. M. to 5:30 P. M., allowing an hour and a half mtermission at noon. It is also open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings from 6:30 till 9:00. The departmental libraries are open at all hours that the college buildings are open. During the summer vacation, the library is open only two afternoons each week. The classification used in the library is a modification of the old Perkins sys- tem. It is not a circulating library except to professors and instructors. To the students and townspeople, the Hbrary is for reference, and no books are taken from the rooms. Access to the shelves is permitted upon request. There being but a limited number of borrowers, and practically no children among the readers, it will readily be seen that the work would proceed on different lines from that of a public library, and that there could be no exact data of the use made of books. Two persons are employed in the general library, and the professor in charge has supervision and care of his departmental hbrary. Although the hbrary had its beginning in 1840, it was not of suffi- cient size or importance to require the services of a Hbrarian until 1854, when Samuel Allen Lattimore, professor of Greek in the University, was given charge of the library. He continued in office until 1859. His successors have been as follows: Benj. Thomas Hoyt, 1859-66. John A. Raubilt, 1867-69 John Clark Ridpath. 1869-79 Edwin Post, 1879-96 Henry B. Longden {pro tempore), 1886-88 Martha B. Longden, 1897-date In 1879 a fire almost destroyed West College, on the third floor of which the library had its quarters, and a great number of the books were burned. Among them were many of the valuable Whitcomb collection. It was about this time that the library and laboratory began to assume a more important place in our colleges and universities. We have endeavored in a small way to keep pace with this great movement which has revolutionized the methods of higher education. Martha B. Longden, Librarian. 52 INDIANA LIBRARIES GREENCASTLE. The Greencastle Carnegie Library. The Public Library at Greencastle, Ind., began as a school library, when, under the law of 1881, a tax was levied to buy books for the use of the school children. It was housed in the Assembly Hall of the high school building until the collection of books outgrew its quarters. Then, in 1891, the board of education decided to throw it open to the public. The common council gave aid and the Public Library was opened on the second floor of a business block, on the east side of the public square, with 1,500 volumes on the shelves. It remained there, used constantly by both children and adults, until all the available space was occupied, there being 7,000 volumes on the shelves. In 1902, chiefly through the efforts of Mr. D. L. Anderson, treasurer of the school board, the Carnegie gift was secured. Mr. Carnegie gave at first $10,000, as the last census numbered less than 5,000 residents. This was promptly accepted by the common council and the name was changed to the Greencastle Carnegie Library. A lot was purchased and in a letter to Mr. Carnegie, notifying him of the fact, it was stated that the library tax in Greencastle was already more than $1,200, and could easily be increased to $1,500 per year. Upon receipt of this letter Mr. Carnegie sent an additional $5,000. A Building Committee was appointed by the council, and a plan was accepted from Patten and Miller, architects, of Chicago, for a $15,000 building. The cornerstone was laid in September, 1902. The building was dedicated with appropriate exercises on June 5, 1903, and thrown open to the public with 7,500 volumes on the shelves, besides 500 pamphlets. Twelve monthly, and four weekly periodicals are taken. The books are classified by the Dewey decimal classification, and both the printed finding Hst and a dictionary card catalogue are used. Every one has free access to the card catalogue and to the shelves. The Library is free to residents of the town and of Greencastle town- ship; beyond that, persons may have use of it for one dollar per year. The reading rooms are free to every one, and can easily accommodate fifty readers at a time. The children's room is very attractive and INDIANA LIBRARIES 53 special care is taken to aid and to interest the younger readers; birthday bulletins and pictures being often used. The whole building is beautifully decorated, well lighted, elegantly furnished, and very convenient. When completed Mr. Carnegie asked for an itemized account of ex- pense and sent an additional $5,000, clearing all indebtedness, making his gift in all $20,000. The income at present is $1,500 per year, a tax of seven cents on $100 being levied for that purpose. Library hours are 10 A. m. to 12 M., 2:30 p. M. to 5:30 p. M. and 6:30 p. M. to 9 p. M. every day except Sundays and six national hoHdays. Miss Belle S. Hanna has been librarian since the first opening in 1891, doing all the work without assistance. The highest number of volumes circulated in one year was 28,696. The number of cards in actual use just now is 2,335. Two books may be taken on a card and many readers avail themselves of the privilege. The books comprising the library have been bought with great care and are well selected. Those in history and literature make the largest divisions. Pubhc school, high school, academy and college students use the hbrary freely, as do club members and general readers. Public de- mand is for a higher class of books than is usual in a small place, owing doubtless to the influence of the University, everything there tend- ing toward higher education. Present board of education: President, Dr. E. B. Evans; secretary. Dr. 0. F. Overstreet; treasurer, D. L. Anderson. Belle S. Hanna, Librarian. 54 INDIANA LIBRARIES GREENFIELD. Greenfield Public Library. The Greenfield Public Library was organized in 1898. A room in the new High School building had been built especially for library purposes and in this room were placed 1,500 volumes by the board of school com- missioners of the city of Greenfield. The doors were thrown open to the public January 5th, 1898. Subscriptions to ten magazines were sent in and as the issues appeared they were placed upon the reading table to be used by the patrons of the Library while in the room, but not to be circulated. The first librarian was Miss Minnie Hughes, who served most faith- fully for three years. During the last year it was found necessary to employ an assistant, and Miss Manie Handy was appointed. Miss Hughes resigned in March, 1901, and Miss Handy was appointed librarian in her stead, and is now serving in that capacity. The library fund for each year is about $1,000, and since the date of the organization about 400 volumes have been added each year, including books of fiction, biography, history science and other literature. The number of volumes on the shelves and in circulation at the present time is 3,000. Twenty-four of the very best magazines pubHshed appear on the reading table. The issues for the past six years have been bound and placed on the shelves to be circulated as are the other books. The average number of volumes loaned each day is fifty and the average number used in the reading room seventy-five. The present members of the school board are Mr. J. W. Harrell, president; Mr. J. S. Jackson, secretary, and Mr. George H. Cooper, treasurer. INDIANA LIBRARIES 55 GREENSBURG. Greensburg Public Library. Nothwithstanding our repeated solicitations from the authorities for historical sketch, we are unable to secure any information concerning this library. HAMMOND. Hammond Public Library. For many years Hammond had felt the need of a public library and reading room, but nothing definite was done until the Shakespeare Club, an organization of eighteen wide-awake school teachers, took the matter in hand. They bought forty-nine books. They sold membership cards to all who desired the privilege of reading those books, and with the money thus obtained, new books were purchased. In June, 1903, the Club turned the books over to the city and a Public Library was organ- ized according to the laws of Indiana. Its first home was in Miss Bloomhoff 's millinery parlors, and Miss Bloomhoff was appointed Lib- rarian. In January, 1904, the Library was moved to the Chicago Telephone Building on Rimbach Avenue. The room is open to the public every afternoon and evening except Sundays and legal hoHdays. At present there are 800 volumes in the Library, classified according to the Dewey classification. A number of the best current magazines are received. Much interest is felt by the people in general, but by the children particularly, who come from all parts of the town to get books. The Library Board consists of Dr. Howat, president; Mrs. Minnie Ibach, vice-president; Miss Rena Ames, secretary; Dr. Eleanore Scull, A. Murray Turner and Lawrence Becker. The Librarian is Miss Marie Hansen. The income is derived from city taxation and private subscriptions. NOTE : After the copy for the above went to the printer Hammoad received a g-if t from Andrew Carnegie of $35,000. 56 INDIANA LIBRARIES HANOVER. The Hanover College Library. The first mention found of any library in connection with Hanover Academy, is in the winter of 1829-30. Dr. John Matthews, professor- elect of the Theological seminaiy, while soliciting funds for the support of the second teacher, received a gift of "78 volumes for the Library." These, in all probability, went with the Seminary on its removal to New Albany. In 1831, Dr. Crow visited the East, ' 'ferreting out the benevolent, ' ' and in addition to financial aid, brought back * 'nearly 100 volumes for the Library. ' ' This donation is recorded in the first catalogue, 1832-33. The next notice is in 1834, when the library contained about 2,000 volumes. From that time down to the present the collection of books has con- stantly grown until, if the Society Libraries which are used in con- nection with the College Library proper, are included, the total of bound volumes is somewhere in the neighborhood of 15,000, besides a good many thousands of unbound pamphlets. There has been no one time when a large number of books has been added. The increase in later years, however, has been steady, and averages from 300 to 400 volumes per year. Most are purchased, 'though some are given by friends and are much valued not only for intrinsic worth, but also for the interest that has stimulated the donors. The vast majority of the books are of very decided worth. The McLean Library consists of a good many hundreds of rare old volumes of the classics, philosophy, history, theology and the like, which were presented by the family of Rev. Mr. McLean, a Presbyterian minister who died many years ago. Great old quartos and beautiful little duo- decimos, in quaint type and binding, stand thick on the shelves of this collection. A great part of the rest of the books have been bought or given in more recent times, and the sections are remarkably well filled with the best works on philosophy, economics, politics, history, biog- raphy, science and the like. It would not be easy to find another library of like size, that is so carefully selected and of such high average worth. The sets of most of the leading magazines of this country are almost or entirely complete. Of course, this is a college library and it is used exclusively by the faculty and students and resident graduates. The Librarian is Miss Leila Garrit, who has served for many years, on a small salary, such as INDIANA LIBRARIES 57 the college can afford to pay. The library is kept open during the morn- ing hours of the college working days, and under proper regulations it is accessible at other times. The income of the Library is mainly from a small fee charged each student, and from some other sources connected with the college work. The students and faculty use the Library very liberally. They have access to the shelves, under restrictions that are appropriate. Assigned literary work is aided by the advice of the Librarian as to books and other sources of information. Down to the present, the Library has occupied rooms from time to time in the building known as Classic Hall. At present the main col- lection is in a very large and lofty room of this sort. But the Library is in full sight of splendid accommodations. The late Thomas A. Hen- dricks, vice-president of the United States, was a graduate of Hanover College, and within the last year his widow, Mrs. Eliza C. Hendricks, (now deceased), gave the college $25,000 for the erection of a Hbrary building as a memorial to her deceased husband. This structure is, at this writing well under way, and will be formally opened, not later than the commencement, June, 1904. It occupies a site on the campus, over- looking, from a height of 500 feet, the Ohio river and its neighboring hills and ravines and valley. The location is magnificent. The building itself will be exceedingly handsome, and will provide the very best appli- ances in a modern library. The space will be ample for the growth of the Library for a very long period. HARTFORD CITY. Hartford City Public Library. Notwithstanding our repeated solicitations from the authorities for a historical sketch, we are unable to secure any information concerning this library. 58 INDIANA LIBRARIES HUNTINGTON. City Free Library. April 24th, 1889, the School Board, at a special meeting, estabHshed a free public library in connection with the schools in this city. There- upon the Huntington Public School Library Association surrendered all its books, pamphlets, etc., to the new Free Library of the Public Schools, and the U. S. government transferred all of its publications on deposit with the former association to the latter and made it the authorized depository for its publications in the future. The management of the Library was placed in the hands of a library committee composed of the superintendent of the schools and two per- sons from each ward to be appointed by the school board. Miss Maggie Daily was elected librarian, in which capacity she served faithfully until August, 1898. Upon her resignation. Miss Lyle Harter was appointed to fill the vacancy and now serves with Miss Winifred F. Ticer as her assistant. In 1902, Mr. Carnegie offered to the city of Huntington $25,000 for the erection of a Hbrary building. The offer was accepted and the building was erected at once on a lot centrally located, which was owned by the city and presented for that purpose. The library contains 15,000 volumes at present, including the Govern- ment publications, and the public has free access to the shelves. The reading room has a seating capacity of sixty-six and is supplied with sixty current periodicals. The children's room is one of the most attract- ive in the library. In a city of 11,000, with about 2,500 borrowers, the circulation for the past year was 29,569, showing an increase of 4,569 over the previous year and a large excess in the circulation of books in the non-fiction classes over the year before. The Library is open from 9 A. M., until 9 P. M., excepting Sundays and holidays. The Library Board at the present time consists of the following members: Mrs. Edna B. Felter, chairman; Mr. J. W. Ford, treasurer; Mr. M. L. Spencer, secretary; Mr. W. P. Hart, Mr. Charles K. Lucas, Mr. S. E. Cook, Mrs. Ida Reichenbach and Mrs. Anna Balfour. INDIANA LIBRARIES 59 INDIANA LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. The librarians of Indiana were among the first to form a state association. From inspiration and suggestion received in the national association of librarians Miss Mary E. Ahem, the present editor of * 'Public Libraries, " at that time assistant state librarian, issued a call to the librarians of the state to meet at IndianapoHs during the holiday week, of the year 1891, to discuss ways and means of co-operation among the librarians of the state, to awaken a deeper interest in libraries among those who should be their best supporters, and to determine the desirabihty and expediency of establishing a permanent organization. In response to this call the following persons met in the State Library December 30, 1891: Mary E. Ahem, assistant state librarian, Indianapolis. Eliza G. Browning, assistant Hbrarian, Indianapolis Public Library. Arthur Cunningham, librarian, Indiana State Normal School, Terre Haute. Jacob P. Dunn, state librarian, Indianapolis. Louise Maxwell, assistant librarian, Indiana University, Bloomington. William W. Spangler, librarian, Indiana University, Bloomington. Miss Shank. Elizabeth Day Swan, librarian, Purdue University Lafayette. E. B. Thompson, librarian, Wabash College, Crawfordsville. It was unanimously decided to organize by the adoption of the follow- ing constitution: 1. The Association shall be called The Library Association of Indiana. 2. Any person interested in promoting the library interests of Indi- ana may become a member on payment to the treasurer of the annual membership fee of fifty cents. 3. The officers of the Association shall be a president, vice-presi- dent, secretary and treasurer, elected annually, who shall together con- stitute the executive board, which shall have power to act for the Associ- ation in intervals between the meetings. 4. A regular meeting of the Association shall be held in the State Library during the week of the State Teachers' Association and at such other times and places as may be fixed by the executive board. 5. No officer, committee or member of the Association shall incur 60 INDIANA LIBRARIES any expense in its name, nor shall the treasurer make any payment, unless authorized by specific vote of the executive board. 6. No person shall be liable for any dues except the annual member- ship fee. The avowed objects of the Association were: (1) To stimulate Hbrary interests by means of addresses, articles in newspapers, circulation of printed matter, action of educational and other bodies Hkely to be inter- ested and by other means at its disposal; (2) To secure from the legis- lature a revision of existing laws affecting libraries, in order to make the libraries what they should be, valuable adjuncts to the school system and to serve as the people's colleges throughout the state. To serve as the first officers under the above constitution and to further the objects of the Association, Mr. E. B. Thompson was chosen president, Mr. Arthur Cunningham, vice-president, and Miss M. E. Ahern, secretary and treasurer. The first annual meeting of the Association was held in the State House, December 27, 1892, when the following program was presented: MORNING SESSION. Address of the President, Prof. E. B. Thompson. The Library and the Public Schools, Supt. R. A. Ogg. Library Architecture, Miss E. G. Browning. AFTERNOON SESSION. Library Legislation, J. P. Dunn. Access to Shelves, Miss E. D. Swan. Classification and Shelf Arrangement, W. W. Spangler. The Association, during the twelve years of its existence, has grad- ually grown in strength and influence, though its membership has never been large. Like other similar organizations it has had to withstand the test of internal differences of opinion as to its purpose and management. These differences, however, have always been adjusted in a true dem- ocratic spirit and have not, therefore, seriously interferred with the real work of the body, as the annual increase of membership will testify. The original constitution was naturally a simple, tenative instrument. Six years of experience proved the necessity of a more definite expres- sion of the purpose, aim, and methods of the organization, which led to a thorough revision of the constitution. This was adopted December 29, INDIANA LIBRARIES 61 1897, and again slightly amended in 1903. It will be noticed that the name was somewhat changed, and that it became distinctively a state association of librarians with affiliated or associate members. CONSTITUTION. I. This organization shall be called The Indiana Library Association. II. Its object shall be to promote the welfare of libraries by stimu- lating public interest in founding and improving them, by securing need- ed legislation, by furthering such co-operative work as shall improve results and render library administration more economical, by exchanging views and recommendations, and by advancing the common interests of librarians, trustees and others engaged in library work. III. 1. Any librarian, trustee or other person actively indentified with public library work who is a resident of the state, may become a mem- ber of this Association by signing the Constitution and paying an annual fee of fifty cents, which fee shall be due at the opening session of each annual meeting. 2. Any person may become an associate member with all the privileges of an active member, except voting and office holding, by the payment of annual dues of fifty cents. 3. Deliquency in the payment of fees shall work suspension of membership. IV. 1. The officers of this Association shall be a president, who shall be an active librarian, a vice-president, a secretary and a treasurer, to be elected at the annual meeting and to serve until the adjournment of the meetings at which their successors are elected. 2. In the election of officers each library shall be considered a unit and shall cast but one vote. 3. The duties of these officers shall be such as usually devolve upon such officers in similar organizations. 4. At each annual meeting the secretary and the treasurer shall submit written reports of their acts during their term of office; said reports shall be referred to a committee of three, appointed by the Association, who shall examine them and report them back to the Association with recommendations for their disposal. V. The officers of the Association together with the president of the preceeding year, shall constitute an executive board, whose duty it shall be to arrange for the next annual meeting and to act between meetings 62 INDIANA LIBRARIES of the Association on all other matters on which any three of them may agree. The secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of this board and make the same a part of his or her annual report. VI. No officer, committee or member shall incur any expense in th e name of the Association, nor shall the treasurer make any payment of moneys, unless authorized by a specific vote of the Association or of the executive board. VII. The annual meeting shall be held in Indianapolis during Christ- mas holiday week unless otherwise ordered by a vote of the Association. VIII. Special meetings shall be called by the president on request of ten or more hbraries; at which only business specified in the call may be transacted. A copy of the call shall be sent to every member at least ten days before the meeting. IX. Twelve active members shall constitute a quorum. X. This constitution may be amended at any annual meeting by a three-fourth's vote of the members present, provided one month's previous notice of the proposed amendment shall have been given to each member. XI. Any by-law may be enacted, or temporarily suspended at any meeting by a three-fourth's vote of the members present provided that no by-law shall be enacted inconsistent with this Constitution. In the present stage of the hbrary development of Indiana it has been necessary for the Association to give its attention largely to the prac- tical problems of administration, though architecture, bibliography, and the relation of the library to other institutions, such as the school, the club, etc., have all received a fair amount of consideration. The Associ- ation has also given time to the discussion of library laws and has been instrumental in bringing about important and desirable legislation dur- ing the period of its existence. Nor has the special feature been entirely neglected and a feeling of true fellowship is gradually springing up. Such, in brief, is the record of this small but earnest body of work- ers. If the history of these years is a prophecy of the future, the Indi- ana Library Association is destined to exercise a salutary and potent influence upon the life and educational thought of our great state. Arthur Cunningham, President, 1904. INDIANA LIBRARIES 63 INDIANAPOLIS. Indiana State Library. Probably no more valuable history of the State Library can be writ- ten in brief than that compiled from quotations from the laws, from the beginning to date in chronological order. In these we see the first con- ception and how the conception broadened. The first official mention to be found of a State Library is in the Journal of the Constitutional Convention of 1816, p. 68, June 28: 1. * 'Resolved, That it be recommended to the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, to appropriate the money voluntarily given by the citizens of Harrison County to the state, to the purchase of books for a library for the use of the Legislature and other officers of government; and that the said General Assembly will, from time to time, make such other appropriations for the increase of said Library, as they may deem necessary.** The first legislative action was taken on February 11, 1825 (Acts 1825, p. 47) : Section 1. **Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That the books now in the office of the Secretary of State, together with such as may be added to the collection in pursuance of this act, or any other law, or by donation, exchange or otherwise, shall constitute a State Library, for the use of the members of the Legisla- ture, the secretaries and clerks of each House thereof, the officers of the several branches of the Executive Department of the State govern- ment, the Judge of the United States District Court, the United States District Attorney, the Judges of the Supreme Court of this State, and the Judges of the Circuit Courts when they or any of them may be at the seat of government. ' ' Sec. 2. **That the Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor of Pubhc Accounts and Treasurer of State shall constitute a Board of Commis- sioners." Sec. 5. "The Secretary of State shall discharge the duties of Lib- rarian, by keeping a catalogue of the books belonging to the Library, in a book for that purpose, delivering them to and receiving them from the persons entitled to use them, by keeping a book in which he shall note 64 INDIANA LIBRARIES down the date of delivery, and return of books, by keeping an account current with th© Board of Commissioners aforesaid, and the State. Sec. 6. * 'The sum of fifty dollars be, and the same is hereby appropri- ated to be expended in the binding of pamphlets, in the Secretary's office, and in the purchase of books, as additions to the Library aforesaid; and the sum of thirty dollars on the first day of January next, and annually thereafter for the uses, and purposes last aforesaid.'* The above law was amended on February 10, 1831 (R. S. 1831, p. 365) : Sec. 7. * 'There is hereby appropriated for the increase of the State Library, the sum of one hundred dollars annually." Sec. 8. * 'That the Secretary of State be, and he is hereby authorized to purchase two of Tanner's maps of the United States, of the last edition, which shall by him during the recess of the general assembly, be care- fully preserved in the state library, and during the sessions of the Legis- lature, shall be respectively placed in some convenient place, in the sen- ate chamber and hall of representatives, for the use of the members of the two houses." It is interesting to note how the Legislature directed specific pur- chases as above in Section 8, and in the following resolutions, February 2, 1833 (Acts 1833, p. 232) : "Resolved, by the general assembly of the state of Indiana, That the secretary of state is hereby authorized to purchase a full set of Niles' Register for the State Library." And on the same date (Acts 1833, p. 240) : "Resolved, by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That the secretary of state be instructed not to make any expenditures of the Library Fund, in the purchase of novels or romances." The cataloguing of the Library is further provided for (Acts 1837, p. 103), February 6, 1837: Sec. 4. "It shall be the duty of the Secretary of State, under the direction of the Committee on the state library, to purchase the annual additions to said Library, and to have prepared a suitable catalogue of all the books in said library of a miscellaneous nature, together from time to time of such additions as may be made to the same; and for his services as librarian he shall receive the sum of $125.00 annually." Sec. 5. "One of the said library rooms is hereby set apart for the law library belonging to the members of the bar and Judges of the su- INDIANA LIBRARIES 65 preme court, where the same may be kept under the entire direction and control of said court. ' ' Appropriation for purchase increased February 6, 1837 (Acts 1837, p. 106) : Section 1. **Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That there is hereby appropriated for the increase of the state library, the sum of two hundred dollars annually. ' ' In 1841 the State Library became a separate institution, separated from the office of Secretary of State, and a State Librarian was selected. (Acts 1841, p. 114). The bill by which the Library became a separate institution seems to have been introduced by Philip Mason, of Fayette County (see his Autobiography, p. 164) . The main features of the bill, so far as it added to or changed former legislation upon the subject, are as follows: Section 1. **Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That there shall be elected during the present session of the legislature, by joint ballot of both houses, and every three years there- after, a librarian, who shall hold his office for the term of three years, and said librarian shall be keeper of the state library, state house, and State House Square." In 1842, January 29, the use of the Library was extended beyond previous provisions (Acts 1842, p. 119) : Section 1. "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That the privileges of the State Library shall hereafter be ex- tended to the following additional persons while at the seat of govern- ment: Attorneys of the Supreme Court, editors of newspapers, clergy- men, physicians, and all other peisons who have heretofore been entitled by law to the use of books from said library. ' ' In 1847, January 27, the use of the Library was further extended as follows (Acts 1847. p. 109) : Section 1. "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That the privileges of the State Library shall be extended to the trustees and officers of the State lunatic asylum, and the institutions for the deaf and dumb and the blind." The disposal of duplicates was provided for in 1848, February 12 (Acts 1848, p. 15) : Section 1. "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That the State Librarian, by and with the expressed consent of 66 INDIANA LIBRARIES the governor, auditor, treasurer and secretary of state, shall be, and he is hereby authorized, to sell, exchange, or dispose of in any other way, for the benefit of the State Library, any duplicate, imperfect, damaged, or other work or works not wanted for the use of said Library. ' ' The next act is scarcely a part of Hbrary legislation, but it was so important a duty placed in the hands of the Librarian that it seems worth mentioning even in this connection, as its apparent neglect has robbed our State of so valuable an historic document (Acts 1848, February 15, p. 72): Section 1. **Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That the State Librarian be, and he is hereby required to pro- cure a suitable book in which he shall cause to be recorded the names of the commissioned and non-commissioned officers and privates of the State of Indiana, who volunteered their services to the General Government in the present war with the Republic of Mexico. ' ' Sec. 2. "That in making such record it shall be the duty of the Librarian to designate in appropriate columns the name, rank, age, occu- pation and residence of each of the said volunteers, also the term of ser- vice, date of discharge, and the causes thereof, whether from sickness, wounds in battle, expiration of term of service, or otherwise." Sec. 3. ** He shall also designate in an appropriate column, the death of any volunteer, and the cause thereof, whether from sickness, killed in battle, or otherwise. " Sec. 4. **That in making such record it shall be the duty of the Librarian to commence with the first regiment, recording the names of the colonel, lieutenant-colonel and major thereof; then to proceed with the several companies composing said regiment, commencing with com- pany A, until the record of the regiment is complete, observing the same order with the other regiments." Sec. 5. * 'The said record shall be deposited in the State Library, and open to the inspection of all." Sec. 6. ''This act to take effect and be in force from and after its passage. ' ' The Librarian was authorized on January 21, 1850, to present copies of all surplus pubHc documents to the agent of the American Coloniza- tion Society for the purpose of being sent to Liberia (Acts 1850, p. 118) : Section 1. "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That the State Librarian be, and he is hereby authorized to INDIANA LIBRARIES 67 hand over to the agent of the American Colonization Society, a single copy of any surplus public documents now in the library, not required by the present and future wants of the State, for the purpose of being sent to Liberia.'* The use of the Library was further extended in 1850, January 3 (Acts 1850, p. 119) : Section 1. "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That the use of the State Library be extended to the professors and teachers in all the institutions of learning in the State, while any of them shall be at the seat of government. ' ' On page 250 of the Acts last quoted a further extension of the use of the Library is provided (Acts 1850, p. 250. ) Section 1. **Be it resolved by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That the privileges of the State Library be, and they are hereby extended to the Architect of the Insane Hospital and Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb." In 1867 the Law Library was separated from the general Library, and was placed under the control of the judges of the Supreme Court, and has since remained so (Acts 1867, p. 209) : * * * 'The Law Library shall be under the control of the Judges of the Supreme Court, and they are hereby authorized to sell, exchange, and purchase books therefor, to be paid for on their order, out of the general funds of the Treasury, and they may make rules for the care and control of the same." After the legislation of 1850 cited above, there was no legislation in any way vitally influencing the management or welfare of the Library until 1889 (Acts 1889, p. 58), when the law was in some respects very greatly modified. By this act the Library took on new life and was actually to become a library in a sense which had never before been possible. A new purchasing board was created, and a financial support was given by the legislature that had never before been obtained. The following sections indicate the changes : Section 1. "Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That the State Geologist, the Chief of the Bureau of Statistics, and the State Librarian, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and one member to be appointed by the Indiana Historical Society shall be, and are hereby constituted the Purchasing Board of the State Library. ' ' 68 INDIANA LIBRARIES Sec. 3. * 'There is hereby appropriated, to be paid out of the general fund of the State Treasury, the sum of five thousand dollars, to be ex- pended during the year beginning April 1, 1889, and ending April 1, 1890, for the purchase and binding of books for the State Library, and the sum of two thousand dollars annually thereafter for the same purpose : Provided, That the Purchasing Board, in their discretion, may expend not to exceed one thousand dollars of the first named appropriation for the preparation of a card catalogue of said Library: And, provided, That all other existing laws making appropriations for the purchase and bind- ing of books for the State Library are hereby repealed ^ro tanto." Sec. 6. "The custody of the archaeological and historical relics now in charge of the State Geologist and heretofore in charge of the State Librarian is hereby transferred to the State Geologist, who shall pre- serve the same in accordance with the provisions of the laws for their preservation by the State Librarian. ' ' Thus we have added a larger fund, provision for a card catalogue and a second assistant, resulting in excellent additions to the Library and rendering its material more available as well as larger opportunities for more efficient work. The appropriation for books and binding re- mained at two thousand dollars per year until 1893 when, by the appro- priation bill, it was cut to one thousand dollars, and the amount remained unchanged until November, 1903. In 1895 the law was so amended as to remove the selection of li- brarian from the legislature and partisan politics, placing this power in the hands of a non partisan ex-officio board, April 11, 1895 (Acts 1895, p. 234) and provides as follows : Section 1. **Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Indiana, That the management and control of the State Library shall be vested in the State Board of Education, which shall constitute, for Library purposes, the State Library Board." Sec. 3. **The term of office of the State Librarian shall be two years, and he shall appoint his assistants by and with the advice and consent of the State Library Board." ^ The only legislation on the State Library in the session of 1897 was concerning the distribution of documents (Acts 1897, p. Ill) : Sec. 2. ''The House, Senate and Documentary Journals shall be dis- tributed by the State Librarian as follows, to wit: To the State officers and their deputies and to the members of the Supreme and Appellate INDIANA LIBRARIES 69 Courts, each one copy of each Journal; to the members of the Senate and House of Representatives, and to the Secretary and Assistant Sec- retary and the Doorkeeper of the Senate, and to the Principal and Assist- ant Clerks and Doorkeeper of the House of Representatives, each one copy of each Journal; to each County within the State, two copies of each Journal to be deposited in the office of the Clerk of each county, open to the inspection of any person; to each university, college, city, township, or other public library, each one copy of each Journal; to each benevolent, penal and reformatory institution of the State, one copy of each Journal." The legislature of 1903 did good service for the library interests of the State in many ways, but they did nothing better than their work for the State Library; first, by increasing the funds for the Library to three times the former amount and second, by making it possible to lend books, thus rendering the State Library useful to all citizens of the State with out the necessity of coming to the Capitol, as the following quotation from (Acts 1903, p. 153,) indicate: Sec. 9. "Such books belonging to the State Library, other than ref- erence books as could be readily replaced is case of loss, may be loaned to any citizen of the State who shall place such guarantee with the State Librarian, for the safe return of the same, as the State Library Board may demand, and who shall pay the cost of transportation of the book or books to and from the borrower: Provided, That no book that could not be readily replaced in case of loss shall be removed from the State Library except by State officials, and by them only in pursuit of their official duty." The sources of information as to the systems of classification and cataloguing used in the State Library during the earlier years of its existence are few, depending almost entirely upon the brief reports which were made to the legislature. The first mention of either having been attempted is made by John B. Dillon in his report dated December 3, 1845, where he says that "since the adjournment of the last session of the legislature a convenient classi- fication of the books has been made and a new catalogue completed. ' ' Anything previous to this time was probably a mere list. In accordance with the recommendation of Nathaniel Bolton, in 1853, the legislature passed a bill for a printed catalogue but this was not made at once, the reason being given by Gordon Tanner in his report, January 70 INDIANA LIBRARIES 15, 1855, as follows : ' 'The salary was increased to five hundred dollars at a time when money was plenty and the necessaries of life cheap; and when the Library was only to be kept open on Saturdays. Afterwards the duties of the office were quadrupled, without any increase of compen- sation; and later the times have changed, the necessaries of life have doubled in price, and the consequence is that the Librarian, if he has a family, must absolutely starve, or neglect the duties of his office to gain a living at some other pursuit. This, the present incumbent has, to some extent, been compelled to do. He has failed to make out a catalogue of books, as contemplated by law. He offers no apology for it, as he had to make choice between two great evils — neglect of duty, or starvation. ' ' Printed catalogues were issued in 1865, by B. F. Foster; in 1869, by M. G. McLain, and in 1872, by James De Sanno. These show but little attempt at classification. Mrs. Sarah A. Oren, librarian from April, 1873, to April, 1875, states that she has classified the books ' 'after the manner of the Boston Public Library, so far as the immovable shelves will allow. ' ' She further says ' 'The only complete system of cataloguing an ever-increasing library is the 'card catalogue. * This being understood as yet by comparatively few persons, I have hesitated to introduce, lest the frequent changes of Librarian shall prove disastrous to it. ' ' In 1881, there being no catalogue except an author list, Mrs. Emma Ames Winsor began a card catalogue and in 1883 reports its completion to'L.' The first special effort to make an Indiana department of local his- tories, books by Indiana authors or books in any way relating to the State, was made by Mrs. Lizzie O. Callis-Scott, 1883-1888. She also attempted to complete the collection of United States documents. As soon as Mr. J. P. Dunn took charge in 1889 he proceeded to re- classify the library and remove all duphcate volumes from the shelves. The work of rebinding and binding paper covered volumes was taken up and all the books were accessioned. A card catalogue was made. Con- siderable attention was given to the collection of maps of America, to the purchase of historical books and the completion of broken sets. The cataloguing was continued by Miss Mary E. Ahem as was also the collection of historical material, exchange of documents with other states, collection of Indiana newspapers, etc. , etc. INDIANA LIBRARIES 71 In 1898 a printed catalogue was issued, Mr. W. E. Henry having taken charge in 1897. Since that time the library has been almost wholly reclassified according to the Dewey decimal classification. A printed catalogue of the United States documents was issued in 1900. A card catalogue indexing the United States documents, the publications of the various states with which the library exchanges, and the miscellaneous books, is an important addition. Preparation is now being made to issue a printed catalogue of the miscellaneous books, this being made neces- sary by the growing demand for books by residents of the state not living contiguous to Indianapolis. The effort to make this a reference library for the whole state has been persistently pushed until under the present liberal law it is fast becoming such. Bibliographical bulletins have been issued from time to time and some important indexing has been done, as the index to the Documentary Journals of Indiana and the newspaper index. The latter dates from January 1, 1898, and includes the Indianapolis Journal, Indianapolis News, Indianapolis Sentinel, and Press. It covers all matters of local historical interest and the more important general topics. So far as known this work is only being done by two other libraries, the Massa- chusetts State Library and, recently, the California State Library. In 1898 circulars were issued announcing a clearing house scheme whereby the State Library will receive, from the various libraries of the state, magazines, pamphlets, reports, public documents and books, which they might collect from their respective towns and neighbor- hoods. In exchange for these, the local library having registered what it needs toward the completion of broken sets, the material is sent, in so far as possible. Many libraries have availed themselves of this privilege and it has proved mutually advantageous. The lines of purchase have been mainly historical and sociological. Every effort has been made to secure historical material bearing upon Indiana and the old Northwest. Along this line the library is especi- ally to be congratulated upon having secured The Western Sun, pub- lished at Vincennes, Indiana, from its first issue, July 11, 1807, to December 23, 1843. The Indiana department, composed of books about Indiana and by Indiana authors, is very interesting and, though by no 72 INDIANA LIBRARIES means complete, it already numbers more than 2,300 volumes, not including pamphlets. The library also contains much valuable geneal- ogical material, which is constantly being increased. " Since 1841 the following librarians have been in charge: John Cook, - - - - Samuel P. Daniels, - John B Dillon, - - - Nathaniel Bolton, - - Gordon Tanner, - - S. D. Lyons, - - - - James R. Bryant, - - Robert D. Brown, - - David Stephenson, B. F. Foster, - - - M. G. McLain, - - - James De Sanno, - - Sarah A. Oren, - - Lycurgus Dalton, - - Richard Conner, - - Maggie F. Peelle, - - Emma A. Winsor, - - Lizzie 0. Callis-Scott, Jacob Piatt Dunn, - - Mary Eileen Ahem, - Emma L. Davidson, - William E. Henry, February, 1841, to February, 1844 February, 1844, to January, 1845 January, 1845, to January, 1851, to January, 1854, to January, 1856, to January, 1859, to January, 1861, to January, 1863, to January, 1865, ■ April, 1869, . April, 1871, ■ April, 1873^ April, 1875, ' April, 1877, April, 1879, ■ April, 1881, April, 1883, to April, 1889, to April, 1893, to April, 1895, to • April, 1897, to January, 1851 January, 1854 January, 1856 January, 1859 January, 1861 January, 1863 January, 1865 April, 1869; April, 1871 April, 1873 April, 1875 April, 1877 April, 1879 April, 1881 April, 1883 April, 1889 April, 1893 April, 1895 April, 1897 date. INDIANA LIBRARIES 73 INDIANAPOLIS. Public Library Commission. The efforts made by advocates of public libraries in Indiana begin- ning in 1887, to revive the township libraries, or at least to make it pos- sible to have a public township library supported by taxation, were without avail for more than ten years, though the library sentiment was steadily growing. Then a new factor was introduced in the movement. The women's literary clubs had become numerous and had formed a central organization. They felt the need of public libraries in their own work, and also realized their public utility. The Indiana Union of Literary Clubs joined heartily in the agitation, and through its efforts in 1899, a public library law was finally adopted. (Acts of 1899, p. 134.) This law covered the following essential points: 1. It created a Public Library Commission of three members, with supervision of the library work of the state. 2. It appropriated $3,000 for the inauguration of a system of travel- ing libraries under the direction of the Public Library Commission. 3. It provided that the people of any township, by vote might estabhsh a tax of two cents on each $100 of property for maintenance of a free public township library. 4. It put the control of any such library in a board of three per- sons — the school township trustee and two members appointed by the judge of the circuit court, one of whom should be a woman. Under the provisions of this law the Governor appointed as members of the Commission Jacob P. Dunn, of Indianapolis; EHzabeth C. Earl, of Connersville, and Joseph R. Voris, of Bedford. The Commission met and organized April 11, 1899, by electing Mr. Dunn President, the State Librarian being Secretary, as provided by the law. The Commis- sion proceeded at once to the purchase of books and the equipment of libraries. After careful discussion it was deemed advisable to organize two classes of libraries. The general libraries are miscellaneous collect- ions of forty volumes each, all of this class of libraries being similar in scope, yet without duplication of volumes. The Study Libraries con- sist of from ten to fifteen volumes each upon sorfie specific subject. By August 26, 1899, thirty-four libraries were ready for circulation, and twenty-six more were added by January 17, 1900. By October 31, 1900, twenty more were ready for circulation. From the time of organi- 74 INDIANA LIBRARIES zation of the board, April 14, 1899, to October 31, 1900, there were 107 libraries loaned to 69 associations in 39 counties of the state, and the returns showed 7,062 volumes read. The popularity of the work was manifest, and the legislature of 1901 increased the appropriation for the Commission's clerical expenses from $500 to $1,000, and added $2,000 for "organization, books and equipment." And this was timely. The Commission was required by law to fur- nish * 'advice and information" to local libraries on call, and the Carnegie library donations had aroused a widespread interest in public libraries. In response to tenders of service, the commission soon received many requests for advice as to plans of buildings, modes of organization, etc. , and this was of vital importance, for in library work, as in most other enterprises, half the battle is in getting started right. Errors made at the outset are usually difficult to correct, and always do serious harm before they are corrected. It was evident that some- body must give special attention to this work, and the Commission obtained the services of Miss Merica Hoagland as hbrary organizer. She generously gave her services without compensation from May 1 to November 1, 1901, when the increased appropriation made by the Legislature of 1901 became available. But it soon became apparent that it would be impossible for the organizer to answer all the calls by going to the various points and giving the time needed at each, and that some mode of making the * 'advice and information," imposed on the commission by law, more collective and systematic would have to be found. This was the more urgent because the chief need was for trained librarians. The lack of funds prevented the employment of experienced librarians in almost all cases, and the experience with the township libraries had demonstrated the need of some training. The management of a library is a profession, and yet a little instruction— not such as could well be given in a visit by this organizer, but such as may be obtained in a few weeks— would enable a reasonably intelligent person, with the aid of the published text-books that are accessible, to manage a small library very satisfactorily. The first effort in this line was the instruction of a * 'library class," at the rooms of the commission from October 31 to November 7, 1901. This was attended by thirteen persons, and the result was so satisfactory that a "library school" was organized and conducted from April 17 to IND f AgiTAXlBRARIES 75 CALlFQSi^^ May 15, 1902. In this library school Miss Harriet L. Eaton, a graduate of the Pratt School, served as instructor. This was attended by twenty- eight persons, all connected with pubHc library work in the State and from libraries desiring the * 'advice and information,' that could thus be obtained. The Commission does not undertake instruction of anybody not in public library work. In the summer of 1903 the directors of the Winona Assembly having tendered the use of quarters, and co-operation in the work, a library school was held at Winona Lake from July 6 to August 14. Twenty-six students were enrolled, of whom twenty-two took the full course and received certificates after examination on the work done, and four took partial courses in special subjects. In this school Miss Anna R. Phelps, a graduate of Vassar College and the New York State Library School, served as instructor, and since then has been retained as permanent instructor of the Commission. In January, 1904, a two weeks' class was held in the capitol at Indianapolis. There were fourteen students in attendance, who are given credit for work done if they desire to make a full course hereafter. Another effort at concentration in instruction has been in what, for want of a better name, have been called library institutes. At places that seemed to be centers of library interest — to which others could be gathered besides the immediate residents — the organizer has arranged meetings of two or three day's duration, at which papers and addresses on library topics were presented and local library conditions were dis- cussed. These have attracted the attendance of others besides those directly engaged in library work, and in every case have given a stimulus to interest in libraries. The institutes held at Indianapolis, New Albany, Peru and South Bend were particularly satisfactory in this respect. Of course, the school and institute work does not fully meet the demand for "advice and information." Up to January, 1903 the organ- izer reported seventy-six personal visits to fifty places in forty-one counties, to aid in local library work. Of these, thirty-six were for requested conferences with Hbrary boards. In addition to this there have been many visits of library representatives to the rooms of the commission for information and advice, and there is a large and continu- ally growing correspondence by mail of similar character. At the same time general library interest has been stimulated by encouraging discus- 76 INDIANA LIBRARIES sion of the matter in newspapers, and by occasional addresses before farmers' institutes, the State grange and other bodies. By 1903 the importance of the work of the Com.mission was gen- erally appreciated, and the legislature of that year increased its powers and gave it an annual appropriation of $7,000 for its expenses. At the same time there was a re-organization of the board, the offices of organizer and corresponding secretary being consolidated and the per- manent employes became an instructor, hbrarian, stenographer and ship- ping clerk. The administration of the traveling libraries was transferred from the State Librarian to the Organizer on November 1, 1902. Under the new law the Commission also assumed the custody of the books in the traveling libraries on May 1, 1903. In April, 1903, President W. W. Par- sons of the State Normal School was made a member of the Board by Governor Durbin, this being the first change made in the original member ship. As a summary of the work accomplished, the following statement may serve— The years are the fiscal years ending October 31. and under the year 1900 are included September and October of 1899: 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 3 mos. Libraries visited by organizer. 26 38 43 Traveling Libraries sent out. 107 87 72 228 66 School held-days. 28 36 Classes held-days. 7 14 Number of librarians receiving instruc- tion in class or school 13 27 27 14 Individual instruction 3 4 5 Number of library institutes held 1 5 Farmers' Institutes visited. 2 6 12 Jacob P. Dunn, President, Public Library Commission February 24, 1904. of Indiana. INDIANA LIBRARIES 77 INDIANAPOLIS. Indianapolis Public Library. The Indianapolis Public Library is the outgrowth of a Thanksgiving sermon preached November 26, 1868, by Rev. H. A. Edson, when he took for his text **A Plea for a Public Library. '* The result of this sermon was the immediate organization of the Indianapolis Library Association, a subscription library, which was the nucleus of the Public Library. Upon the organization of the latter, the Library Association donated to it, its collection of 2,000 volumes. In 1871 the Legislature of Indiana passed a law authorizing Boards of School Commissioners in cities of 30,000 (or more) inhabitants to levy a tax not to exceed one-fifth of a mill for the establishment and maintenance of public libraries. Under this law the Indianapolis School Board levied the tax, and opened the PubHc Library in the High School building April 8, 1873. The Hbrary is supported by taxation, but the levy has been raised to .04 cents which now yields an annual income of $52,000. The present building— the library's fourth home— was completed in 1893. It was erected for the purpose of a library building — the Legislature of 1891 authorizing the Board of School Commissioners to issue bonds to the amount of $100,000. The building is considered a very good example of Florentine renaissance architecture, and is built of Indiana stone. In the Main Library, the delivery room— except on Sundays and holidays— is open from 9 A. M. to 9 p. m. and the reading room closes one hour later. Branch Libraries 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are open from 12:30 P. M. to 8 p. M. on week days; the Bona Thompson Library, Irvington, from 9 A. M. to 8 P. M. on week days. All Branches on Sundays and three holidays— Washington's Birthday, Decoration Day, and Labor Day— are open from 3 P. M. to 8 p. m. On New Year's Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, the Branches are all closed. The Library now contains 103,529 volumes, adding each year an average of 5,500 new books, and replacing 1,000 condemned books. There are 265 titles in the list of periodicals subscribed for annually. The most popular ones are duplicated— twenty of these duplicates are in the Branch Libraries. The books are classified according to the method recommended by the late Dr. W. F. Poole and the scheme of notation is his, also. Free access may be had by the patrons to the books in the Children's Room, 78 INDIANA LIBRARIES the Reference Rooms and at six of the Branch Libraries. At the Main Library and at the Bona Thompson Library any person desiring to use the books on the shelves may go into the stack rooms through the librar- ian's office. The circulation of books for home use was 267,295 in the year ending June 30, 1903— an average of 876 per day. There are 30,000 card holders, which is a good percentage of the population of Indianapohs, which is now about 200,000. Card holders must be residents of the city— except in case of a person who pays taxes in the city and resides outside: he is entitled to a card. Non-residents, who do not pay city taxes, may take out a card upon payment of $5.00 per annum. Two books may be drawn upon one card, and teachers of pubHc and private schools may draw six books at a time on a special card, provided the books are for use in con- nection with their school work. Special work with the children is a feature of the Indianapolis Pub- lic Library. In the Main Library the best lighted and most attractive room in the building is the Children's Room. Here carefully trained attendants assist the children in making their selection of books or guide them in their reference work. These attendants also have charge of the selection of the books that are sent out in lots of fifty to the school buildings, to be used by the teachers in connection with their geography and history work. The deposit libraries — collections of 100 books— that are sent to the Settlement Houses, are largely made up in the Children's Room. In the Branch Libraries fifty per cent of the patrons are child- ren, and the work in the Children's Room is supplemented here by care- ful and constant work by the attendants in charge of the Branches. Special attention is given to the individual and to clubs in the Ref- erence Rooms. Here the reference books and card catalogues are open to the public, and these are supplemented by printed, classed finding lists. Assistance in selecting books or in hunting up subjects is con- stantly claimed from and given by trained attendants. In addition to the Main Library there are seven branch libraries located in the suburbs of the city: these are each equipped with a per- manent collection of books for circulation and reference— an average of 2,000 in each building; twenty of the most popular periodicals are in each building. These Branch Libraries are also used as deHvery stations, with a tri-weekly delivery to each of six buildings, and a daily delivery at the Bona Thompson Library, Irvington. Besides the delivery stations INDIANA LIBRARIES 79 located in the Branches there are five others in drug stores at points several miles distant from the Main Library, where by leaving cards and call slips, patrons may have books sent out to them, three times each week. The medical department of the Indianapolis Public Library deserves special mention. This was established in 1898, through the efforts of Dr. George W. Sloan, member of the Board of School Commissioners, and Dr. Frank Wynn, secretary of the Marion County Medical Society. The physicians of the city, and throughout the state, responded liberally to the request for donations of books, and 3,957 valuable books were received. Since then 1,000 books have been added by purchase and gift; and by exchange of duplicates, many full sets of medical periodicals, transactions of societies and journals have been obtained. The Medical Library is free to all physicians, medical students, dentists and trained nurses, as a reference library. Physicians may take out the books on their library cards. There are twenty-one day attendants in the Main Library, each of whom works forty-eight hours each week with the the exception of the seven legal holidays. Each day attendant is entitled to an annual vaca- tion of two weeks until she has served three years; thereafter she is entitled to a three weeks vacation. Seven young men are employed as night attendants at the Main Library. These go on duty at 6 p. m. and serve twenty-three hours per week each. On the fifty-two Sundays and seven holidays these men have charge of the Reading Rooms— the day being divided into watches of three and four hours each. The Library is closed to the delivery of books on these days. On Saturdays through July and August, from 1 P. M. to 6 P. M. these men attendants are on duty in the Delivery Room and Children's Room in place of the day attendants who are given a half holiday. The men attendants are paid by the hour. They are each allowed vacations of two weeks without pay. The eight attendants in the seven Branch Libraries work fifty hours each per week and are allowed two weeks vacation. The first librarian in charge of the Indianapolis Public Library was Charles Evans. He was succeeded in September, 1878, by Albert B. Yohn. Mr. Yohn, on account of ill health, resigned one year later and his successor, Arthur W. Tyler, held the position until December, 1882, when W. DeM. Hooper was elected librarian. In April, 1889, Charles 80 INDIANA LIBRARIES Evans was again elected librarian and held the position three years; in April, 1892, Eliza G. Browaing, the present incumbent, was elected. The Library is under the care and direction of the Board of School Commissioners of Indianapohs. The president is Andrew M. Sweeney, and the other members are Charles W. Moores, Henry C. Sickels, John H. Emerick, and William M. Taylor. IRVINGTON. Bona Thompson Memorial Library of Butler College. The Bona Thompson Memorial Library of Butler College, the official name of the library of Butler College, Indianapolis, Indiana, was opened for use January 11, 1904. The building stands at the base of a triangle formed by the inter- section of University and Downey avenues, two of the winding streets of Irvington, the suburb of Indianapolis in which the Library is located. In form it is almost square, resting on a base of sawed Bedford lime- stone. The high, round arched windows, the simple, yet striking entrance, the stone balustrade which surmounts the broad cornice, make it an excellent specimen of modern classic architecture. The entrance, which forms a portico, is a copy of the Erecthseum at Athens. Two massive Ionic columns support a capstone bearing the words * 'Bona Thompson Memorial, ' ' in low relief. Through the bronze doors one enters the marble vestibule. The floor is of tile— mosaic in symbolic designs. On each wall, to the side entrance, is a tablet. One is left blank for bulletins. The other bears the simple carved inscrip- tion: TO THE MEMORY OF BONA THOMPSON HER PARENTS EDWARD GARVIN THOMPSON AND MARY PRUITT THOMPSON BUILDED THIS HOUSE THAT LOVED WHILE SHE LIVED IN OTHER YEARS SHE MIGHT NOT FAIL OF LOVE HERE WHERE HER LIFE WAS BRIEFLY SPENT 1878 1899 INDIANA LIBRARIES 81 The ceiling of the hall is arched and deeply paneled. The frescoing of the ceiling is in dark terra cotta and ecru. The walls are pale blue to the dado, then dark green. All of the windows are of leaded prism glass, which diffuses the light, but casts no shadow whatever. Passing from the north reading room one comes into the seminar room. From here one steps into the librarian's office, the center of the building, under the great dome of cathedral glass. On the rear wall of the office, in full view of the entrance, is the niche for the portrait of Bona Thompson, to be painted by T. C. Steele. So perfect is the arrangement of the rooms that the Hbrarian seated at her desk has a clear view of both reading rooms, the vestibule and the entrance ball. The stackroom is at the rear, running the entire width of the build- ing. Here is room for three tiers of stacks, in which 60,000 volumes can be shelved. A complete basement, with apartments similar to the first floor arrangement, affords ample room for all future necessities. The building is fire and moisture proof. The walls are double, bound together with ?teel bands and separated by an air space that makes the inner wall impervious to any moisture that may get into the outer wall. The air space is also utilized for ventilation from the interior, leading the hot or impure air to the roof and expelling it at the apex of the copper roof. The floor is of steel and concrete construction. There is comparatively little wood in the structure. The counter and interior doors are mahogany, and the tables and chairs are constructed to match in color and style. The seminar room is furnished with rugs, tables, chairs and pictures, left by Mr. and Mrs. Thompson to John Thompson and his sister, who have presented them to the College. The stacks are of steel construct- ion, bolted to the concrete floor and lighted overhead from electric con- duits. The total cost of the work was $42,000, all of which was amply pro- vided for by Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Thompson, who did not live to see the fruit of their generosity. The Butler College Library, of which the Bona Thompson Memorial Library is successor, has an existence dating from the founding of the College in 1851. From it were removed to the new Library 13,000 vol- umes, which number is being increased at the rate of 200 to 500 volumes 82 INDIANA LIBRAMES annually. The College expended $500 per year for the maintenance of the library, which amount was derived from the fees of the College students. Recent Librarians were Prof. D. C. Brown and Miss Retta Bamhill. Miss Barnhill is now Librarian of Bona Thompson Library. The Bona Thompson Memorial Library has an arrangement with the Public Library of Indianapolis whereby the college permits the use of the building by the city as a sub-station, in return for which the Public Library is responsible for the attendance and care of the building. This arrangement adds several thousand volumes to the shelves of the Library, and in addition furnishes a means whereby the students of the college and other visitors of the Library may with reasonable dispatch obtain from the Main Branch of the Public Library any volumes desired. How- ever, the two branches of the Library, city and college, are conducted separately. The city also furnishes a large number of popular period- icals for the reading rooms to supplement those of the college, which number forty-eight. The Library is open week days from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M., for all library purposes and is open Sundays from 3 to 6 p. m., for reading. The books are classified according to the Dewey decimal classification. While the open shelf system is not used, persons are permitted to visit the stack room when special reasons require it. The library employs regularly two attendants and a janitor. The attendants work a total each of fifty- one hours per week. Vacation periods of two weeks annually are allowed, as per the regulations of the Public Library of Indianapolis. The pres- ent attendants are Retta V. Bamhill and Margaret Carlisle. The Board of Trustees of the Library consists of the following mem- bers: * Addison F. Armstrong, Alembert W. Brayton, Urban C. Brewer, Hilton U. Brown, Howard Cale, *Charles E. Hollenbeck, Joseph I. Irwin, Patrick H. Jameson, Ovid B. Jameson, F. Rollin Kautz, John A. Kautz, Louis J. Morgan, William Mullendore, Allen B. Philputt, William D. Starr, Thomas H. Kuhn, Charles E. Thornton. *Deceased.. Successor not yet appointed. INDIANA LIBRARIES 83 JEFFERSONVILLE. Jeffersonville Township Public Library. The necessity for a well equipped library had been keenly felt by many people in Jeffersonville, Indiana, for a long time, but the feeling did not take definite form until the spring of 1897. The city had a make-shift library in the form of one of the old township libraries, established many years before. But it had be- come so involved in politics that it was only valuable as giving a * 'political pull." Being kept in the trustee's office, and that being a place where men congregated to talk and smoke, made it an unsuitable place for women and children to visit. The Women's Literary Clubs of the city became so aroused to the condition of affairs and the needs of the people for a library, that they determined to take the initiative in establishing one. Accordingly, at the suggestion of Miss Hannah Zulauf, a public- spirited woman, a meeting was called, at which each literary club was represented by two delegates. They had a staunch friend and coadjutor in the person of Judge John F. Reed, a retired lawyer, whose aid and counsel were invaluable to them. He discovered a law of the state, passed in 1852, whereby the citi- zens of the township, having raised a subscription fund of $1,000 and thereupon forming a Library Association, might ask the Board of County Commissioners to turn over the Township Library to the Association so formed. The ladies immediately began the task of raising the amount of the subscription in shares of five dollars each. In a few months $1,200 had been subscribed, when to their great disappointment a technicality in the law was discovered that had to be surmounted by special legislation. The Legislature meeting but once in two years, a long wait had to be endured with patience until the winter of 1899, when a law was passed satisfying the new Association. But it carried with it an obligation that there should be no change until the expiration of the term of office of the Township Trustee then serving. Consequently, it was not until Decem- ber 1, 1900, that the Trustee transferred the books, to the number of about 1,400 volumes, and other property of the old Township Library to the new Association. A pleasant room was prepared for its reception, a room over the Citizens' National Bank, and given, rent free, by that institution. The 84 INDIANA LIBRARIES , Library was opened on December 17, 1900, under the name of the Jeffer- sonville Township Public Library. The subscription money, as it was paid, was used for the purchase of books. So the Library opened with about 1,700 volumes. The income was from a tax levy of one cent on each one hundred dollars worth of property as assessed in the township, giving the Library about $550 a year. Miss Bertha Poindexter was secured as librarian, and she has worked earnestly for the upbuilding of the Library. The books are classified according to the Dewey classification, and from the first the public has had access to all the shelves, except fiction. The librarian exerted every effort to make the library attractive, and it soon became a most popular institution. No special work has been done with the schools except what has been done personally through the teachers. The librarian finds bulletin work an effective means of inter- esting the children, but no work can be done with the children except in a small way, because of the crowded condition of the Library. It still occupies the same room in which it was opened three years ago, and it has grown to 3,160 volumes. The same librarian is in charge, and she has no assistant. The hours are short, the Library being open each day (except Sunday) from 2 p. M. to 5:30 p. m., and Saturday from 9 A. M. to 12 M. A large increase in the patronage, especially of the reading room, could be attained by an evening opening, but the facilities are not suitable as yet. Eight current magazines are to be found on the reading tables and they are used as much as time and space will permit. In 1903, 600 vol- umes were added to the Library. The books are selected with the great- est care and in point of usefulness this Library is second to none of its size in the state. The present Board of Directors, a majority of whom have served from the organization of the Association, are: President, J. E. Taggart; secretary. Miss Mary Voigt; treasurer, J. C. Zulauf ; Miss Cord Warder, Miss Eva Luke, and H. M. Frank. Jeffersonville has a population of 10,774. The township outside, to whom the Library is free, numbers about 5,000 more. In 1903 the num- ber of books issued for home use was 17,244, which is an average of INDIANA LIBRARIES 85 more than one to each inhabitant. There are now 1,400 names on the register of borrowers, and more are being added daily. Soon after the Library became estabHshed the idea was conceived of asking Mr. Carnegie for money with which to erect a building. Again Miss Zulauf took the initiative, and the correspondence was started that resulted in securing a donation of $15,000. A beautiful site was chosen in Warder park, near the center of the city. The comer stone of the new building was laid September 19, 1903. It is to be of Bedford stone, and the style is that of the Italian Renaissance; a beautiful structure, complete in every detail. Those who have worked and waited so long and patiently for this cause, hope in a few months more, to see the consummation of their desire— a well equipped, up-to-date Library in a building of its own. KOKOMO. KoKOMO Public Library. With all the improved Library laws on the statute books of Indiana, the Kokomo Public Library still clings to the old and tried, under which it was organized— the law of 1883, giving school boards of cities and towns the power to establish free public libraries. Among the first to take advantage of this law after its enactment, the Kokomo School Board composed of A. C. Armstrong, Dr. I. C. John- son, and W. E. Blacklidge, levied a tax of one cent on the hundred dollars for a Free Public Library. This small levy brought to the sup- port of the Library about ninety dollars per annum. With J. C. Leach as librarian, the Library was thrown open to the public in December, 1885, forty books having been purchased and placed upon the shelves. One small case in one of the High School recitation rooms was ample room for Library purposes, the librarian being present each Thursday afternoon for the distribution of books. Naturally these books were largely limited to high school pupils and their teachers. The recitation room was soon outgrown and the Library was transferred to the Super- intendent's office, the time of opening being changed to Saturday after- noons during term time. The next move was to an entire room on the top floor of the school building and the time of opening extended to Sat- urday afternoons of the entire year. The Library having now grown into an imposing one of 3,800 volumes, it was thought worthy of a place 86 INDIANA LIBRARIES in the City Building and accordingly the council donated a room or rather two rooms for such a purpose. The levy was then increased to three cents and the Library was growing in usefulness and popularity. At this time Mr. Leach classified the Library under the Perkin's system and made a printed catalogue. The City Building was soon outgrown and the Trustees rented a room in a down town office building and the Library hours were changed from Saturday afternoons to each afternoon of the week with an all day opening on Saturday. Mr. Leach finding other cares too numerous to devote any more time to library management, Miss Moreland who had been his faithful assist- ant for some time took charge of the Library until the spring of 1900, when Miss Fitzgerald was appointed librarian. During this time the library has been steadily growing under the management of the School Board, the shelf list showing in the neighborhood of 8,000 volumes. During 1899 the Hbrarian, assisted by Miss Belle Hanna, of the Green- castle Public Library, commenced the re-classification of the Library under the Dewey classification. Miss Fitzgerald, after her appointment in 1900, immediately took up the remainder of the work of re-classifica- tion under the Dewey classification, and now the Library consisting of 10,000 volumes, is all classified, with a card catalogue according to Cutter rules. In 1901, the Library having again outgrown its home was moved to commodious rooms in the Blacklidge block. The hours of opening were extended from afternoons alone to afternoon and evening, and Sunday opening. A reading room was opened, several periodicals and the daily papers being subscribed for. The periodicals now number sixty, with an average daily attendance in the reading room of twenty, and an average daily circulation of 125 volumes. An average, perhaps, of 500 volumes per year is added to the library, and this, too, without any increase in the rate of taxation. The three-cent tax now nets the library in the neighborhood of $1,800 per year, the increased income coming from the growth of Kokomo's population and increased taxable property, the last census giving Kokomo a population of 12,500, with an estimated wealth of $7,500,000. The Library is in charge of the librarian and one assistant, the assistant averaging five hours a day and the librarian nine hours a day. All the shelves of the Kokomo Public Library are open to the public and INDIANA LIBRARIES 87 the Library is made as free as it is possible to make a public institution. No special work is done for the children with the exception of special book lists and some bulletin work. In the fall of 1902 a gift of $25,000 was accepted from Mr. Carnegie on the usual terms for a Library building. This building is now in the process of construction and will be ready for occupancy early in the sum- mer. It is a one story classic building, Bedford stone, with hard wood interior finishings. The present board, Mr. Richard Ruddell, Mr. Louis Mehlig, and Mr. W. E. Blacklidge, the latter being also a member of the first library board, have had entire charge of the planning and man- agement of the new building and will levy the necessary increased tax for its maintenance. KoKOMO Public Library, 1904. LAFAYETTE. Lafayette Public Library. The first librarian of the Lafayette PubHc Library— Mrs. Jeanette B. Hyde— and also her successor, Miss Eulara Miller, did most eflficient work with a library of some 8,000 volumes— the gift of J. J. Perrin,— in 1882. The Library was established at that time under the Indiana law passed in 1881. Mrs Virginia Stein the present incumbent, took charge of the library in 1888. It was then, as it had been from the first, in the high school building in cramped and undesirable quarters. In the spring of 1901, the Library received as a gift, from Mrs. W. F. Reynolds, an oldfashioned house situated on a goodly piece of ground. This house was, back in the fifties, one of the handsomest dwellings in the town of Lafayette. The main building is of plastered brick with a quaint iron portico over the door. With the wistaria and honeysuckle vines over the front; the oldfashioned flower garden at one side planted with marigolds, daffodils and hollyhocks; the gray stone wall across the front yard; the old brick walks leading to the front door and to the wings, the place seems a charming home for some 20,000 books to live in. Indeed, the charm of the place caused a stranger to say recently: "How pleasant! Don't let anyone ask for a Carnegie Library. " Sometime previous to the Library's possession, the building was occupied by the Y. M. C. A. This organization had built at the back a gymnasium some sixty by forty feet. This gymnasium makes the most delightful sitting room for 88 INDIANA LIBRARIES the books when they are not otherwise engaged. There they may enjoy the Hght and sunshine and good air. They never can become musty with the high raftered ceiHng over their heads. Though the books are so comfortable here, they are always ready to be taken to the reading and reference rooms on one side of the hall, and there impart their stored up knowledge to the dozens of seekers after information. And while the building is not adapted to free access to the shelves, the books are so well classified according to the Dewey classification, and the librarian and her two assistants are so anxious to help and please, that from 9 A. M. to 8 P. M., six days in the week, the library is a bureau of information. Not only are the books ready for the worker in the library, but they are willing to pass into the hands of some 2,500 tax-payers to be taken to their homes. During the last year 76,842 books have accepted these invitation^, and many of these same tax-payers seem to think that the payment of the Library tax of one- third of a mill on a dollar entitles them to the destruction of the books. I wonder how books can bear to trust themselves in the hands of most patrons. I suppose some of the lighter novels don't care, they know they are short-lived anyhow; but I can imagine that self-respect- ing books of any character must go out with fear and trembling, not knowing in what mangled condition they may return, perhaps with torn and draggled dress, their faces disfigured with scratches, their leaves forced apart with all kinds of book marks, from spectacles and hat pins to button hooks and fragments of wearing apparel. 1 once knew of Barrie's "Little Minister" suffering the indignity of having a cheese rind thrust between its pages. What an insult to a minister of the old Scotch Church! The books have this left to be thankful for— they are not permitted to travel outside of the city limits. Perhaps knowing too that there are some 800 new volumes coming into the library every year, some of these poor worn out books may hope to live again in a new dress. However, the hard worked books are much relieved and assisted in entertaining the public by some thirty magazines who make monthly and weekly calls on the library, and, coming as they do, with most gorgeous make up of pictures and typographical work, one feels as if here is all you wish for of beauty and information. Indeed our sciences grow so apace, and new discoveries follow each other with such rapidity, that only the weekly issues of the magazines can keep up with them. The Library is a most wonderful place and here in Lafayette by the trifling INDIANA LIBRARIES 89 expenditure of some $3,500 by the city, the public has access to the immortal poems, the wisdom of the sages, the newest inventions and the last clever novel. If you look at it from a commercial point of view, where can you get so much for your money? Real workers in any library become imbued with the spirit of the place. The Lafayette Hbrarian and her assistants are like most others, when they take their month's vacation they are apt to drift into other libraries to see how they are managed. They are almost sure to do this unless they take to the woods where there are no books. Mrs. Virginia Stein. LAFAYETTE. Purdue University Library. Notwithstanding our repeated solicitations from the authorities for historical sketch, we are unable to secure any information concerning this library. 90 INDIANA LIBRARIES LA PORTE. La Porte Public Library. By the donation of the La Porte Library and Natural History Asso- ciation the city of La Porte, Indiana, on February 22, 1897, was made the owner of a library property consisting of a library building and lot, near the center of town, and nearly 7,000 volumes, said property to be used as a free pubHc Hbrary. The La Porte Library and Natural History Association was formed in 1863 to give lecture courses, and brought to La Porte some of the foremost men and women in the lecture field, viz: Miss Clara Barton, Sumner, Horace Greely, R. W. Emerson, Wendell Phillips, Garrison, and others of like prominence. These lectures proved so popular that the association accumulated some money which they wished to use for the benefit of the city. Judge A. L. Osborn proposed that they start a library, which was done. In the meantime, the Maclure Working Men's Institute was dis- banded because of the removal of the railroad shops from here to Elk- hart. The books donated by William Maclure were transferred to the new association, thus insuring their continued use by the public. The library was a subscription library until given to the city in 1897. Since then it has been free to all residents of the city and all students of our school, non-residents having the privilege of taking books out upon the payment of a small subscription fee. The La Porte Public Library was organized under the law of 1881, which placed it in the care of the Board of Education, with the authority to levy a tax of not more than one mill on the dollar of all taxable prop- erty of the city. The present levy is one half of the allowance and brings about $2,000 per year. With this sum a librarian and assistant are hired, each of whom work sixty hours per week; also a janitor who devotes half as much time. The librarian and assistant each have two weeks vacation during the year. About 700 volumes are added each year and sixty-three periodicals subscribed for. Magazines are bound and worn books rebound as needed. There are at present 10,550 volumes on the shelves to which the pubHc have free access. The circulation is 24,445 volumes per year, which is an average of 80 volumes per day. The city has a population of 10,000, of which number 1,426 persons hold library cards at the present time. INDIANA LIBRARIES 91 The children's department is well patronized, and has a good selec- tions of books and the use of two rooms. Considerable reference work is done for students and club members, as well as for the general public. The library is classified under the decimal classification and is open from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M., daily, except legal holidays and Sundays. The building has two stories and a basement. The main floor is de- voted to general reading room, reference books, children's reading room, students' reference room, Hbrarian's office, work room and stack room. The second floor contains a large assembly hall in which are the public documents, of which there is a good working collection, and a smaller room devoted to the museum of Indian relics and curiosities, bequeathed to the library by the La Porte Library and Natural History Association; also a large collection of Indian relics found in this county. The heating plant and lavatories are located in the basement. Jennie B. Jessup was appointed librarian by the La Porte Library and Natural History Association in 1894, and continued through the change to a free Public Library until August, 1897, when Miss Emily A. Vail was appointed. She retained her position until January 2, 1902, when, upon her resignation, Jennie B. Jessup was re-appointed. The Board of Education and Library Trustees consist of F. W. Meissner, president; J. B. Rupel, secretary; and E. C. Hall, treasurer. Jennie B. Jessup, Librarian. 92 INDIANA LIBRARIES LEBANON. Lebanon Public Library. The Library Board of the Lebanon Public Library was appointed under act of legislature approved March 4, 1901. The first meeting of the Board after appointment of its members, was held October 31, in the office of R. H. Harney, county superintendent of schools. The initial movement in behalf of a library was begun about the first of the same month. Upon call of C. A. Peterson, city superintendent of schools, a meeting was held at the county superintendent's office, Octo- ber 8, 1902, at which meeting Ex- Judge T. J. Terhune presided. The task of raising the required subscription was undertaken by Judge B. S. Higgins and about $3,100 was subscribed under solicitation of Messrs. Higgins and Terhune. The city council promptly agreed to make the levy required by law. Mr. Andrew Carnegie was asked to make a donation for the erection of a building for library purposes. On Janu- ary 6, 1903, Mr. Carnegie agreed to give $12,500 for the purpose. On April 22, 1903, Mr. Carnegie increased his donation to $15,000. On June 26, 1903, the contract for erection of a stone library building according to plans and specifications of Messrs. Krutsch & Co., arch- itects, was let to Charles J. Andrews, for $14,238, which, with arch- itects' fees absorbed the $15,000 given by Mr. Carnegie. The building is now in process of construction. There has been much delay. The foundation is in. The greater part of the material is on the ground. No librarian has been appointed and no books purchased. The lot on which the Hbrary building is being erected is at the corner of the public square and cost $4,000, which amount was raised by sub- scription. The officers and members of the library board are as follows; A. C. Dailey, president; A. Wysong, vice-president; Mrs. E. T. Lane, treasurer; Mrs. R. H. Harney, secretary; T. J. Terhune, Mrs. R. W. Harrison, W. S. Ritchie. Mrs. R. H. Harney, Librarian. INDIANA LIBRARIES 93 LOGANSPORT. LoGANSPORT Public Library. On May 20, 1890, a number of women of the city of Logansport, members of the local Women's Christian Temperance Union, met to formulate a plan for the establishment of a free reading room, in the down town district of the city, to reclaim from the streets those who might otherwise be disposed to spend their time in idleness or worse. These ladies met with encouragement, and on Saturday, June 28, 1890, the room was formally opened to the public. It was centrally located in the business district, and Miss Elizabeth McCuUough was placed in charge. Many books and magazines were donated by the citi- zens, and on July 1, 1890, a committee of ladies waited upon the mayor and common council of the city, with a memorial that a free circulating library be put in operation at as early a date as possible, citing as a rea- son the generous attendance and interest manifested in the work begun by them in a small way. Prompted by this beginning, the city council made a tax levy for library purposes of one-third of a mill on each dollar of taxable property in the city, for the purpose of creating a fund, preparatory to establish- ing a Public Library in connection with the public schools of the city, under the general school law of the state, authorizing boards of school trustees to establish such libraries. By the time the spring collection of taxes was received in 1894, a considerable sum of money was available, and the board of school trus- tees then composed of Messrs. James P. Martin, Jehu T. Elliott and Valentine C. Hanawalt, purchased the residence of the late Hon. William Z. Stuart, well down in the city, for the purpose of establishing a Public Library therein. In June, 1894, Mr. Hanawalt was succeeded by Mr. Q. A. Myers, a graduate or Dartmouth college, acquainted with some of the large libraries of the country, who, with his associates, Messrs. Martin and Elliott, at once set about with zeal, in conjunction with the librarian, in thoroughly organizing a Public Library. They appointed a large com- mittee of representative men and women to make the selection of the first large installment of books, and made the purchase as recommended by this committee; in the meantime preparing the building for the pur- poses, not only of a library, but of a reading room, and the Library and 94 INDIANA LIBRARIES Reading Room were formally opened November 1, 1894. The Library now contains 14,000 well selected volumes, of which 8,000 bound volumes are the collection of the late Hon. Horace P. Biddle, purchased upon his death in 1901, many of which are rare and valuable. In addition to the bound volumes in that collection, the pamphlets and newspaper files are believed to be the most complete in the state. Up to this date the aver- age number of volumes added annually is 500. In the reading room are kept thirty of the leading magazines, and Chicago, Indianapolis and local newspapers. The Library and Reading Room are maintained by taxation, the rate of levy being four mills on the dollar, amounting to an annual income of $3,500. The annual circulation is 27,600 volumes, making a daily average of ninety volumes. In a population of about 20,000 there are 480 borrowers registered, only residents of the city having the borrowers' privilege. The Library is classified according to the Dewey decimal classifica- tion and supplied with a card catalogue. By the munificence of Mr. Andrew Carnegie, a beautiful new Bed- ford buff limestone, fire proof building is rapidly nearing completion, the library being temporarily housed in somewhat Hmited quarters. This building has a large reading room for adults, and one for children; stack room capacity for 40,000 volumes; heated with hot water; equipped with gas and electricity for lighting, and with all modern conveniences. It also has an auditorium in the basement, with a seating capacity of 250, for small assemblages and club work; a packing and labehng room. Librarian's room, reference rooms, hoists, etc. The acquisition of this beautiful building is largely due to the efforts of Mr. Q. A. Myers, and his associates on the board of trustees, Messrs. Elliott and James D. McNitt, the successor of Mr. Martin. The Library and Reading Room are open every week day from 9 A. m. to 9 p. M. except legal holidays. The pubHc has access to the shelves. There is a children's room and bulletin work is kept up. Special work is done with clubs, and especially with the schools of which the Library is really a part. The Library being near the high school building, special attention is given to the direction of the high school pupils in their daily work and reading. At this time, two persons are employed in the Library, during the whole time the Library is open, with a vacation of two weeks, annually, at the selection of the employe. INDIANA LIBRARIES 95 The Librarian, from the opening of the Free Reading Room to this time, has been Miss Elizabeth McCullough, and the present members of the board of trustees are Messrs. J. T. Elliott, James D. McNitt, and Walter A. Osmer, the latter having succeeded Mr. Myers in June, 1903. The Library is fortunate in securing the Biddle collection, which is in itself one of the rarest in bound volumes and is especially rich in his- torical interest, in the pamphlets, newspapers and unbound volumes, and when in the new quarters and properly arranged, will furnish a rare opportunity to the student for historical research and wide information. MADISON. Madison Public Library. Notwithstanding our repeated solicitations from the authorities for historical sketch we are unable to secure any information concerning this library. MARION. MARION Public Library. The Marion Public Library was established under the law of 1883, by Professor Hamilton S. McRae, superintendent of the Marion Public Schools with the assistance of the board of school trustees. On June 4, 1885, the first levy of one-third mill on the dollar of all taxable property of the city of Marion was made for the purpose of the support of this Library; this levy was increased at different times and has always been maintained. At present it is seven cents on each $100 of taxable property. The Marion Public Library was fully established in July, 1888, with Prof. J. K. Waltz, superintendent of the Marion city schools, as librariarian. The Library was open to the public on Saturdays only. Prof. Waltz was succeeded at the end of eight months, by the present librarian, Mrs. Ida R. Gruwell. The Library opened with about 1,000 volumes, with some donations by the citizens. In 1898 the number of volumes had increased to 5,000. This increase has continued until at present there are in the Library 96 INDIANA LIBRARIES 10,700 volumes and to these are added from one to two thousand yearly. Since 1897 the pubUc has had access to the shelves, with very satis- factory results, this having been of more benefit to the public than any other feature of the work, and having done much to inrease the circula- tion. The circulation for the year 1903 was 51,040. The Dewey deci- mal classification is used in this library. The reading room was established in 1897, with a few magazines and three newspapers; this department of the Library has advanced until it contains fifty magazines and fifteen newspapers at the present time. The number of readers registered for the year 1903 was 17,465. Since 1891 the Library has been open daily except Sunday, and since 1895 has been open from 9 a. m., to 9 P. M. Beginning with the year 1904 the Library is open from 9 A. M. until 10 P. M. On Sunday the reading room is open from 9 A. M. , to 10 P. M. With a population of 20,000 it became necessary to provide a library building. In the year 1900 it was decided by the board of school trus- tees, consisting of Dr. J. H. Forrest, A. C. Jay and George Webster, Jr. , to make application to Mr. Andrew Carnegie for $50,000 for a library building. This request was granted, and the city of Marion provided a suitable site for the erection of such a building and pledged itself by resolution of the city council to spend, from taxation, not less than $5,000 yearly on the support of its Library. The library building was completed and dedicated on December 5, 1902. On Saturday afternoon an hour is set apart for special work for the children. Special programs are arranged for all days of national import- ance. Bulletin work is also made a feature of the Library work. Under an act of the general assembly of the state of Indiana, approved March 7, 1903, Chapter 102, provision was made by which the common council of the city of Marion, Indiana, had power to elect a library board of from three to five members. On January 5, 1904, the common council of the city of Marion adopted a resolution making a change in the management of the Library, and transferring it from the board of school trustees under the authority of said act, to a Library Board to be composed of five members; and said city council elected as members of said new Board the following named persons: J. H. Forrest, Robert C. Houston, G. A. Henry, W. A. Fankboner and M. B. McFeeley. This new Library Board has been since their appointment in charge of said Library, controlling and managing Library affairs in this city. INDIANA LIBRARIES 97 In this connection attention is called to a special provision in this new law by which the benefits and privileges of the Library may under certain conditions, be extended to the citizens of the entire county of Grant, as well as to the citizens of the city of Marion. This provision of the law, if acted upon by the county authorities, will at least double the income of the Library and also more than double the field of its use- fulness, because under the provisions of this act, the entire county, through the action of the county authorities in making appropriation provided for in the law, will become entitled to the privileges of the Library. Should the county authorities neglect or refuse to avail them- selves of the provisions of the law, any municipal subdivision of the county, such as township, city, town or village, may enter into arrange- ments with the Library Board, whereby the residents of such municipal subdivision will become entitled to the benefits and privileges of this Library. In case either the county, or any governmental subdivision of it declines to make the arrangements with the Library Board as contem- plated by the law, the Board may adopt a rule by which the benefits and privileges of the Library may be extended to residents outside of the city of Marion upon such terms and conditions as such Board may pre- scribe. Another feature of the law which was an important factor in influencing its adoption is that it brings the control of the Library and Library affairs directly within the power of those who are the immediate representatives of the people whose taxes support the Library. Under the old management when the Library was in control of a board of school trustees, it was rather in the nature of an annex to the public school system of the city than an independent educational institution. The school trustees were not required by the law to account to the com- mon council of the city for their expenditures of city taxes raised for library purposes, but made their Reports in such matters to the auditor of the county in connection with their reports to such auditor on school matters. The present law requires the Library Board to furnish to the city council at stated periods itemized reports of all its receipts and dis- bursements, coupled with the proper vouchers. 98 INDIANA LIBRARIES MARKLE. The Markle Library. The Markle Library was founded September 6, 1895. Although this is a public library no money has yet been taken from the town treasury to defray expenses. The people as a rule had long- been desirous of literary improvements, but never thought it convenient to invest money taken from tax payers, and use it thus. An entertainment was planned and the proceeds were used in securing literature. After seeing the suc- cess of this undertaking other entertainments and suppers were provided and liow the town has a nice little library. The Library was founded not only to better the literary tastes of citizens, but also to help the prog- ress of our schools. Professor P. H. Beck, then principle of the schools, was the most prominent person in organizing. The Library at present contains 850 books, besides a large number of public documents and reports. Every year the state reading circle books are bought by the school board and added to the lists. No person is entitled to the use of more than one volume at a time, nor for a longer time than two weeks, except by returning the book to the Library and re- newing same. If a book is retained longer than two weeks without renew- ing, a fine of five cents is assessed for the first day and two cents for each succeeding day until said book is returned or renewed. There are 635 borrowers. The Library occupies one room in the school building. This is neatly furnished with large book cases. Although the room is not as large as necessary yet all are looking forward to the time when everything will be fully equipped and our Library will equal any of its size in the state. Two days of each week are set apart to draw books and any citizen has this privilege. Books suitable to children are classified according to the different grades. Two persons are employed in the Library. The first librarian was Lillie May Youse, followed by Dale Gusman, Lulu Wert, Ethel Burnan Smith, William Eiler, Orville Fisher and Lelia Brickley. The present school board are Messrs. McGuffey, Brickley and Pynfold. Fern Rarick. INDIANA LIBRARIES 99 MICHIGAN CITY. Michigan City Public Library. The Michigan City Public Library had its origin in the last will and testament of Mr. George Ames, in which provision was made for the legacy of $5,000 as a fund to be used for the purchase of books for a a public library, in case a library organization should exist within -a stated time. The needs of a public library and the knowledge of Mr. Ames* bequest encouraged the members of a literary society, known as the Fortnightly Club, to secure a library. A committee was appointed to look into the provisions of the will and to report a plan of organization necessary to secure the benefits of the bequest. This committee submit- ted the names of fifteen prominent men and women of the city who con- sented to form the board of incorporators and to take necessary legal steps, according to the state law of 1881, to organize a public library association. The committee was composed of the following: Mrs. J. Grenville Mott, Mrs. John H. Barker, Mrs. Fannie E. Orr, Mrs. William C. Gordon, Mrs. Minnie Leeds, Miss Mary E. Vandusen, Miss Angela Donnelly, Mr. Walter Vail, Mr. N. P. Rogers, Mr. Samuel E. Miller, Mr. Edward Boyle, Mr. A. R. Colbom, Mr. Otto Klopsch, Mr. Albert Knaak, and Mr. J. H. Orr. The next step in the development was the offer, by Mr. J. H. Bar- ker, of a contribution of one-third of the entire cost of a library building to be erected by means of the subscriptions of the citizens. Such an interest had been aroused that the committee appointed to solicit funds soon raised $30,000. A site was chosen on a centrally located comer. Spring and Eigth streets. The plans for the structure were prepared by Reed & Stem, of St. Paul. A beautiful building two stories in height was erected of Indiana blue Bedford stone. The architecture is classic in style and the interior is finished in marble and quarter sawed oak. Special care was taken in fitting the building throughout with the best library furniture and appliances, and in arranging everything for conven- ience in use. The first floor has the reading and reference room, the children's room, the delivery room and the stack room. On the second floor are the trustees* room, the art room and the assembly room. This last named is used by some of the literary clubs for their meetings. The basement is finished off and is used for packing and store rooms. 100 INDIANA LIBRARIES Miss Marilla Freeman organized the Library in 1897, and was librar- ian until 1902. Miss Grace Edwards then took the position for one year and was succeeded by Miss Lillian Arnold who is the present librarian. The Library building was opened to the public in October, 1897. The Dewey decimal classification is used and the public has free access to the shelves. During the winter months the reading room is open from 8:30 A. M. to 9 P. M. ; the loan department from 9 :30 a. m. to 8 p. m. Dur- ing the summer the reading room closes at 8 P. M. Sundays the reading room is open from 2 to 5 P. M. At present there are 7,627 volumes in the Library, 619 volumes hav- ing been added during the last year. A large per cent of this number was donated; however, with the book fund that has recently been raised it will soon be possible to add more than heretofore. The subscription list for periodicals includes thirty-seven well chosen magazines. The back numbers of these are allowed to circulate. Of the 14,850 inhabit- ants of Michigan City 2, 199 borrowers make use of the Library privileges. The circulation of books averages 126 per day. The circulation for 1903 reached 37,984 and the average yearly circulation is 35,252. The library is supported by a township tax of six mills. This brings in about $2,400 yearly and is used for the current expenses. Besides this the income from the following funds is used for the purchase of books : the George Ames fund, and a recent endowment fund of $12,000, which was raised by subscription, and a gift of $5,000 from Mr. J. H. Barker. Mrs. F. C. Austin and Mrs. J. H. Barker have made generous donations from time to time. Last year the expenditures of the Library amounted to $4,682.05; the receipts were $5,081.24, including donations. A German collection was started some time ago and now numbers over 500 volumes. This part of the Library has been kept up almost entirely by subscription, but it is hoped to have sometime a permanent German book fund. The board of Trustees is made up of fifteen members as follows: A. R. Colborn, president; Mrs. J. H. Barker, vice president; Miss Geneve DeWolfe, secretary; Walter Vail, treasurer; J. H. Orr, Mrs. J. G. Mott, Mrs. F. E. Orr, H. W. Johnson, J. J. Riley, WiUiam Blinks, N. P. Rogers, Otto Klopsch, Mrs. Minnie Leeds, J. B. Faulknor and R. W. Street. The present Library force consists of the librarian and one assistant. They are both at the Library forty-five hours per week and have a vaca- INDIANA LIBRARIES 101 tion of one month during the summer. An apprentice girl gives three hours a day for four months and receives instruction during that time. The janitor takes care of the building and ground throughout the year. The library is in close touch with the clubs and schools. Literary clubs send in their programs and reference lists are made out on the different subjects taken up for study and are filed for use at the library. Bulletins and posters of interesting events and prominent persons are posted from time to time. Quite a number of exhibits such as the poster show and Indian exhibit have been given to arouse interest in Library affairs. The work with the schools has been carried on quite successfully. What is called a Library Day is observed for the classes in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. One afternoon a month each class comes to the Library for the purpose of supplementing their school work with outside reading. The teachers send in lists of subjects in which the children are interested and all available material is taken upstairs in the large room where the classes meet undisturbed. A Library League was organized last year — the membership now reaches 413. Different sections meet each week for a story hour and the time is spent in reading and telling stories to arouse interest in good books. The great good a well equipped library can do for the public has been tested and not found wanting. With the thorough organization of previous years and the means it now has of becoming a center for edu- cational work of all kinds it is hoped the Michigan City Public Library will continue to hold its strong place in the life of the community. 102 INDIANA LIBRARIES MONTICELLO. MoNTiCELLO Public Library. In the early part of the year 1903 some little agitation was started in the town of Monticello, with reference to a Public Library. Professor John W. Hamilton, superintendent of the public schools, contributed occasional articles to the different newspapers of the town setting forth its need and urging that some action be taken in the matter. Assisted by the ministers of the churches particularly the Rev. H. G. Rice, of the Presbyterian church, Professor Hamilton succeeded in interesting the business men. As a result subscription papers were started and $416, the amount required by law, was soon subscribed. An organization was formed April 6, 1903, under the law of March 4, 1901, with the following persons elected to serve as Board of Trustees : WilHam H. Hamelle, president; Mrs. M. T. Didlake, vice-president; Mrs. Truman F. Palmer, secretary; Miss Anna Magee, treasurer; Professor John W. Hamilton, and Dr. J. D. McCann. Under the directions of the board of trustees two rooms on the ground floor of the Court House were furnished with library equipments and the citizens invited to make donations of books. By the last week in June over 800 books had been donated. Miss Nora Gardner had been elected librarian and Miss Katherine Fisher, city librarian of Attica, Indiana, was employed for three weeks to assist in classifying and cataloguing the books, the Dewey decimal classification being used. On the first day of September, 1903, the library was opened to the pubHc with 1,025 volumes. Since then the number has increased to 1,500 with nine current magazines. The library is open from 1 p. M to 5 P. M., of each day. The public has access to the shelves and the number of books circulated per day is forty. But one librarian is employed and no special work is done with child- ren or clubs. The population of Monticello is 2,700, of which 340 are borrowers of books from the library. A tax of one mill is levied but the taxes not being available until April, 1904, the present source of funds is from club and individual donations. Persons living outside of the corporation may have borrowers' privilege by paying the sum of two dollars per year. So far the Monticello Public Library is a success and a source of culture as well as wholesome recreation. INDIANA LIBRARIES 103 MOORES HILL. The Moores Hill College Library. The Moores Hill College Library was organized at the beginning of the school, in 1856. It was not put into modem working order until ten years ago. Since then it has been a very efficient addition to the College. The Library contains 5,000 bound volumes and 3,000 pamphlets. Donations are made from time to time for additions to the Library. Fifty magazines and papers are to be found on the reading tables. It occupies three rooms on the first floor of the main building covering a space of 1,000 square feet. The Science Library occupies a separate room in the Science Hall. The Library is open from 8:30 to 11:30 a. m.. and from 1 to 3 P. M., daily, except Saturdays and Sundays. Every student in the college has the privilege of using any book, magazine or paper in it, and may borrow any book, except reference books, for a period of two weeks. One Librarian is regularly employed. Only until recent years has a Librarian been employed. Mrs. Laura McClure, now at Starkville, Colorado, Miss Clara Bigney, of Moores Hill, and Mrs. M. Snyder, of Moores Hill, have served in this capacity. Mrs. Snyder is the present librarian. The Library is in ^ better condi- tion today than at any time in its history. MOUNT VERNON. Alexandrian Free Public Library. May 18, 1895, the following persons organized the Alexandrian Library under the incorporation act of April 7, 1881 : A. D. Owen, presi- dent; F. S. Monroe, secretary; E. E. Highman, treasurer; William H. Fogas, H. P. Leavenworth, F. P. Leonard, H. C. Tansey, Matilda Alexander, directors. The organization grew out of the Alexandrian Literary Club which was organized at the residence of Mrs. Matilda Alexander, 804 Main street. Mount Vernon, Indiana, October 11, 1892, looking toward the establishing of a library in the future. The Library was supported by annual subscriptions and became a prosperous and successful corporation. On June 29, 1903, the Board of Directors tendered the library and its endowment of $10,000 to the city; the city accepted, and it became the Alexandrian Free Public Library. The endowment above referred to was given by Mrs. Matilda Alexander 104 INDIANA LIBRARIES as a memorial to her daughter, Mrs. Rosamond Alexander Peckinpangh, and is known as the Rosamond Alexander Fund for the support of the Alexandrian Free Public Library. The endowment consists of money, pictures, books and real estate. The Public Library Board, appointed under act of 1903, are E. E. Highman, president; Manuel Coonback, vice-president; Abigail Smith, secretary; Herdis Clemens, Esther Hovey Leonard, E. G. Bauman, Matilda Alexander, directors. The city has accepted Mr. Andrew Car- negie's gift of $12,500 and will erect a suitable library building in the near future. The population of Mount Vernon is 6,000; the value of taxables is $1,874,500, tax levy six-tenths mill to the dollar, and the value of taxables in Black township is $2,494,885; tax levy two-tenths mill. The Library contains 10,004 volumes and receives about twenty-five periodicals. The number of readers in 1903 was eighty, number of the books read being 3,042. The books are housed in a room in the city hall. The Library is open once a week, on Saturdays, but will open each day in the week after May 1. The Board hopes to have a plain, substantial library building, Bed- ford stone front. The site is on Main street, centrally located. Mrs. Matilda Alexander. MUNCIE. MuNciE Public Library. Probably since 1853, Muncie has had some sort of a Public Library. Under a law passed in May of that year, a County Library was estab- lished and kept in the court house, some one of the county officers acting as librarian. This library was maintained by reserving ten per cent of the net proceeds of the sale of all lots within the town of Muncie. In 1865 a law went into effect for the establishment of township libraries and under this law the county library was enlarged and went into the custody of the township trustee. In the year 1868 Mr. H. C. Marsh, then postmaster of Muncie, bought books for a "circulating library", and as the people had lost interest in the county and township libraries, Mr. Marsh procured per- mission from proper authorities to put the remainder of these books with INDIANA LIBRARIES 105 his library, and loan them free of cost. This library was kept in the post office. To Mr. Marsh's collection was added what remained of the Maclure Workingmen's Library, and these became the nucleus of the Muncie Public Library, which exists today under that name. It was on May 30, 1874, that the citizens of Muncie were called together in a mass meeting for the purpose of organizing a public library. One of the chief persons interested in this movement was Mr. Hamilton S. McRse, then superintendent of the Muncie public schools. A stock company was formed and shares sold for two dollars each, quite an amount of stock being subscribed on this first evening. On June 18, following, articles of incorporation were filed in the office of the recorder of Delaware county, and soon thereafter directors were chosen by the stockholders to further plans for a successful public library for the city of Muncie. Mr. Hamilton S. McRae was chosen the first president; Mr. John W. Ryan, secretary, and Mr. E. B. Bishop, treasurer. Through the energy and perseverance of these officers, together with a number of other public spirited citizens, the Muncie Public Library was estab- lished, in 1875, in a room of the city building, and the common council of the city of Muncie was induced at various times, to subscribe stock to the amount of $3,500. This practically put the library under the control of the city. About $300 were spent in furnishing a room, and the circu- lating library of Mr. H. C. Marsh was bought. This included the old county and township books. Mrs. Hattie Patterson was chosen librarian at a salary of $250 per year, with the privilege of selling stationery in the library rooms. Mrs. Patterson served as Hbrarian until 1881, when Mrs. Caroline Fleming was chosen, she serving in that capacity until 1890, when Miss Emma Sparr filled the position for one year. In January, 1891, Miss Katharine Wilson was elected librarian and held the place until February, 1903, when reorganization of the library took place under the present law. During all these years the library was supported by the city, some member of the board going before the city council once a year, stating the needs of the library and asking for an appropriation which was usually granted. At frequent intervals individuals and societies have presented books and money to the library, so that a very good collection of books, covering all branches of literature, could be found in the old library, which numbered about 13,000 volumes at the time of reorganiza- tion in 1903. 106 INDIANA LIBRARIES One of the largest gifts by any citizen of Muncie was made by Mr, George W. Spilker, who gave his home for library purposes. This resi- dence was afterwards sold for $6,000 and this amount was applied toward present grounds and building. It was on February 21, 1901, that a called meeting of the Library board was held for the purpose of considering the advisability of asking Andrew Carnegie for a gift to the city of Muncie for Library purposes. All the members of the board were present, consisting of T. F. Rose, president; Mrs. Nellie M. Stouder, secretary; N. F. Ethell treasurer; A. W. Brady, J. R. Marsh and Mrs. M. C. Claypool. The matter was thoroughly discussed and it was decided to ask Mr. Carnegie for the sum of $50,000. About this same time the Commercial club, of Muncie, began to agitate the question and so the library board turned the matter over to that organization. A letter was written by Mr. Hardin Roads, to Mr. Carnegie and on March 9, 1901, the reply came saying he would be glad to give $50,000 to the city of Muncie for a library building on the usual terms. This proposition was accepted by the city council on March 25, 1901, and a committee was appointed to procure a suitable site for build- ing. The lot was procured at a cost of $13,000 and Wing & Mahurin, of Fort Wayne, were chosen as architects for the new building. The contract was awarded to Morrow & Morrow, of Muncie, and in June, 1902, the foundation was laid for the new library building, which was completed and dedicated January 1, 1904, with appropriate exercises. In January, 1903, the library was reorganized under the Mummert law of 1901. The board required by law consisted of T. F. Rose, Mrs. Nellie M. Stouder, appointed by the school board; L. W. Cates; Miss Belle Thomas, appointed by the city council; A. L. Johnson; Miss Nettie Wood, and C. M. Carter, appointed by the circuit court judge. All of these were new members of the board excepting Mr. Rose and Mrs. Stouder, both of whom had served for a number of years on the old board. Officers were chosen as follows: President, T. F. Rose; vice- president, C. M. Carter; secretary, Nellie M. Stouder; treasurer, L. W. Cates. In accordance with an amendment made by the legislature in 1903, the township trustee, J. W. Dragoo, and his appointee, G. A. Ball, became members of the board in May, 1903. During 1903 Miss Artena Chapin served as librarian, with a substitute, the library being open * INDIANA LIBRARIES 107 every day except Sundays, from 9 A. M. to 12 M., 1 p. M. to 6 P, M. and 7 P. M. to 9 P. M. At the January, 1904, meeting Miss Chapin was again made librarian, at a salary of $900, and Miss Margaret E, Streeter was appointed assistant at a salary of $480. An extra assistant was appointed for night and Sunday work. Beginning January, 1904, the library is open continuously from 9 A. M. until 9 p. M. every day except Sunday. On Sunday the reading room only is open from 2 P. M. to 5 P. M. The library now has 1,777 borrowers, 1,063 of whom were added dur- ing 1903. The book committe has purchased about 2,000 volumes during the year, all of which, except about 200 are non-fiction. Late books of fiction are supplied by the Bodley Club Library which furnishes 250 books continuously, which may be exchanged as often as desired. The library contained on January 1, 1904, 19,291 volumes, and during the year 1903, 35,077 books were circulated, an average of 118 per day, which has been greatly increased since the opening of the new building, January 1. The population of Muncie, according to the U. S. census of 1900, is 20,942, but the city directory of 1903 gives 31,606. All persons living in Muncie and Center township may have the privileges of the Hbrary and any others may have the same privileges by the payment of two dollars per year. The books are classified according to the Dewey classification and there is a card catalogue for the use of the public. The public also has access to the shelves, which permits great freedom in the use of the books and is increasing the circulation. The children's books are shelved in the children's room separate from the rest of the library, and it is hoped that in the near future bulle- tins may be prepared on special subjects. The schools and clubs are helped in every way possible, the schools, by asking the teachers to send in lists of their work, and the clubs, by looking up references in advance for the members. In the reading room, which is separate from the rest of the library may be found eighty-six magazines and twelve news- papers which are subscribed for regularly. It will thus be seen that Muncie is now equipped with a library and building in keeping with the progressive spirit of her citizens, and that it is destined to be one of the great factors in the intellectual and moral 108 INDIANA LIBRARIES development of the whole community, truly a great charitable as well as educational institution, supplying and creating those forces which make for better living, a higher civihzation and the development of the whole man. Mrs. Nellie M. Stouder, Sec'y. Library Board. NEW ALBANY. New Albany Public Library. Among the many good things to be seen in New Albany its Public Library is considered one of the best. According to the census report of 1900, the population of New Albany is 20,628. Out of thi« number there are eighteen clubs of about 300 members who read and demand the best of hterature. The library has therefore collected in the last eighteen years the choicest of books. This is true especially in regard to the reference department. The New Albany Public Library was organized May 8, 1884, and approved by an act of the legislature March 5, 1883. Since then about 600 volumes have been added annually, making the total number at the present time 10,800. The further prospect for the Library is most gratifying. Recently the tax levy has been increased from three cents to five cents, which will better the library conditions considerably. Mr. Andrew Carnegie's gift of $40,000 for the erection of the beautiful structure which was opened March 2, was secured through the solicita- tion of the school board of the city. Mr. Carnegie made his gift March 14, 1902, and it was accepted by an ordinance of the city council April 19, 1902. The Dewey classification has been adopted and when the books are moved into the new building, which is especially adapted to library work, the public will be given free access to the shelves. The child- ren's room is a long felt want and will greatly aid the work with the public schools. The Library also tries to keep in touch with the club workers. The general reading room will be supplied with ample material for all readers and it is the intention to make good use of the bulletin board, as this has grown to be a very popular feature. About 2,800 borrowers are registered, of which number 150 are non-res- idents. Comparing the population of the city (20,628) and the last annual INDIANA LIBRARIES 109 report of a total circulation of 48,625 books, gives a circulation of over two books to each person in the city. The Library is open every day (Sunday excepted) from 9 a. m., until 8:30 p. M., and closed on all holidays, giving 306 working days, or a daily circulation of 157 books. For a number of years the Library was under the charge of one librarian, but recently one assistant has been employed. The Library Board, which is composed of the following members — Louis Hartman, president; George Borgerding, treasurer; William Rady, secretary; — are doing a great deal towards the advancement of the Library and deserve special credit for their efforts in securing a new building. Special credit is also due C. A. Prosser, superintendent of the public schools, for his initiative in the matter. At the beginning of the Hbrary work in New Albany, Mr. Butterfield was first elected librarian, then followed Mr. Brown, who served only a short time and was succeeded by Mr. James Ashabranner, who served for a number of years. Walter G. Harrison was elected to succeed him September 1, 1896, and still occupies the position. Walter G. Harrison, Librarian. NEW CASTLE. New Castle Public Library. New Castle has had many experiences with libraries of various kinds from the circulating one of a few books to the larger combination of town and township ownership, and while all were of vast benefit in their scope of usefulness, they were always limited by an inadequate or uncertain financial support and one by one dropped out of use. Finally, the plan of levying a specific tax upon property was sug- gested as the most reliable means of securing support. The sentiment in favor of the movement was largely brought about by the persistent efforts of several of the clubs of the town, the ladies' clubs being espe- cially active in the matter. The city council levied a tax of one-half mill on each dollar of valuation and placed the Hbrary matter in the hands of the school board. This was in 1899, and the school trustees at once rented a two-story brick office block, with two rooms below and two above, and set about securing the nucleus of a library. no INDIANA LIBRARIES The superintendent of schools was selected to act with the secretary of the school board, as a committee to select and purchase books and other necessary supplies. This committee has placed a large number of volumes in the library and is constantly adding material of this kind, being very careful in the selection. The reading room feature is also looked after carefully, and a liberal supply of current literature and newspapers is maintained. The library now has over 3,000 volumes and includes fiction, biography, reference works and a variety of juvenile matter. The library is a favorite resort for the children especially. Club women, too, find it a great convenience in securing material for their work ; ministers and teachers patronize it well. In fact, the aim has been to secure patronage for the library by adding literature suitable to these various classes of persons. Club members, ministers and teach- ers are asked to aid in the selection of books and their interest is inten- sified in that way. The Library is open from 9 A. M. until 12 M; from 1 P. M. to 5 P. M. and from 7 P. M. to 9 P. M., and is almost constantly patronized. Several hundred books are in circulation all the time. The Library has probably 1,500 borrowers out of a population of 5,000 and is regarded as one of the best institutions of the town. Mrs. L. J. Christner occupied the position of librarian from its establishment until ill health caused her to retire from active work in the library, since which time her daughter. Miss Lulu Christner, has filled the position. Superintendent J. C. Weir, of the city schools, has taken a deep interest in the library and encourages his pupils to use it to every possible advantage in their school work and as the library is located across the street from the high school building, it is well patronized by the pupils. The authorities have fond hopes, at some not far distant date, of owning their own library building. The present board of school trustees consists of D. W. Linsey, presi- dent; Mark 0. Waters, secretary and 0. J. Gronendyke, treasurer. Mark 0. Waters, Secretary. INDIANA LIBRARIES 111 NEW HARMONY. The New Harmony Working Men's Institute Library. This Society was organized by William Maclure, a gentleman of wealth and scientific attainments, as an experiment in the self -educa- tion of working men. It was intended to be a model for others that he proposed to organize throughout the United States. He had already made generous gifts to the Academy of Natural Sciences, of Philadel- phia, of which he was president for twenty years. The following ex- tracts from his letters to his agent at New Harmony will explain his object in forming these Institutes:— "Believing the working classes of your town are as well informed of their true interests in being instructed, or rather in instructing themselves as in any other part of the union, I shall, if such Association be formed under any act of corporation, or otherwise to perpetuate the property for the desired purposes, endow it with a house and lands, and other necessaries to make a beginning. You may consult with some of the best informed of that class and find out their opinions, and what they would propose. It is solely meant for self -instruction, and not to depend on any learned professor or superior, but to be managed to the interest of all. I shall endeavor to form as many of these institutes as my means will allow. Therefore I should like the one at New Harmony to be a model for others. I have left a fund with the Academy of Sciences in Philadelphia to be applied to the diffusion of useful knowledge after my death, restricted solely to those who labor with their hands. But, aware how such trusts have heretofore been misapplied, I am determined before I die to form as many as pos- sible of these clubs and endow them with the necessary funds that they may go on and increase in utility. Your Society may have the use of my library at New Harmony consisting of 2,000 volumes, upon the con- dition that all reputable citizens of the town be allowed the use of it. Also one of my houses as near the center of the town as may be. After the Institute has secured its charter we shall consider what other prop- erty may be useful or necessary to the fulfilling the objects of the society." Mr. Maclure left the city of Mexico for New Harmony, but owing to old age and disease he was unable to withstand the hardships of the journey. Near the village of San Angel, Mexico, his strength failed and after a short illness he died on the March 27, 1840. He left his property 112 INDIANA LIBRARIES to trustees who were to appropriate a sum not exceeding $500 to any institute or club of working men in the United States that could give satisfactory evidence that they were properly organized, and had a read- ing room and a library of one hundred volumes. Applications flowed in from several states wherever the terms of the bequest were known. Owing to the incapacity of the principal trus- tee, Mr. Alexander Maclure, who was opposed to the testator's disposi- tion of the estate, the affairs were so loosely managed that a large portion of it was wasted and lost. Finally the courts removed him and appointed Alvin P. Hovey administrator. Out of the residue 160 institutes complied with the terms of the bequest, each receiving the sum of $500. The New Harmony Working- Mens' Institute received as its portion a wing of the old German church and an order on a bankrupt London bookseller for $1,000 which was only partially honored. From this beginning the Library has grown slowly but surely. In the year 1847 it contained, as the first catalogue shows, 425 volumes. In the year 1854, a member died leaving $1,000 for the purchase of books "treating of science and fact." Another Maclurean Institute was organized about this time, which, after two or three years' existence, turned its books, some 300 volumes, over to the Working Men's Institute. In the year 1866, one of the old township school libraries established by the state containing 600 volumes was included. In 1870 the Library was recatalogued, when it contained 4,200 volumes. In 1874 the agent of the Economy Society visited New Harmony, purchased the old Ger- man church which was in a dilapidated condition, tore it down, and con- verted it into a school building at and the same time repaired the wing owned by the Institute at an expense of $2,000. About 1893 the Society sold its building, and with the assistance of Dr. Murphy, an old member, built the building now occupied. Dr. Murphy made contributions of books and specimens for a museum, and filled the art gallery with paintings purchased in Italy. In 1899 he made a further donation of money amounting to $45,000. In 1900 the gift was increased to $76,000. At his death in December, 1900, the sum total was increased to $155,000. The present estimated wealth of the society is above $200,000. The annual income is about $6,000. For the purchase of books and period- icals, $2,000 are set apart; $1,200 for free lectures; $600 for expense INDIANA LIBRARIES 113 fund; $600 for insurance and repairs; $700 for floating fund, which is used to fill all deficiencies in other funds. The number of members is limited to twenty-six. The official board consists of three trustees, treasurer, librarian, secretary, and auditing committee. Henry Hansdon, Homer Lichtenberger and H. P. Owen, are the trustees, C. S. Lichtenberger, treasurer; Arthur Dransfield, librarian, secretary and superintendent of the building and grounds. The Library is kept open seven days each week, also Sunday and Thursday evenings till 9 o'clock. The Library contains nearly 17,000 volumes, to which the yearly additions are about 1,200. There are forty-two periodicals on the list which circulate the same as books. We offer every inducement to the teachers and pupils of the public schools to use the Library. A good selection of works on pedagogy, for the teachers, and supplementary reading for the grades is kept up to date, which is highly appreciated and well used. Each summer a competent teacher is employed, and a free art course of eight weeks is held. The librarian is on duty at all times, his assistant twelve hours each week. Since the organization, in 1838, those holding the office of librarian are: Charles H. White, James P. Bennett, John C. Wheatcroft, Isabel Miller and Arthur Dransfield. Arthur Dransfield, Librarian. 114 INDIANA LIBRARIES NOBLESVILLE. NOBLESVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY. The Noblesville Public Library traces its origin to the reading room, established in 1890, and maintained by the business men of the city. This room was originally located on the north side of the public square in rooms donated by Mr. A. H. Lacy for that purpose. Miss Jennie Lacy had charge of the room for about one year, at the end of which time the Ladies' Aid Society took charge and through the efforts of Mrs. N. D. Levinson, Mrs. Susan Moss and others it was kept in existence though suffering for lack of patronage. Mrs. Knight was appointed librarian in 1891 and was succeeded at the end of one year by Miss Linsay, who served until her death in 1895. On October 28, 1895, Mrs. Finlay assumed the duties of librarian and served until 1900. In 1896 a charter was secured and the reading room was reorganized under the name of the Library Association. In the latter part of 1900 the school trustees took the burden off the hands of the Aid Society and the library was moved to its present quarters in the new High School building where a special room had been built for the same, and in September, 1900, the library was opened under the name of the Noblesville Public Library, with Ray- mond Aldred as librarian, which position he held for one year. At this time the Library contained about 1,000 volumes. On September 14, 1901, Miss Ethel Conner succeeded Mr. Aldred and is the present and only librarian. Since 1901 the Library has been increased to 2,500 volumes. From a population of 6,000, the Library has 700 borrowers, and a circu- lation of 7,500 volumes per year; a daily average of twenty volumes. The books are loaned exclusively to residents of Noblesville, who may call for them from Monday to Saturday between the hours of 8:30 a. m. and 4:30 p. m. About $700, per year is set aside for the maintenance of the library from which sum the librarian's salary is paid. J. W. Smith, H. D. Gray and Dr 0. B. Pettijohn constitute the present board of trustees. INDIANA LIBRARIES 115 NOTRE DAME. Lemmonier Library of the University of Notre Dame. Until 1873 there was no general library at the university for the use * of the students, although the various societies had more or less exten- sive collections of books and each of the different colleges a number of technical works. In that year, however, the president of the university, Reverend Lemmonier, conceived the plan of uniting all of the smaller libraries into one that would be generally and easily accessible. This ■ was the beginning of the present efficient library. It was first known as the * 'College Circulating Library" but after the death of the Very Reverend Lemmonier, in 1874, its name was changed at the request of the students, to its present title. In its earli- est days a specialty was made of the English classics and before the fire of 1879, an unusually complete collection of them had been made. In 1879 the Hbrary numbered 10,000 volumes, but in that year it was almost entirely destroyed by the great fire in which nearly all the univer- sity buildings were consumed. At the same time about 20,000 volumes belonging to the Faculty Library were burned. In some respects the loss was irreparable; for besides many rare books, a number of auto- graphical letters and ancient manuscripts were lost in that unfortunate disaster. But the same energy and zeal that made possible the erection of the new Notre Dame over the ashes of the old within three months, was shown in the founding of the new library. The Lemmonier Library today stands as a splendid evidence of deserving success. Until several years after the fire the only means at the Hbrarian's disposal for obtain- ing books were the donations made from time to time by the friends of the university. Prominent among those who have enriched the library by bequests of books, money and manuscripts are Rev. President Sorin; Napoleon III.; Cardinal Newman; Cardinal Barnabo; Rev. J. A. O'Connell; Rev. D. E. Hudson; Hon W. J. Onahan;C. L. D. ;Col. Elmer Otis; General Rosecrans; Mrs. M. Rhodius; Archbishop Selon; John Gilmary Shea; Messrs. E. and W. Arnold, of Washington; and Reverend Arthur Hariland and Reverend Grogan, both of Philadelphia. In 1894 the Columbia Library of 3,200 Catholic authors, one of the features of the World's Fair was merged into the college library. Some years ago, through the efforts of Rev. President Walsh, an 116 INDIANA LIBRARIES annuity of $500 was secured from the council and placed at the disposal of the librarian for the purchase of books. With the impetus thus given it, the library has developed with gratifying rapidity under the aid given by Doctor Morrissey, who succeeded President Walsh. The library building is gothic is design, 130x50 feet and 40 feet in in height, admirably arranged with regard to the light. The order of shelving is such that every book is within reach of the visitor without the use of a ladder. The cases are built against the wall and the upper tiers made accessible by a gallery around the entire library. Tiers of cross sections have also been set in the central portion. At each end of the room is an alcove containing the private library and desk of the lamented Prof. J. A. Lyons and called in his honor the Lyons alcove. All the interior wood work of the Library Hall is of polished hard wood beautifully trimmed with black walnut. The hall is also the temporary repository for some splendid his- torical collections and many curios of various kinds, rare manuscripts, books of vellum, illuminated by the patient toil of monks centuries before the invention of printing. At present the library numbers 65, 000 volumes. During twelve hours of the day the library is open to the students. The care of the library is in the hands of a director and three assistant librarians. The hall is so elaborately fitted up that one is surprised to learn that the present location is but temporary, yet such is the case, as it is intended in the near feature to erect an elegant building to be used exclusively for library purposes. Such, imperfect as it is, is a descrip- tion of a great and growing factor in the wondrous development of the University of Notre Dame. Joseph T. Lantry, Student. INDIANA LIBRARIES 117 ORLAND. Joyce Public Library, Notwithstanding our repeated solicitations from the authorities for historical sketch, we are unable to secure any information concerning this Library. PERU. Peru Public Library. In the year 1897, under the direction of the school board and a num- ber of others, —lovers of books whose names may be forgotten, but whose work will go on forever — a library was organized in the city of Peru. After the common struggle attendant upon most beginnings, a few books and a small room for their keeping were secured. To the earnest, continued and untiring zeal of Miss Martha G. Shirk, perhaps more than to any other one person, does the city of Peru owe the present satisfactory condition of its library; not yet seven years old. The volumes number 4,714, the current magazines thirty-one. A tax of one mill on the dollar is allowed the city Library, giving it an income of about twenty-seven hundred dollars annually. The Carnegie gift of $25, 000 has made possible a good substantial two story building, the abiding place of books, pictures and furniture belonging to the city Library. An average of seventy books are taken from this building daily and no less than 4,300 names are on the list of borrowers. People living out of town are allowed the use of books, but a small fee is charged. From 8 A. m. to 9 P. M. of each week day and for three hours on Sunday afternoons this Library is open to the public. Books are not exchanged on Sunday, but the reading rooms are at the command of those who care to use them. The Dewey classification is used and shelves are conveniently ar- ranged that all who care to may handle the books themselves. One side of the main room is given to the children. Here are two large tables; one of little more than kindergarten height, the other higher, each easily seating a dozen children. At one end of this space are no less than 1,000 books on shelves that are convenient for the child- ren. Pictures and statuettes add to the beauty of the place and on a 118 INDIANA LIBRARIES beam that crosses the ceiling are these words : ' 'This room is under the protection of the boys and girls of Peru." The librarians have introduced to the children of our city the "story hour." This occurs at irregular intervals on Saturday afternoons. Various friends who have talent in the story telling line have been in- duced to meet the children either on the lawn in front of the building or in the assembly room and there to plant seeds in the minds of the boys and girls that will grow into fruit bearing desire for the study of books. The large attendance of these children proclaims the popularity of the story hour. Much time and strength have been given on the part of the librarians to the pupils of the pubHc schools, the children in turn learn to look to the Library for help in much of their school work. Teachers and Hterary club workers, bible school students and mis- sionary societies find in the library a never failing source of supply for information wanted in their various departments of work. The high school debating class depends largely upon the Library for its success. The study room of the Library is used by these debaters more than by any other class of readers. In this room is a book case filled with reference books on the subject being considered, and changed as the subject of debate changes. On the walls of this room are beauti- fully prepared bulletins. In fact, bulletin work is used throughout the Library. The birthday calendar and the bird calendar in the children's room and the current events bulletin in the general reading room are among the many helpful attractions that constantly appeal to the visitor. The magazine room in the basement is no unimportant feature of this Library. Here a large collection of the unbound magazines are sys- tematically arranged and on one side of the room is a collection of dupli- cates awaiting their shipment to the State Library clearing house for exchange. So long as the Peru house keeper, who harbors the desire to have more space in her home for new magazines, hears the continual call of the librarian for old magazines, so long may we be assured that this col- lection, though constantly depleted, will, like the widow's oil, continue to fill the given space. There are three regularly employed persons now in the Library — two day librarians, whose duties are from 9 A. M. to 6 P. M., and even- ing librarian from 6 P. M. to 9 P. M. INDIANA LIBRARIES 119 Miss Martha G. Shirk, the first librarian, had at times during her five years of service, as her assistants Miss Eleanor Underwood, now Mrs. K. E. Kenny, Miss Myrtle Elder and Miss Gertrude Thiebaud. Miss Shirk having given up the work, the force now stands with Miss Thiebaud as librarian and Miss Elder and Miss Miriam Richer assistants. The present trustees are Dr. H. P. McDowell, Mr. W. H. Zimmer- man and Mr. J. A. Faust. Mrs. E. L. Miller. PLAINFIELD Plainfield Public Library. The Plainfield Public Library is a partial realization of the dreams and desires of some of the women of Plainfield. Feeling the need of such an institution in the town, and believing an honest effort to establish such a means of directing and cultivating the literary tastes of the young, and satisfying the demands of the old would be rewarded by success, the Woman's Reading Club of Plainfield asked the local W. C. T. U. and the Friday Club to enter into an association for the above purpose. A corporation was formed and a board of trustees appointed. With the above organizations as charter members the association membership was increased by adding the name of any person in the township who gave a dollar or more in money or books. Donations in both were solicited with the result that in a short time the library opened with about 400 volumes and money to buy more. The opening took place in June, 1901, and work began in a front room of a private residence, on Main street, with Mrs. Ed. Lawrence as librarian. She served until the fall of 1903, when her failing health com- pelled her to resign, and Miss Melissa Carter was elected to that position. Miss Mayme Snipes is her assistant, and serves in the absence of the regular librarian. The Library is classified according to the Dewey classification and the librarian gives thirty-six hours per week to the general routine of modem library work, and on Sunday afternoon some member of the association has charge of the reading room, but no books are loaned. . The town, which is not incorporated, has a population of about 1,200. 120 INDIANA LIBRARIES Residents of the town and township have access to the shelves and 473 regular borrowers keep about 3,250 volumes in circulation, per annum, with an average of eleven per day. The needs of the academy, high school, public school and clubs of the town are supplied, and juvenile books are a prominent feature, although no other special work in this line and no bulletin work are done. The one per cent tax levy of the township, for the public school libraries, is expended for that purpose and kept in this library. This, together with the funds received from entertainments, rummage sales, public and private donations constitutes the source of funds. An average of $425 has been expended yearly for all library purposes, including the buying of an average of 250 volumes per annum, to which has been donated an average of 100 volumes per annum. On the reading tables are fourteen magazines and five weekly news- papers which are much used. The present board of trustees, who are Dr. J. S. Reagan, Dr. Amos Carter, Mr. J. F. Cox, Mr. B. W. Anderson, Mrs. T. Hunt, Mrs. Taylor Reagan and Mrs. W. H. Hiss, feel that a new building is of real necessity for the accommodation of the growing library, and plans are being perfected for such a building, which, it is hoped, may be built and occupied in the spring of 1904. This building is to be erected by private donations and the library is expected to be maintained in the future by a special library tax of the township. Mrs. a. E. Hunt, INDIANA LIBRARIES 121 PORTLAND. Carnegie Free Library. The Public Library of Portland, Indiana, was established in January, 1900. A meeting was held at the court house, at which nine directors were appointed and resolutions were introduced for the incorporation of Portland Library Association. Miss Elma Bolton was engaged as librarian, which position she held until the donation was received from Carnegie, when Miss Nellie Stanley was engaged to take charge until a trained librarian should come in March, 1902, to reorganize the Library previous to moving into the new building. In March, 1901, Mr. Carnegie's offer of $15,000 for the erection of a new building was accepted, the building being completed and dedicated September 10, 1902. The new Library building contains a general read- ing room, children's room, reference room, librarian's room and stack room, with a basement which contains work room, boiler room and two other rooms which, when finished, will be used for general assemblies. The building is heated by hot water and lighted by electricity. The Library is open to the public every day in the week, but no books are loaned on Sundays. On all week days, except Saturdays, the Library is open from 1 :30 p. M. to 9 P. M. ; on Saturdays from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M. ; on Sundays the reading rooms are open from 1 P. M. to 5 P. M. The Library contains about 1,800 volumes classified according to the Dewey classification, and is supplied with a card catalogue. The public has access to the shelves. Portland has a population of about 5,000. The maintenance fund of the Library is $1,500 annually, and about 500 volumes are added each year. The Library receives thirty periodicals and five newspapers. Books are loaned to borrowers outside of town, but all guarantors' cer- tificates must be signed by citizens of Portland. At present 789 borrow- ers are registered, the total circulation for the year 1903 being 10,696, an average daily circulation of thirty. The children have been successfully reached through the schools and bulletin work, and the bulletins have been equally useful in attracting older people and increasing the circulation of books along certain lines of literature. The following persons constitute the present board of trustees: Dr. M. T. Jay, president; 0. S. Whiteman, W. H. Reed, R. H. Hartford, 122 INDIANA LIBRARIES POSEYVILLE. Public Library of Poseyville. The Public Library of Poseyville, was established in 1898, the books Which numbered at that time about 400 volumes, being purchased from the funds contributed voluntarily by citizens of the town and community. It was maintained for several years from the sale of memberships and the proceeds of local entertainments. Until April, 1903, it occupied two rooms in the opera house building. When the legislature of 1901 passed the present law relating to public libraries, those interested in the wel- fare of the Library were quick to see the advantages accruing under such legislation to libraries of its class and soon took steps to organize under the law. The board of trustees of the town made a levy of four cents on the hundred dollars for library purposes which at the present time provides about $150 per annum, which amount is sometimes supplemented by the profits resulting from a lecture course. The Library board as first organ- ized, and at present, consists of John B. Davis, Mrs. V. P. Bozeman, Mrs. Joseph R. Haines, Mr. William D. Brown, James S. Jaques, Geo. J. Waters and Miss Mary Dean. Last year the town authorities erected a new town building, the upper story being planned particularly for the use of the Public Library. Into this new home the Library was moved last April, and Miss Merica Hoagland, library organizer, spent some days in systematizing and cata- loguing the books and installing the first librarian. Miss Ottie Sands. At present eight of the standard periodicals are received regularly. The town has a population of about 800, and the Library is free to the inhabitants, but its privileges are extended to residents of the township Upon the payment of an annual membership fee of $1.00. The Library is open Wednesday from 7 P. M. to 9 P. M. and Saturday from 2 p. M. to 4 p. M. and from 7 P. M. to 9 P. M. The present librarian is Mr. Roy Stevens, and his last report, which dates from May, 1903, shows the Library to con- tain 785 volumes and that during the eight months— from May to Janu- ary, 1904, there were loaned 816 books to 134 borrowers. INDIANA LIBRARIES 12a RENSSEL^R. RENSSELiER PUBLIC LIBRARY. The village of Rensselaer was platted, facing the falls of the Iro- quois, in 1838, and is the county seat of Jasper county. It was incorpo- rated as a town in 1858, and as a city in 1896. It now has a population of 2,800. The Library interests, since the Maclure distribution, have been growing with the village, town and city. The trustees did not well care for the books until 1855. Alfred Thompson, a banker who was chosen as township trustee, at his ovni expense furnished a case and secured quite a circulation for the books. Afterwards, Cyrus W. Henkle became county recorder and took the books into the recorder's office, where they remained until 1868. In that year Simon P. Thompson, as school exam- iner, took up a voluntary subscription of $300 which added new books, and the Iroquois Library was organized. It remained in his law office for nearly twenty years. The public school began a series of entertain- ments in 1886, which in three years purchased the Iroquois Library which became a nucleus for our school Library. A room was set apart and by entertainments and a tax of one-tenth of of mill on the dollar new books were added and cared for. There are now in the Library about 2,000 volumes which circulate freely through the medium of the school child- ren. The school officers and especially our present superintendent, W. H. Sanders, have taken pains to make the Library useful to the city. In 1899 there was organized a new union Library, for which a home was furnished in the new court house. Stock was issued in shares of five dollars each, and $800 was subscribed. The organization assumed a county feature and the auditor, clerk and recorder were made ex-officio directors. This brought to the shelves the county's books, secured a home and an annual allowance not exceeding $75. The tov/nship feature made the trustee a member of the book com- mittee, brought to the organization the township books, and, since 1901, a tax of one-fifth of a mill on the dollar each year. The city feature brought a city tax, since 1900, at the same rate as that in the township. The organization was called the Jasper Public Library. There are six directors, two of whom are women, two mem- bers being elected each year. 124 INDIANA LIBRARIES The present elected officers are Ora T. Ross, Harrie T. McCoy, Jud- son J. Hunt, Jesse E. Wilson, Lucius Strong and Simon P. Thompson. The first librarian was Bertha Parcels, followed by the present Stella Parkison. The librarian is the only officer who receives compensation. The book committee consists of the township trustee, Charles M. Blue; two appointed by the circuit judge, Maud Spitler and Judson J. Hunt, and directors Ora T. Ross and Lucius Strong. The librarian's salary is paid from the entertainment fund, all the income from taxation being expended for books. The Library and reading room are open on Saturday from 2 p. m. to 6 P. M. and on each other week day from 4 p. m. to 6 p. m. The circula- tion is about 3,000 per year, and in five years but one book has been lost. The number of volumes in the Library is 3,200, about 400 being added annually, and about thirty periodicals are received. The public has free access to the shelves. There is no special organized work for children. On April 13. 1903, Andrew Carnegie offered $10,000 to erect a build- ing. An organization was effected under the act of 1903. The school trustees selected as members of the board W. H. Sanders, and George K. Holligsworth; the circuit judge appointed John F. McColly, Mary Eger and Blanch L. Chapman, while the city council designated an mem- bers Ora. T. Ross and Simon P. Thompson. The board organized and fixed a rate of taxation at one mill on the dollar. Mr. Carnegie's gift has been accepted. The building has been planned and contract let for construction. C. P. Weatherhogg, of Fort Wayne, is the architect. The Jasper Public Library was assisted by the G. A. R., D. A. R., the L. L. C. and the citizens generally. All Library interests will be united in the new building. A children's room will be provided in the new building, and an audience room suitable also for lessons in physical cul|;ure. Stella Parkison, Librarian. INDIANA LIBRARIES 125 Hale Bradt, 0. A. Adair, Dr. C. W. Mackey, W. H. Hood, G. W. Berg- man. The librarian is Lena M. Randall, who has served since March, 1902. RICHMOND Earlham College Library, The Earlham College Library, Richmond, Indiana, occupies rooms on the second floor of Lindley Hall, which is a substantial three story brick and stone structure of modem design, with a frontage of 174 feet and a depth of 159 feet. The reading room is a large, well lighted room 60x32.5 feet, with alcove annexed 18.3x14.2 feet, and a stack room 27.5x24 feet. A large room 64.8x20 feet, on the third floor of Lindley Hall is well adapted for storage purposes. The Library contains, altogether, over 10,000 volumes, not including a large collection of pamphlets and unbound periodicals, and is classified according to the Dewey decimal classification, and the card catalogue includes all books belonging to the college library, the libraries of the Ionian and Phoenix Societies, and the Department libraries, of which there are seven— the German and French reference Library, aggregating over 600 volumes, the History Club Reference Library of 375 volumes, the AngHcan Library, the Geological, Zoological and Botanical Library of 350 volumes, the Biological Reference Library, the Chemical Refer- ence Library, and a well equipped reference library of the Biblical Department, including a large collection of Friends* writings. In addition to these facihties at the college, the college participates in the free use of all the enlarged educational resources and advantages of the Morrisson-Reeves Library, of Richmond, which contains over 30,000 volumes, and which, by liberal endownment, is assured a substan- tial growth. In recent years the college has been adding about 500 volumes per year to the library and fifty periodicals are taken regularly. In addition to these a number of papers and magazines are regularly furnished to the reading room. The Library is open six days of the week during the college year, and is in charge of a librarian who is a member of the college faculty, and two assistant librarians, one of whom is also cata- loguer. Students have direct access to all books and periodicals. Instruction in the use of the Library, explaining the nature and use of 126 INDIANA LIBRARIES the card catalogue, the classification and shelf arrangement, the use of reference books, indexes, bibliographies etc., is given by the librarian at the opening of each term. At present the Alumni Association of the college is raising an Endowment fund, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to the purchase of books for the Library. While the Earlham College Library had its beginning with the establishment of the school in 1847, yet its early growth was slow and it was not until 1872 that the regular librarian was appointed to assume the responsibihty of its direction. Since that time the following persons have served in that capacity: Calvin W. Pearson, Ph. D., 1872-'74, 1875-*76; Anna Miles, 1874-'75; Lindley H. Johnson, B. S., 1876-'77; LydiaN. Bowerman, A. B., 1877-'78; BmmaR. Clark, 1878-'79, 1880-'81; Clara M. Levering, 1880; William Earl Morgan, A. B., 1881-'82; John R. Sherrick, Ph. D., 1882-'83, 1884-'85, 1887-'88; Ira I. Cammack, 1883-'84; Lindley D. Clark, 1885-'86; Elwood D. Allen, 1886-'87; Mary E. Harris, 1888-'97; Charles B. Newby, B. S., 1897-'98; Harlow Lindley, A. M., 1898 . The increasing use made of the Library together with its very satis- factory growth makes it only a question of time when a library building, equipped especially for library purposes, will be essential to the best interests of the college. INDIANA LIBRARIES 127 RICHMOND. Morrisson-Reeves Library. The Morrisson-Reeves Library of Richmond, Wayne County, Indiana, is one of the oldest libraries in the state and is of the number erected and supported by the community benefited. Robert Morrisson purchased the lot, erected the original library building, bought its first books and devised the whole to * 'Wayne Town- ship, Wayne County, Indiana." The Morrisson Library was opened in 1864. In 1879, by an act of the legislature, the township trustee was authorized to levy a tax for the purchase of books. In 1883 a special tax was levied to enlarge the original building. In 1892 Mrs. Mark E. Reeves made a gift of $30,000. The building was enlarged and beautified and a reading-room established. Mr. James L. Morrisson at the same time erected a bay to the reading-room at the cost of several thousand dollars, which his grandchildren Mrs. Atwater and James W. Morrisson have embellished with a Tiffany window of beautiful design. Since 1894 the Library has been known as the Morrisson-Reeves Library. The number of books has grown from the original 6, 000 to 30,000 now upon the shelves. The well patronized reading-room is furnished with 105 periodicals, and is open during the week from 9 A. M. until 9 P. M. Sundays from 2 until 5 P. M. The children have a beautiful well lighted room especially devoted to them. In addition to the regular librarian there are three assistants employed the entire day, while three others come for a portion of the time. The circulating department is open during the week only, from 9 A. M. to 5 P. M. except Saturday when it remains open until 8 P. M. May 1. 1903, there were about 7,500 borrowers, near one third of the inhabitants of the town. To these were issued during 1903, 57,375 books an average of over 183 books a day. Something over $7, 000 was expended in 1903 upon the Library, coming largely from a tax of five cents on the $100 levied for that purpose. The present members of the Library board are Wilbum K. Bradbury, Mrs. David W. Dennis, Jesse S. Reeves, with Aaron Conley, township trustee, of the Morrisson Committee and Mrs. Mark E. Reeves, Mrs. Wm. Dudley Foulke and Mrs. Harry A. Weist, of the Reeves Committee. Sarah A. Wrigley held the position of librarian from 1864 until February, 1903, when Ada L. Bernhardt was appointed to succeed her. 128 INDIANA LIBRARIES RISING SUN. Mahlon Brown Library. The Mahlon Brown Library, of the public schools of Rising Sun, Indiana, is the result of a charitable devise in the will of Mahlon Brown, deceased, who was a citizen of the town and died more than fifty years ago. The application of the fund to this purpose was dependent upon a contingency which happened only a few years ago, and, after some legal proceedings, the circuit court of Ohio county held that the fund, amount- ing to $1,776, might be used by the common council of the city for the establishment of a Library for the public schools. Joshua M. Spencer, then mayor of the city, was authorized by the council to estabHsh the Library with the fund thus provided. He completed the work last Sep- tember, having then expended the entire sum left by the will, and turned the library over to the board of school trustees of the city. Miss Eliza- beth Marble is librarian. To a limited extent others than pupils of the schools may have use of the Library by paying therefor, and it is hoped that it will be enlarged and become a free public Library. There is now no fund and no income. The circulation is about one hundred books weekly. The Library occupies a room in the public school building; it is open for reference purposes during school hours, and books are issued on two days in each week. Only reference books are on open shelves. The Dewey classification is used, and the Cutter-Sanbom author numbers, also a card catalogue. The Library contains 1,338 volumes. The population of Rising Sun by the last census was 1,548. The col- lection of books has been favorably spoken of by a number of visitors familiar with library matters, and the president of one of the Indiana colleges who recently examined it pronounced it the best school Library he had ever seen in a town of this size. INDIANA LIBRARIES 129 ST. MEINRAD. St. Anselm's Abbey Library. A Monastic Library. Monastacism, one of the humble fruits and leading exponents of the Christian religion, has ever been active in disseminating the naturally diffusive civilizing influence of Christianity. Religious orders, there- fore, have always been intimately associated with education and accord- ingly, the shelving of volumes or the formation of libraries, has always been a task of special monastic pleasure. From the time prior to 1440, when the laborious process of the mind and hand with pen were at once the compositor, printer and press, up to our age of inventive genius, when the convenience of modern mechanism has bequeathed to us a more prolific outfit for the diffusion of literature, the monasteries have not relaxed their traditionally inherited love for erecting and equipping interesting libraries; so that it may truly be said, the founding of a monastery implies the foundation of a Library. A few Benedictine fathers, representatives of the oldest existing religious society (the Benedictine Order being organized in 483) in 1854 immigrated to southern Indiana and there, in Spencer county, founded a Monastery and quite ordinarily in conjunction with it also a Library. During this interval of fifty years they have equipped two Hbraries. The first Library, listed at about 12,000 volumes— a very valuable adjunct to both the institution and State— was virtually destroyed by fire in the year 1887. Though the value of this regretable loss has not been recovered, yet, in face of the handicap, on account of restoring a totally uninsured loss by fire, and despite the consequent tension on the resource fund of the Abbey, it has since 1887, been replaced by a second one, which has simultaneously been redupHcating itself with the new build- ings, and is gradually assuming interesting proportions so that now St. Anselm's Library (as yet in its temporary accommodations) may be quoted at about 18,000 volumes, with an average annual increase of about 200 volumes. For reasons stated above, the Abbey is necessitated to limit the drain of its funds; the annual expenditures for the Library being now about $400. The name St. Anselm's Library is suggestive of the prevading intellectual tendency of this institution— namely, scholasticism: this lit- erary treasury teems with scholastic thought; all that is remotely or 130 INDIANA LIBRARIES proximately subservient to scholasticism, such as, bibliology, patrology, ecclesiastical history, etc., stand out in bold relief. Besides history (general and particular) and Grecian, Roman, German, English and American classical literature in prose and poetry, also the oratorical talents of all ages and nationalities command significant attention. Whilst fiction, in its comprehensive range as a special modification of literature, is of secondary importance, yet, as a literary genius, it is worthily represented by a select assortment of the first talents from among English, American and German novelists. In every department and section the intellectual and classical are clearly in evidence. The aforesaid easily suggests the linguistic character of this institution. As furnishing the more matured and stable-genius or idiom, to formulate the conservative and profound scholastic ideas, naturally, Latin and German predominate. Latin, having ever been the normal medium of scholastic thought, is first in prominence: the German language, which also quite fluently accommodates itself to philosophic thinking is next. According to their ratio of prominence we may, therefore, tabulate the following position of the language as representing the literature of this Library, respectively; Latin, German, English, Itahan, Greek, French, Hebrew. By the way of varieties, in the line of ancient literary produc- tions, the Library thus far, has in its possession merely a few codices which date from 1593. A vast number of the volumes date mostly from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The system of classification, based on the exemplar of the great Library of Muenich, is analytic, and so logically does this method systematize the literature that the whole Library virtually forms one giant Encyclopedia, in which, accordingly every volume has its stable and naturally allotted position. This minutely organized and detailed classi- fication divides the library into the two possible departments of the super- natural and natural profane, both of which dissolves into generic sections, of which the first department comprises thirteen, the second ten such kin- dred sections; these sections are again shelved into specific divisions and sud-divisions, and, if necessary, into further branches of analyses; so that, as a well-organized book, with its departments, sections, divisions and sub-divisions finally coalesces into the logically well-knit theme- connection of its chapter, paragraph, and sentence, thus, I might ven- ture to say, the analysis of a Library under the perfect manipulation of this system finally terminates into the special individual divisions of the INDIANA LIBRARIES 131 volumes themselves. Two important advantages are realized; on the one hand, it affords the librarian a minutely detailed and practical, systematical guide and insight into his entire field of literature: on the other hand, any one stepping into such a classified library, can enter into the volumes of a huge work of literature and there obtain a panoramic view or synopsis of the workings of universal thought. With the Library there is also associated a book-bindery, which attends to the restoration of damaged donated volumes, besides attend- ing to other miscellaneous repairs; also binding the volumes of some standard magazines. The beneficial accommodations of this Library allow a general and special circulation of its volumes. Monastaries are, as a rule, centres of education. St. Meinrad's Abbey also has an adjoining college and semi- nary. The primary utility of this Library is, therefore, to supply the professors with an abundance of literature in their respective capacities as teachers. The students are not restricted by any special limitations, the Library accommodates itself to the individual wants of the students; only a set day of the week is encouraged for convenience sake. Whilst any honest seeker of truth or culture, who presents a genuine confidential guarantee of good faith, may have access to the shelves and use of their volumes, yet, on account of temporary inconviences, in con- sequence of limited library accommodations, it is under certain restric- tions and with discrimination that the public is permitted an entrance. Rev. Francis DeSales Schoeppner, 0. S. B., Librarian. 132 INDIANA LIBRARIES SALEM. Salem Public Library. Because of strong religious sentiment and of powerful educational institutions, Salem, in pioneer times, earned the title ''The Athens of the West." Students flocked here from almost every state and territory in the middle west and the south to attend the schools conducted by John I. Morrison and James G. May. The people in their efforts to popularize education induced the township trustee to estabhsh a public Library. Several hundred books all bound in leather were purchased and kept in the trustee's office. They were the best books of the age and constituted a splendid working library for the students. But with the disappearance of these strong private schools, the library passed into disuse. Less than two years ago when the question of establishing public libraries was being agitated throughout this nation, the question was revived in the Fortnightly Club as to what had become of this historic trustees' library. After concluding that it would be a worthy enter- prise to re-collect those old books of their fathers, the club further resolved to feel the public pulse in regard to establishing a free pubHc library. In less than two days citizens had subscribed almost $1,000 to maintain it. The petitioners then filed their subscription list with the county clerk and in the succeeding term of court, Judge Bus- kirk ordered the Salem Public Library established according to the acts of the legislature of the year 1901. The Hon. John Hay, present secre- tary of state, learning that a petition was being circulated to establish a library and remembering his birthplace, forwarded a check for $25. The town council voted a tax of six-tenths of a mill on each dollar for the support of the Library. The township trustee asked the town- ship board to vote two-tenths of a mill on each dollar in order that the citizens of the township might secure the advantages of the Library. From these two sources an annual income of $1,300 is secured. More than 1,000 volumes and fifteen current magazines have been placed in the Library. From 300 to 500 volumes will be added annually. For a town of 2,000 inhabitants the circulation is very large. There are at the present time 385 regular borrowers. The Library is open but three week days and the average circulation per day is sixty, making an annual circulation of 10,000. The room now used for Library purposes is in the Town Hall. The room, lighting, and heating have all been donated to the library board. INDIANA LIBRARIES 133 The board secured the services of Miss Jessie Wilson and after send- ing her away to study library methods and conditions installed her in charge of the Library, March 28, 1902. She introduced the Dewey classification, gave the public access to the shelves, made a study of juvenile literature and co-operated with the school authorities in their selection of collateral reading for the high school students and secured special working libraries for the various clubs of the town from the Public Library Commission. The members of the present Library board are E. M. C. Hobbs, S. P. Morris, J. W. Spaulding, E. H. Bristol, Lotus D. Coffman, Mrs. W. J. Perkhiser, Mrs. Harvey Morris, and Miss Maude Wilson. SEYMOUR. Seymour Public Library. The Seymour Public Library located at Seymour, Indiana, was organized in 1895. Prof. H. H. Montgomery, now superintendent of the Seymour public schools was prominent in its organization. There are now about 2,500 volumes, about one hundred being added per year. The Library receives eleven current magazines. In a popu- lation of 6,500 there is a circulation of about 4,800 volumes per annum, making an average of sixteen per day. Persons outside of town may become borrowers. The Library occupies two rooms in the Masonic Temple, one of which is a reading room. The Library is open every afternoon and three evenings each week. The books are classified according to the Dewey classification and the public has access to the shelves. There is no special work done with children or with clubs. One person only is employed, and is given no vacation period. Miss Eldith Plumkin was the first librarian, followed by Miss Lucy Drake. Miss Pearl Clark is the present librarian. The Board of Trustees are: Prof. H. H. Montgomery, C. C. Frey, Harry Miller and William Humes. Preparations are now being made for a Carnegie building. 134 INDIANA LIBRARIES SHELBYVILLE. Carnegie Public Library. The Carnegie Public Library, of Shelbyville, was organized in Nov- ember, 1997, under the name of the Shelbyville Public Library. It was under the management of the school board of the city. This board has power, under sections 4524 and 4525 of the revised statutes, to establish and maintain a free public library in connection with the public schools when there is no other library open to all the people. It also has the power to levy a tax of not exceeding one mill on each dollar of taxable property assessed for taxation in the city each year. Seven-tenths of a mill is the present rate of our tax levy. The names of the persons prom- inent in the organization of the library are: E. K. Adams, John C. Deprez and W. E. Blakely, members of the school board, and J. H. Tom- lin, superintendent of schools. The idea of the pubHc Library originated in the minds of the mem- bers of the school board when they were building the high school build- ing in 1895, they at that time making provision for the same by setting apart two small rooms for Library purposes. After the high school building was completed, in 1896, subscriptions of money and books amounting to something over $1,000 were made by the citizens of Shelbyville, a small tax for maintenance was levied and the Library was formally opened to the public November 1, 1897. The Library opened with 1,000 volumes upon its shelves and the number has since been increased to over 6,000 volumes. Miss Ida Lewis was appointed first librarian and still continues in that capacity. Miss May Wood has recently been appointed assistant librarian. It became apparent in a very few years after the Library had been opened that its quarters in the high school building were inadequate to its growing needs. Accordingly an appeal for aid was made, late in 1901, to Mr. Andrew Carnegie, whose public benefactions are well known. On January 2, 1902, a letter from Mr. Carnegie's secretary announced a gift of $15,000, to be used in the construction of a library building. This gift was afterward increased to $20,000. The donation was promptly accepted by the city council, a site purchased on the comer of Broadway and Tomkins streets, and an annual maintenance fund guaranteed. Architects were at once employed to prepare plans and specifications and, early in 1902, a contract was let for the constuction of the building. INDIANA LIBRARIES 135 Work was begun on the building in May and in August following, the cornerstone was laid with appropriate and impressive ceremonies by the Masonic order of Shelbyville, Rev. Joshua Stanfield, grand chaplain, delivering the principle address of the day. The building was completed and occupied in June, 1903. The style of architecture is Ionic. The material is Bedford stone. The building is well constructed, the workmanship being of the best. The interior finish is quartered oak and frescoed walls and ceiling, and is in itself a work of art. The furniture and fixtures are of the very best. The Library adds about 1,000 books each year and receives thirty current magazines. The total expenditure for library purposes is about $3,200 yearly. The circulation for the year ending in June, 1903, was 16,132 volumes, an average of fifty-two books daily. The population of the town is about 8,000 and the number of borrowers is 2,314, the circulation being limited to the people of the city. The Library is open every day in the week from 8 A. M. to 9 P. M. except from 5 P. M. to 7 P. M., and is open Sunday from 2 P. m. to 5 P. M. The books are classified according to the Dewey decimal classifica- tion, no class number being used for fiction. The public has access to the shelves in a limited way only, the books in non-fiction for children being placed on the shelves in the children's room for them to use. Lists of books are published upon the flag days celebrated in the schools and duplicate sets of text-books are purchased which are loaned to the teachers and sub-loaned by them to the pupils for class work. The clubs of the city use the Library extensively for material for their work, some of them submitting to the librarian lists of books in which they have found subjects of interest to them; she suggesting any ad- ditional ones that she thinks may be helpful. The librarian and one assistant are employed regularly, forty-eight hours weekly, the janitor taking the work on Sunday. The librarian and assistant each have two weeks vacation in the year. The present board of trustees is composed of W. E. Blakely, Frank Bass and Charles Davis. An unusual condition exists in this Library in the fact that the juvenile circulation far exceeds the circulation in adult fiction. Before moving to the new building, the circulation averaged about a 1,000 a month, but for the past six months it has averaged 2,259 books a month. From the day the Library opened it has had an extensive use and its 136 INDIANA UBRARIES circulation and usefulness have increased from year to year. The effect of the Library, from an educational standpoint, cannot be estimated in any tangible way, but the recreation and diffusion of knowledge thus made possible are influences that must always stand for the best in the life of a community. SOUTH BEND. Public Library. The Public Library, of South Bend, Ind., was established in 1888, by a resolution of the board of education under an act of the state legis- lature passed in the year 1883. The first move in this direction, however, goes back to 1880, when this city, in conjunction with a number of her sister cities, sent a peti- tion to the legislature requesting authority to establish a free public library. This was granted in 1881 by the passage of an act authorizing cities of 10,000 inhabitants or over to establish such a library through their boards of education. The board of education who took this important step was composed of Dr. C. A. Daugherty, Mr. B. F. Dunn and Mr. Joseph E. Williams, and though established by resolution of the board, the Library had neither books, room nor money. As the tax levy could not be made available until the following year, Mr. James Oliver, the veteran plow manufacturer, fitted up a large room on the fourth floor of his opera house and loaned the money, in anticipation of the tax levy, necessary to purchase the first installment of books and periodicals. The Singer M'f'g. Co., through Mr. L. Pine, local manager, furnished the chairs and the Birdsell M'f'g. Co. gave a large globe and thus through the aid of friends the Library started with something over 1,000 books and a very full selection of periodicals. In 1895 the Library had practically outgrown its quarters and the board of education bought a lot on the corner of Main and Wayne streets and promptly proceeded to erect a building that should be an architec- tural monument to the city and a structure that would anticipate the needs of our citizens for years to come. The foundation of this building was laid in June, 1895, and the new Library was informally opened to the public May 8, 1896. The building is constructed of Portage red sandstone, with copper roof, and red oak for its woodwork. It has steel bookstacks with a capacity of 30,000 INDIANA LIBRARIES 137 volumes, and the stack room is so constructed as to admit of this cap- acity being increased to 60,000. In round numbers it may be said that the finished and furnished building, with the lot, cost $40,000. South Bend is very proud of the fact that her Public Library belongs absolutely to the people and is supported solely by them, the tax being two and one-fourth cents until September, 1903, when it was raised to three cents on the hundred dollar valuation. While the growth of the Library may have been slower than some, owing oftentimes to the lack of funds, it is firmly established, well pat- ronized and is growing every day. It now contains 11,500 volumes— a reference Library of which the city has reason to be proud. There are 124 current magazines and twenty-six newspapers, eight of which are dailies. For the year 1903 the circulation was 39,600 volumes, an aver- age of 3,300 a month and 825 a week. The Library is open from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M. six days in the week and books are loaned to city people only, although this year the borrowers* privilege will be extended to those of suburban towns with no extra tax for same. Among the features which will be introduced as soon as is possible, is opening shelves to the public and the establishment of a childrens' room which is greatly needed, a small alcove now being used, called the "children's comer." However, open shelves are in use in this department as well as in the reference room. The Library is classified under the Dewey classification and has a complete dictionary catalogue. As South Bend is essentially a club town considerable reference work is done with a view to the clubs in particular, so much so that the monthly record of books used from stacks in the Library for reference, outside of strictly reference books, averages 3,000 a month. No small amount of interest is shown in the posters we use illustrating the read- ing bulletins hung up from time to time. These posters are drawn and painted by eighth grade pupils and of course interest the children as well as the adult readers in the books so illustrated. Particular atten- tion is now being drawn to Japanese affairs and those books dealing with the Louisiana purchase, with which has been combined some local history showing La Salle's landing and portage which is very close to what is now South Bend. The Library staff is composed of two only, librarian and assistant, with a substitute who can be called upon in emergencies, —far too small a force for the amount of work which could be done if there were more 138 INDIANA LIBRARIES help, this however will be remedied in a short while, and there will then be a stated vacation period, which has not been heretofore. The board of education in control of Library administration is composed of three members: Francis M. Jackson, president; J. B. StoU, secretary, and G. A. Baker, treasurer; a board greatly interested in everything per- taining to Library work. Evelyn C. Humphreys was librarian from the opening of the Public Library until August, 1903, when the assistant, Virginia Tutt, was appointed librarian and Serena Schultze made assistant. The influence of the Library has been very marked. Its periodical tables are filled day and evening and especially upon the young are its silent influences at work, building up the intelligence and the character of the future good citizen. SPICELAND. Spiceland Academy Library. The Spiceland Academy Library of Spiceland, Indiana, was organized in 1868, as an association library, the first officers of the association being W. W. Wilson, president; Albert Newby, treasurer, and Clarkson Charles, secretary. There was much interest in the new Library and many prominent men were influential in making it a success. D. H. Stuart, James Cochran, Jacob Taylor, J. T. Unthank, J. P. Bogue, J. W. Griffin, Elwood Pleas and others were of service. The Library is now under the control of the board of trustees of Spiceland Academy. It numbers about 3,000 volumes and new books are being added every year as needed. The board of trustees appropriates whatever money is needed to buy books and to furnish the reading room with the best current magazines. Spiceland has a population of about 800 to 1,000, but the Library is freely used by the citizens for miles around, as well as by residents of the town. By the consent of the stockholders, the source of income being exhausted, the Library was transferred by the association to the board of trustees of Spiceland Academy. It now occupies one of the rooms of the Academy building. The librarian is appointed annually by the board of trustees. Nearly all the books are now classified according to the Dewey classi- fication; the Library contains juvenile books and reference books for INDIANA LIBRARIES 139 clubs, but the chief aim at present is to make the Library respond to the demands of the students of the Academy. The Library is open six days in the week through ten months of the year. William Dawson was the first librarian. Mr. E. B. Ratcliff for thirty years has taken a very active and influential part in managing the Library. He is at present the president of the Library association. Mr. Josiah Unthank is treasurer and Mrs. Mattie E. S. Charles is secretary. Thus the old association is still in influence and works together with the board of trustees of the Spiceland Academy. The present board of trustees, through the superintendent of the Academy, Homer H. Cooper, is placing the Library under the Dewey classification, adding new books and bringing the Library up to date as an excellent reference Library. Homer H. Cooper, Librarian. SULLIVAN. Carnegie Library. In the town of Sullivan, with a population of 5,000, a "Carnegie" Library building is in process of erection. The Library was organized under the library law enacted in 1901. A popular subscription was raised, after which the town council ordered the tax levy. A site was secured and then Mr. Carnegie was asked for a donation for the building, which was readily granted. The * 'Woman's Club" of Sullivan began the agitation of this move- ment which has resulted in securing the Library. By lecture courses and other means funds were obtained toward the project. Mrs. O. B. Harris, Dr. Anna T. Sheridan and Mrs. G. W. Higbee were the prime movers and promoters in securing the Library. The members of the Library board are Mrs. O. B. Harris, president; Mrs. G. W. Higbee, secretary; Mrs. Ella Chany, vice-president and treasurer, Dr. Anna T. Sheridan; John S. Bays; John T. Hays and T. B. Springer. The Library will be supported by an annual tax levy of six-tenths of a mill on the dollar, based on the amount of taxable property in the town. 140 INDIANA LIBRARIES TERRE HAUTE. Indiana State Normal School Library. The act of the General Assembly which created the State Normal School was approved December 20, 1865. This act defined the object of the school to be ' 'the preparation of teachers for teaching in the com- mon schools of Indiana," provided for the appointment of a board of trustees, the location of the buildings, the organization of a training school, the adoption of courses of study and created the Normal School fund for the maintenance of the institution. The city of Terre Haute by offering substantial inducements secured the institution, and it was opened for work January 6, 1870. The beginning of a Library equipment may be said to date with the opening of the institution. This equipment then consisted of an English dictionary, together with a few text-books contributed by some enter- prising publishers. The need for more books for reference purposes was soon felt and gradually provided. Seven years later President Jones makes the statement that "There are good reference libraries in the school" and that "To know how to use books is an important part of a teacher's education." In 1885 the general Library numbered 2,000 volumes and through the munificence of Mr. Chauncey Rose, a pubHc- spirited citizen of Terre Haute, this number was rapidly increased to 4,000 volumes. On the morning of the 9th of April, 1888, the building of the State Normal School and all its contents, including the Library, was destroyed by fire. Notwithstanding this blow the school resumed its work in temporary quarters on the morning after the fire and steps were soon taken towards the rebuilding of the institution by the city and state. The city immediately contributed $50,000 and the state afterwards appropriated $100,000, of which $15,000 was devoted to Library purposes. The building erected was in every way superior to the old and three of the largest and best rooms were fitted up for Library use. Through the persistent efforts of President Parsons and the friend- liness of the board of trustees progress was now rapid and steady, eclips- ing in the development of the Library all similar institutions. Hereto- fore the duties of librarian had been discharged by the president's secretary, who was also clerk and registrar, and for five years, 1885-1890, Miss Helen Gilbert, now Mrs. Robert Gillum, filled this difficult position. INDIANA LIBRARIES 141 In June, 1890, Mr. Arthur Cunningham, assistant librarian of De Pauw University, was appointed to the distinct position of Hbrarian of the State Normal School. The 5,000 new books were then thoroughly classed according to the Dewey classification and the work on a card catalogue of authors, titles and subjects, with references and cross-references, was begun. Official catalogues were also started. Before the special appropriation of the state legislature was exhausted a regular Library fund was created by the levying of a fee of $1.00 per term on each student of the school, which fee was afterwards increased to $2.00. This fee, which is the only general one charged in the school, now yields an income of $5,000 annually and is used for books, periodicals, binding and Library supplies. Salaries are paid, according to law of the state, out of the tuition fund. In the spring of 1892 the Library was made a department of instruc- tion and the position of Hbrarian a member of the faculty. It was justi- fied by the actual importance and influence of the Library as a factor in the work of the school. While the precedent had been established in the leading universities of the country. This was the first action of the kind in the state of Indiana and probably no other normal school in the United States had given heretofore such recognition to its Library. The Library soon outgrew the quarters provided for it; more room became a necessity, both for the storage of books and for the accom- modation of readers. After some years of effort on the part of the president and trustees a handsome and commodious building was erected for the Library, laboratories and gymnasia. The building was started in the summer of 1893, but for the lack of a suflScient appropriation it was not completed until two years later. It is one hundred feet square and cost approximately $85,000. The structure is of pressed brick, with stone and terra cotta trimmings, conforming in general style of architec- ture to the main building, which is late renaissance. Wide corridors connect the two buildings. The main floor of the new building is thoroughly adapted to Library use. Light, heat, ventilation, beauty and economy of administration were duly considered in the construction of these quarters. The read- ing-room, wainscotted and corniced in white oak and beautifully frescoed, will accommodate comfortably two or three hundred readers. The stack-room is fitted with the Green patent stack and has a capacity of 70,000 volumes. The floor covering of both the reading and stack rooms 142 INDIANA LIBRARIES is inlaid linoleum, which is easily cleaned, durable and comparatively noiseless. The cataloguing and administration rooms are of convenient size and well located. The Library on January 1, 1904, contained 34,452 volumes, widely distributed as to subjects, but especially strong in pedagogical literature. Of this number about 4,000 are classed as juveniles, to which the chil- dren of the practice school have access. The annual accessions since the destruction of the old Library fifteen years ago have averaged approxi- mately 2,300 volumes. Some 200 current periodicals in English and for- eign languages are kept on file, for which the Library expends annually $500. These figures show it to be the largest normal school library and next to the library of the Bureau of Education at Washington the largest pedagogical collection in America. The ruling principle in the administration of the Library is the freest and best use of the books consistant with the interest of all. To this end, students, as well as professors and instructors, have complete access to the shelves throughout the day. Books may be temporarily used in the stack-room, where there is a long consulting counter of con- venient height, or be taken into the reading-room without the formality of charging. Being primarily a reference rather than a circulating Library, all books for which there is any special demand for class work are not allowed to be taken from the building during the day, but almost any book may be drawn for the night at the close of the after- noon session of the school. General reading books may be drawn for a period of two weeks and renewed any number of times, so long as there is no conflict of interests. Each student is regularly allowed to draw as many as four books, though no two can be departmental reference books of a single subject. By special arrangement, however, a large number of books may be taken. Teachers are not limited in the number of books and are asked to account but twice a year for books drawn. No system of fines is employed, except for lost books, which must be replaced or cost forfeited; habitual delinquency and carelessness are made matters of disclipine, the penalty being the partial or, in extreme cases, the total suspension of library privileges. The Library is open on school days from 7:30 A. M. to 4:30 P. M., except the noon hour, and on Saturdays from 9 to 12 A. M. The Library is a busy workshop throughout the day. Great is the supply of books, the demand is even greater, and its resources are sev- INDIANA LIBRARIES 143 erely taxed in the third term of the school year when the number of students enrolled runs considerably over a thousand. In addition to students and teachers of the normal school about one hundred and fifty children of the practice school have access to the books. Citizens of the town are also allowed reference use of the Library, without payment of the Library fee, a privilege appreciated chiefly by the teachers, preach- ers and club members. Books are not taken from the city, except by students in daily attendance who live on the interurban lines. As already intimated, no record is kept of the use of books within the Library. The largest number of books drawn for home use in one year was 64,477, which gives an average of 300 volumes approximately for each of the 210 days of the school year. The use of books within the Library is several times this number. At the beginning of each term's work the librarian meets all the new students for instruction in the use of the Library. This instruction takes the form of talks, explaining briefly: (1) the nature and use of the card catalogue, the classification and shelf-arrangement of the books, the rules and regulations ; (2) the use of the title-pages, prefaces, indexes, tables of contents, etc. ; (3) the scope and special values of the general reference books. Besides instruction of this kind individual assistance is rendered. The Library also issues a small * 'Circular of Information, ' ' which has been found helpful in bringing about an intelligent, systematic and proper use of the books. Three persons are constantly employed in the Library, besides the janitors whose services are shared with the rest of the school. Mr. Arthur Cunningham, the librarian, was graduated with Latin honors from De Pauw University in the class of 1887 and three years later received the degree of A. M. He served as assistant librarian under Dr. Edwin Post from 1887 to 1890, when he was appointed to his present position. Misses Anna C. Keating and Helen G. Layman, the assistants, are graduates of the Terre Haute High School and pursued courses in the Normal School. To Mr. W. W. Parsons, a member of the first class graduated and president of the institution since 1885, the Library owes more than to any other individual. The present members of the board of trustees are as follows: W. H. Armstrong, president, Indianapolis; Joshua Jump, secretary, Terre Haute; J. H. Tomlin, Shelbyville; Fasset A. Cotton, Indianapolis; B. F. Louthain, Logansport. 144 INDIANA LIBRARIES TERRE HAUTE. The Library of the Rose Polytechnic Institute. The Library of the Rose Polytechnic Institute was founded in con* nection with the college of that name in the year of 1883, by a board of managers which were selected to carry out the organization of the institution. The board of managers consisted of Josepheus Collet, president; Chas. R. Peddle, M. E. vice-president; Samuel S. Early, A. M. secretary: Demas Deming, treasurer; Firmin Nippert, Barnabas C. Hobbs, William A. Jones, Ray G. Jenckes, Gen. Chas. Cruft and Col. William K. Edwards (who died before the object of organization had been fully attained). A body corporate was established, in conformity with an act of the general assembly of the state of Indiana, approved February 20, 1867, and the amendments thereto, said act being entitled: *'An Act Concerning the Organization and Perpetuity of Voluntary Associations, ' ' and repealling an act entitled, * * An Act Concerning the Organization of Voluntary Associations, and repealing former laws in reference thereto, ' ' approved February 12, 1855, and repealing each act repealed by said act, and authorizing gifts and devices by will to be made to any corporation or purpose contemplated by this act." The need of a Library was one of the first matters to which the board of managers gave their attention and an opportunity for the pur- chase of the Library of the late Dr. John Bacon, of Harvard College, was accepted by the board and a most admirable nucleus of scientific books was added to the resources of the institution. Large additions to the Library were made by the President Charles O. Thompson and many books were presented by warm friends of the college, so that when the school first opened in 1883, no less than 5,000 volumes were on the shelves, ready for use. Since that time the growth of the Library has been rapid and satis- factory and the number of volumes has been increased to 10,351 and over 2000 pamphlets, the rate of increase being at present 345 volumes per year. The number of periodicals received is now sixty-five— forty-six American and nineteen foreign. These magazines are nearly all scien- tific in character, there being only two or three exceptions. Our Library is situated on the first floor of the main building of the Rose Polytechnic Institute and library hours during term are from 9 A. M. to 11 A. M. and from 1 P. M. to 4.15 p. m. Students have free access to the shelves at all times. The Library is very seldom used by INDIANA LIBRARIES 145 townspeople as there are several other libraries in this city of approxi- mately 50,000 inhabitants. The yearly circulation of books is 400 and the number of borrowers 220. The annual expenditure for the Library varies from year to year, but $700 represents the average sum expended. The present trustees or board of managers are: Wm. C. Ball, presi- dent; Preston Hussey, vice president; Geo. M. Crane, secretary; Demas Deming, treasure, Ray G. Jenckes, Wm. S. Rea, John B. Aikman, H. I. Miller, Samuel S. Early, Wm. S. Roney and two alumni members, W. Arnold Layman, Fred F. Hildreth. A list of the librarians from the opening of the Library down to the present time is as follows: Clarence A. Waldo, Wm. H. Kirchner, R. R. C. Simon, Arnold Tschudy, Albert A. Faurot, Edmund J. Hirschler, Frederick P. Wadleigh, and the assistant librarians have been Miss Annie W. Allen and Miss Hanna F. Smith. TERRE HAUTE. Terre Haute Public Library. For many years after the failure of the movement of 1853, the rec- ords are silent in regard to the establishment of a public Library in the city of Terre Haute. By and by, a spasmodic effort was begun by a number of citizens to secure a small circulation Library by means of annual membership fees supplemented by the donations of books. This enterprise lived a little less than two years. About this time the superintendent of public schools called attention, in his report of 1868, to the necessity of such an institution for the advantage and convenience of the pupils. This suggestion was repeated and emphasized in his report for the next year. Again, in 1873, the superintendent called attention to the question in the following language: "The time has almost come when the pubHc schools must have a Library at their command. So many attempts, and I might add, as many failures thus far, have been made in this direction by different parties, that it seems almost useless to mention the subject again. But the necessities of such an auxiliary increase with each year, and it does appear that some means should be devised to secure its establishment. The schools have no Library. Terre Haute has nothing worthy of the name. Let us work to build up and maintain a first-class Library for the children of the public schools. * ' 146 INDIANA LIBRARIES A little later, petitions to the common council to levy a small tax for the support of a Library were denied, even after a majority of the voters of the corporation had decided in favor of the undertaking. Some time during the year 1880, a private Library was started, which showed a good degree of enthusiasm and vigor for a season; but, in course of time, the leaders were quite willing to close out their books and fur- niture to some association willing to assume the payment of their indebt- edness. Almost simultaneously with this condition of aifairs in the **Terre Haute Library Association," the state library law was passed. Acting under the authority of the law, our trustees, on the 10th of June, 1881, levied a tax of two cents on the one hundred dollars of tax- able property. This levy was purposely made considerably below the legal limit, so that no tax payer could justly complain of extravagance, or feel the burden. Nothing further of importance was done until the 20th of May, 1882, when the trustees purchased the furniture, fixtures, and books to the amount of 1,140 volumes of the Terre Haute Library Association, by assuming about $70 of indebtedness of the Association, and the payment of a nominal price of one dollar. The Library remained in the same building on Wabash Avenue until 1896. That year the Universalist church was purchased by the board which made pleasant and commodious quarters for a few years, but these quarters are now out-grown. In the year 1903 Mr. Crawford Fair- banks gave $50,000 for a Library building in memory of his mother, which will probably be completed within a year. The Library will be called the "Emaline Fairbanks Memorial Library." The Library contains 20,000 volumes and adds about 1,000 each year. The current periodical list is fifty monthly magazines, forty-five weeky and daily papers. Yearly expenditure is $4,300 derived from a library tax levy of three mills on the dollar. The circulation in 1903 was 60,000 with about 6,000 borrowers. By the last census the population is 40,000. There are four persons employed in the Library: librarian, two assistants and janitor. The Library is open from 9 A. M. until 9 P. M. The Dewey dec- imal classification is used. Open shelves, except fiction. For want of a children's room or sufficient space in general reading room we have been able to do but very little special work with children. Art clubs and other study clubs make constant use of the Library. Teachers and stu- INDIANA LIBRARIES 147 dents of the school visit the Library for aid in their work and the mem- bers of the staff are always ready to assist where help is wanted. Mrs. Lucy C. Wonner was the first librarian and held the position until her resignation in 1894, when Miss Leatha M. Paddock was appointed and still retains the position. Leatha M. Paddock, Librarian. TIPTON. Tipton Public Library. Tipton has many things of which she is justly proud. Conspicuous among these is her Public Library. It is the product of a third of a century of growth of public sentiment. During all these years, at inter- vals, this sentiment would take form and a nucleus for a public library would be established. Each effort proved short lived, for the reason that the support of the library could not be made a public tax, and indi- vidual donations could not support it. These conditions were changed by the enactment of the library law of 1901. The Library sentiment had been stimulated by the various literary clubs of the city. On March 11, 1901, at the home of the late Miss Ora Grishaw, at the close of the program of the Literary and Suffrage Club the purpose of again trying to establish a public library was given birth. The suggestion at this time came from Mrs. Sam Matthews. Her sug- gestion, as is too often the case of progressive movements, met with discouragement, and the history of the former failures was paraded before her. Notwithstanding the opposition, however, at the suggestion of the president, a committee was appointed in the interest of a pubhc library. This committee represented the various clubs of the city, and consisted of the following members: Hon. Dan Waugh, Mrs. Zulu Moore, Mr. Nallie Compton, Mrs. Annie Gifford, Mrs. Sam Matthews, Lucy Elliott and M. W. Pershing. Mrs. Matthews acted promptly, and with the assistance of Joe Booth and Mrs. Zulu Moore at once solicited sub- scriptions for the required fund necessary for an organization under the Law of 1901. The Hon. Dan Waugh performed the legal services of incorporating the association. The members of the first library board under this organization were the original committee appointed to repre- sent the various clubs of the city. The officers were: Dan Waugh, presi- dent; Mrs. Annie Gifford, vice-president; Mrs. Sam Matthews, secretary. 148 INDIANA LIBRARIES The city council at once granted the tax of five cents on the one hundred dollars for the support of the Library. Thus was perfected an organization, but without a book and without a room. The county com- missioners kindly granted the board the free use of a room in the third story of the court house. A few inexpensive shelves were procured, but there were still no books. The board decided that notwithstanding the public had been liberal in their donations, they would again test its gen- erosity and open the Library with a book shower. This appeal was not only made to the resident citizens, but also to those who had been resi- dents of our city and in whose hearts it was known that Tipton held a warm place. The response was more than could have been hoped for. The shelves were no longer empty, but were filled with choice books, the free will offering of a good people. In the meantime the secretary of the board, Mrs. Matthews, had written Mr. Carnegie soliciting aid in the construction of a library build- ing. On March 14, 1902, the board was made happy by receiving a letter from Mr. Carnegie containing the good news that he would be pleased to furnish $10,000 for the construction of a building, The details were soon arranged, and the proposition of Mr. Carnegie accepted. The building committee was now appointed and it consisted of M. W. Per- shing, and Mrs. Sam Matthews, representing the library board: Mayor Young, B. F. Vice and A. H. Pence, representing the city council. A plat of ground consisting of three lots located on the south east comer of the public square, held by the city as a park, was selected as a site for the new building. The building was begun in the summer of 1902. On the 15th day of October, the same year, the corner-stone was laid by the Masonic lodge. This was truly a gala day in Tipton. Perhaps there never was a local event in the history of Tipton in which the people were so intensely interested. Senator G. H. Gifford delivered the principle address. As a part of the ceremony and for her untiring zeal and efforts to establish a library Mrs. Sam Matthews was asked to lay the first brick in the new building. The Library proper has grown from 700 volumes to 1,700 volumes, classified according to the Dewey decimal classification. It is proper the fact should here be noted that Mrs. Nannie R. Shirk, in memory of her late husband, Elbert H. Shirk, and in testimony of his love of books and his devotion to learning, has endowed the Library with a permanent fund of $5,000. These results have not been reached without anxiety and INDIANA LIBRARIES 149 labor on the part of the board, and no small part of these burdens rested upon the secretary, Mrs. Matthews; but by her energy and tact obstacles were overcome. Step by step we can trace the growth of the Tipton Public Library, from the hopes and efforts of years gone by until the culmination of the present movement. The Library is no longer a con- ception, but is a reality. The new building, modem in all its arrange- ments was dedicated November 24, 1903. UNION CITY. Union City Public Library, What is now known as the Union City Public Library had its incep- tion with a society of young ladies known to the public as G. G. G. , commonly designated as Three G's. This is a society of young unmarried ladies and was organized April 23, 1887, its object being to cultivate the social amenities and the performance of works of benevolence. This society maintained lecture courses, gave entertainments and resorted to many devices to raise funds, and, having the respect and sympathy of the community, it was liberally patronized. For ten years its surplus was distributed among the poor of the city in the way of clothing, fuel, provisions, and nursing for the sick. With the advent of better times, drafts on its benificence became less numerous and it resolved to estab- lish a foundation fund for a public library. Its efforts in this direction were ably seconded by the Ticknor Club, the Wednesday Club, the Twentieth Century Club, the Cecillian Club and other literary and social organizations of the city. The movement still lacked organization and capable leadership. An efficient director was found in Mr. Linneaus N. Hines, who became the superintendent of the public schools of the city in 1901-2, and at once became interested in the scheme to procure a public library. Early in the work which he undertook with vigor, he announced a "Book Social" to be held in the Methodist church lecture room. The result of the social was the dona- tion of nearly 350 books ranging from juvenile books to encyclopedias and with almost no dupHcates. With this as a foundation, Mr. Hines organized a public library in connection with the public schools, he him- self being the board of managers. Miss Weimer, a member of the high school, was appointed librarian and gave an hour or two daily to the care and distribution of the books. Her compensation was merely nominal 150 INDIANA LIBRARIES and Mr. Hines was paymaster. The school trustees provided a room in the high school building for the use of this Library. The next step was to affect an organization of the library interests under the provisions of the statute of 1901. Mr. Hines prepared sub- scription lists and secured the necessary subscriptions as the foundation for an organization as provided by the said statute. As a result thereof, the following library board was appointed: By the judge of the circuit court, Mrs. Caroline Northlain for three years, C. M. Thompson for two years, and S. R. Bell, for one year; by the board of school trustees, Miss Susan Hardy and George P. Kennedy, each for two years; by the com- mon council of the city, Miss Nellie Smith and Dr. Wm. Commons each for one year. This board met and formally organized April 10, 1902, by the election of Hon. S. R. Bell, president; Mrs. Caroline Northlain, vice- president, and Cyrus M. Thompson, secretary, the city treasurer being by law the treasurer of the board. Those members whose term of office expired in one year were reappointed and the present board is as above designated. Mr. Hines not being eligible to a position on the board has continued to act with the board in an advisory capacity. The board procured two rooms on the second floor of the Wallace building situated in the business center of the city and on the close of the school year of 1901-'02, moved the books heretofore accumulated in the high school building to the new quarters and in June, 1902, installed Miss Lizzie Rubey as the first librarian. Miss Rubey had had several years experience as teacher in the public schools of the city and was a great favorite with the pupils. That the Library might have her valu- able experience at its very inception, the board of school trustees granted her a year's leave of absence in order that she might devote the time to this important branch of general education. At the expiration of her term of service with the Public Library, she returned to the schools and Miss Susan Weimer, who looked after the books while in the school building, was chosen librarian and entered upon her duties in June, 1903. Her salary for the first year was fixed at $300. In order to better qualify herself for the work. Miss Weimer attended the library institute held at Winona lake during the summer of 1903, Miss Rubey kindly attending to the duties of librarian during her absence. The Library rooms were fitted for the use of the Library and fur- nished by the money raised by the Three G's as heretofore stated. Since INDIANA LIBRARIES 151 the books were removed to the down town room 350 volumes have been added to the Library, these books having been paid for by the money raised or contributed by the Three G's and other literary and social clubs of the city. Other books and magazines have been donated by citizens until there is now in the Library approximately 750 volumes besides magazines. A reading room which is provided with some seven of the leading magazines, secured by the efforts of the said clubs and by donations from citizens, is also maintained in connection with the Library. The money arising from the subscription lists and the levy of five-tenths of a mill have been used in paying salaries, rents, light, fuel and other inci- dental expenses. The population served by the Library is approximately 3,000 and 769 certificates entitling the holder to the use of the Library have been issued. During the past year an average of twenty-nine books have been taken out each day. The Library is open daily, except Sunday and holidays from 1 :30 P. M. to 9 P. M. No special work has been attempted, but the book committee has had in view the formation of the reading habit among the school children. The librarian is the only person reg- ularly employed about the Library. Permanent quarters for the Library are badly needed. The city owns four lots, centrally situated, forming a square about 185 x 185 feet; these lots were given to the city for use as a public park and for a library building. Early in December, 1903, Mr. Andrew Carnegie made a proposition to furnish $10, 000, on his usual conditions, for the purpose of erecting a public Library building in the city. At the last meeting of the common council of the city in December, 1903, the proposition of Mr. Carnegie was accepted and a building committee appointed. The city owning such a beautiful site and having pledged the money to support the Library, there is no reason why the Union City Public Library should not have its own commodious and handsome quarters before the end of the year 1904. 152 INDIANA LIBRARIES VALPARAISO. Valparaiso College Library. Valparaiso college was established in the year 1873 and in the begin- ning a small Library was located in a small room on the second floor of the main building. The institution rapidly outgrew these quarters and, in the year 1881, it was given a much larger room on the first floor of the main college building. In a few years it outgrew this room, when a larger room was provided for it, and it now occupies the whole of the first floor in one of the wings of the main college building and has an area of 3,500 square feet. It is simply a college Library and is especially for the use of the students of Valparaiso College. Citizens of Valpar- aiso, however, have access to the Library for the purpose of study dur- ing Library hours, but do not participate in the privilege of the circulat- ing library, excepting the teachers of the public schools who are given this latter privilege. The Library now has about 10,000 bound volumes and about 3,000 unbound pamphlets, magazines, reports, etc. It is open every day in the week, except Sunday, from 7:30 A. M. to 12:00 M. and from 1:30 P. M. to 5 P. M., the entire year. The Library was established by the principals of the school, H. B. Brown and O. P. Kinsey. Mr. 0. P. Kin- sey is, and has been from the beginning, librarian in chief, and Miss Ella Porter, acting librarian since 1881, assisted by Miss Delia Monce. The Library is a depository for the government publications for this congressional district and has an almost complete set of government pub- lications since the government began to send them out. It receives about fifty monthly magazines, six daily papers and ten weekly papers. The total expenses of the Library are about $1,500 per year and this expense is met from the general income of the college. The Library while not so large is splendidly selected and is an unusally good working library, and, excepting the government reports, all the books and pam- phlets have been purchased and are consequently modern and useful books. It is highly appreciated and extensively used by the students of the college. INDIANA LIBRARIES 153 VINCENNES. ViNCENNES Public Library. After repeated inquiries directed to the Library authorities at Vincennes, we have been unable to obtain any information whatever concerning their present condition or activities, therefore we gather up such material as is historically recorded in sources at hand. We quote from Mr. J. P. Dunn's World's Fair Monograph, 1893, on **The Libraries of Indiana. ' ' "The first public Library in Indiana was established at Vincennes in 1807. Vincennes was th^n the capitol of the territory, and the residence of the wealthiest and most influential men. The old records of the insti- tution, which are preserved in Vincennes University, show that most of these were subscribers to the Library, together with several of the more prominent men from other parts of the territory. The librarian was Peter Jones, then auditor of the territory, a trustee of the university, and further known to fame as the keeper of a very excellent inn. The enterprise was successful, though to the present generation it might seem to have moved slowly. In March, 1808, little more than a year after starting, it advertised the possession of 210 works, many of which were in several volumes. They were well selected, and formed, for that time, quite a treasury of literature for a frontier town. This Library was successfully maintained through the hard years of our territorial existence, and was supplemented by other aids to mental culture, such as the ** Vincennes Society for the Encouragement of Agriculture and the Useful Arts," established in 1810, and Mr. Elihu Stout's reading room, established in 1814 to supply subscribers with, 'periodicals, pam- phlets, price currents and newspapers'." Supplementing Mr. Dunn we quote the following from the Western Sun newspaper published at Vincennes March 23, 1808 : * 'Vincennes Library. ' ' * 'The public are, we believe, generally acquainted that more than a year since, an attempt was commenced by a number of the citizens of Vincennes and its vicinage, to establish a public circulating library in the Borough of Vincennes, under the title of the 'Vincennes Library. * Considering all the circumstances of difficulty in which the attempt was made, its success has equalled the most sanguine expectations of the patrons. Already has a company been organized under the name of 154 INDIANA LIBRARIES The Vincennes Library Company, ' which has obtained an act of the legislature incorporating it under that name. As it is a measure of public utility, emanating from the most benevolent and patriotic motives, it is hoped it will meet with universal encouragement from every citizen in its neighborhood. Though its beginning be small, as that of every establishment, however useful, must necessarily be, in a new country, situated as ours, it will grow with its country's growth, increase with its strength, and become in due time a copious and permanent source of improvement and information, easily accessible to everyone. The char- ter of the company together with its constitution, bye laws, etc., are deposited in the library room. Any person desirious of becoming a sub- scriber, can have the opportunity of inspecting them by application to the librarian, Peter Jones Esqr. The board of directors appointed by the company to transact its business in ordinary, judge it their duty to offer to the company, and their fellow citizens in general an exhibit of the present state of the library, as regards the number of books, their names, etc., now belonging to it, and to solicit every person who justly appreciates the advantages of reading, and who have not yet subscribed, to apply as above, to make himself acquainted with the nature of the institution, its rules, and everything appertaining thereto. When he has so done, we are confident he will feel a pure pleasure in becoming a sub- scriber, and thereby contributing to its infant support: for he will reflect that it is now merely in the bud, yet by fostering care it will here- after blossom, and bring forth fruit, the pleasures and profits of which if he cannot completely enjoy immediately, will be a most valuable legacy to his children and country. **A list of the books, etc. : 1 Leland's Philip of Macedon. 2 3 Robertson's History of America. 4 5 Maimbourgh's History of Arianism. 6 7 8 9 10 Dictionary of Arts and Sciences. 11 12 13 Reid's Essays. 14 Atwood on Rectilinear Motion. 15 16 Gutherie's Grammar. 17 18 Blair's Lectures. 19 Vattel's Law of Nations. 20 21 Witherspoon's Works. 22 23 Miller's Retrospect. 24 25 Morse's Geography. 26 27 Pinckerton's Geography with Maps. INDIANA LIBRARIES 155 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 World Displayed. 36 37 38 39 40 41 World Displayed. 42 French Revolution. 43 44 45 Robertson's Charles V. 46 Jefferson's Notes on Virginia with Appendix. 47 Ossian's Poems. 48 Andrews View. 49 Catteau's Sweden. 50 M'Kenzie's Voyages. 51 52 Politicks for the People. > 53 54 Julian's Works. 55 Miscellanies. 56 Hume's Dialogues. 57 Humphrey's Works. 68 Spurrier's Practical Farmer. 59 Philosophic Essays. 60 Annual Register. 61 62 Washington's Letters. 63 64 65 Hooper's Universal Erudition. 6Q Essays on the Passions and Affections. 67 68 69 70 Goldsmith's Animated Nature. 71 72 Var low's Husbandry. 73 Priestly's Lectures. 74 Ladies' Companion. 75 Tucker on Slavery. 76 77 78 79 Eloisa. 80 Beauties of Hurvey. 81 Hurvey 's Meditations. 82 83 Mirabeau's Gallery of Portraits. 84 85 86 87 Thompson's Works. 88 Thompson's Seasons. 89 90 91 Confession of Faith. 92 93 94 Smith's Wealth of Nations. 95 96 97 98 Chesterfield's Letters. 99 Vattaires Philosophical Dictionary. 100 Dr. Derham's Sermons. 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 Shakespear's Plays. 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 Spectator. 121 122 Hapless Orphan. 123 124 Essays and Letters. 125 126 Adams's Travels. 127 Junius 's Letters. 128 Gaudentia de Lucco. 129 130 Washington's Letters. 131 132 133 134 Knox's Essays. 156 INDIANA LIBRARIES 135 Beggar Boy. 136 137 Daughter of Adoption. 138 139 140 Mysteries of Udolpho. 141 142 143 144 Gil Bias. 145 146 147 Dramatic Miscellanies. 148 Simple Story. 149 150 151 Beggar Girl. 152 153 Beauties of History. 154 Vagabond. 155 Goldsmith's Roman History Abridged. 156 157 Mahommet's Travels. 158 Callipaedia. 159 Carver's Travels. 160 Lectures on Female Education. 161 162 163 Locke's Essays. 164 Goldsmith's England Abridged. 165 Scott's U. S. Gazetteer. 166 167 Arabian Nights' Entertainment. 168 169 170 Fool of Quality. 171 172 Plain Sense. 173 174 175 Abbess. 176 177 Edward. 178 Leland on Eloquence. 179 Goldsmith's Poems. 180 Man of the World. 181 Broad Grins. 182 Moreau's Life. 183 Blair's Lectures Abridged. 184 Modern Chivalry. 185 Charlotte Temple. 186 Moore's Utopia. 187 Joan of Arc. 188 Condorcet's Life of Voltaire. 189 Robinson Crusoe. 190 Juvanal's Satyrs. 191 Morse's Geography abridged. 192 193 Dryden's Poems. 194 195 Dryden's Poems. 196 Malmoth's Essays. 197 Military History. 198 199 Horace in French. 200 201 Literary Miscellanies. 202 203 Introduction to the History of Denmark in French. 204 205 206 207 208 Principles of Literature in French. 209 Seneca's Morals. 210 Curran's Speeches. INDIANA LIBRARIES 157 "In addition to the above the board of directors agreeable to the power vested in them by the company, have contracted with Mr. BulHtt to bring on a number of new books which are not now in the Library, in proportion to the amount of their present funds, which are as great as could have been expected." The Library is still in existence, but as stated above we have been unable to obtain any report from the present authorities. WABASH. The Carnegie Library. About fifteen years ago the question of a public Library for Wabash, was discussed from time to time, by different citizens, but nothing was done until the Round Table, a Hterary club, which has the distinction of being one of the oldest in the state, took the initiative. At a called meeting of the club, held as a memorial to Miss Jessie Stitt, a charter member whose death had occurred a short time previous, a motion was made that a fund be raised to be known as the Jessie Stitt memorial fund, and that this money should form the nucleus for a library fund. Immediately after this resolution was passed, the meeting adjourned and at once went into session as the Woman's Library Asso- ciation. There were twenty-four members of this association each of whom was a member of the Round Table. After raising enough money among themselves to make the Library an assured fact they fixed the membership fee at $1, and began soliciting contributions and members. On January 11, 1890, the Woman's Library of Wabash was formally opened, with 300 volumes on its shelves. In 1900 the Woman's Library Association was consolidated with the high school library and the former passed out of existence, the new organization being known as the Wabash Public Library. The board of directors, at this time, consisted of the school board and two ladies from the Woman's Library Association. Eary in 1901 a favorable reply to the numerous appeals which had been made to Andrew Carnegie, was received, and the citizens of Wabash were made glad by the announcement that Mr. Carnegie would donate to the city of Wabash $20,000 for a Library edifice. A library board was at once organized under the Mummert law, and the books of the Wabash 158 INDIANA LIBRARIES Public Library, then numbering more than 3,000 volumes were transferred to the new board. The board of trustees, now in charge of the Library, consists of Charles S. Haas, president; Mrs. C. E. Cowgill, vice president; Mrs. J. 1. Robertson, secretary; Mrs. James E. Stitt, Mrs. G. T. Herrick, John A. Bruner and Warren Bigler. On April 6, 1903, the doors of the handsome new Carnegie Library were opened to the public, and since then have been open daily from 12:30 P. M. to 5:30 P. M. Three evenings each week the Library is open from 7 P. M. to 9 P. M. these evenings being Monday, Wednesday and Satur- day, and on Sunday afternoons from 2 p. m. to 5 P. M. the reading room is open. On the acceptance of the Carnegie gift the city council appropriated, for the maintenance of the institution, $2,000 annually. Of this sum it is hoped to spend not less than $500 to $800, yearly, for books. The Library, at the present time, contains 4,628 volumes which are arranged on the shelves according to the Dewey classification. The book stacks are so placed in the stack-room that the public has access to the shelves. The reading room is supplied with the best reading matter, the list of periodicals embracing thirty-five of the leading magazines of America and Europe. For the year 1903 the circulation of books aggregated 17,500, or an average of about sixty per day. There are now about 1,600 borrowers. As our population in 1900 was 8,618 this seems relatively a small number, but as new readers are com- ing in every day the proportion will show a radical change before the close of 1904. Students of the high school, who reside in the county, enjoy library privileges, as the school tuition paid by them, entitles them to draw books. Other residents of the county may hold borrower's cards on pay- ment of $1 per year. The work in the Library is performed by Miss Henley, the librarian. An assistant looks after the reading room on Sunday afternoons. During the ten years' existence of the Woman's Library association Mrs. C. E. Cowgill was president and and Mrs. H. B. Shively, Mrs. Emma Mendenhall and Mrs. Anna Zeigler, at different times, served as hbrarian, giving their time to the good wook, without compensation. INDIANA LIBRARIES 159 The librarian, from time to time, arranges book lists, and bulletins to illustrate the same, on various subjects. The children have their own section in the stack-room, and also one alcove supplied with a low table and small chairs, where their papers and magazines are placed. Daisy Henley, Librarian. WARSAW. Warsaw Public Library. By special act of the legislature, in 1885, a free pubHc Library was established in Warsaw. Through donation and purchase a well selected Library of about 7,000 volumes is the result. The Warsaw Public Library owes much to the energy of city superintendent John P. Mather, and Hon. W. D. Frazer, for its existence and development during the first year. The board of education levies annually a two mills tax, which pays for the service of an assistant two half-days each week, when the Library is open to the public, and permits about 200 volumes to be added to the shelves yearly. Twenty- two of the best magazines are taken, and loaned out to patrons, being bound later and added to the shelves. The Library has very poor quarters in the basement of the old high school building, but it is intended to be moved into modem rooms in the new high school building, now being planned. The service will then be extended in many ways. At present no reading room is provided, the sole work being the loaning of books and periodicals for home reading. A modification of the decimal classification is in use, such as is adapted to the peculiar local conditions. The Library is supplemented by a case of appropriate books, about 100 in each school room in the city. Special attention is directed towards giving assistance to the several reading clubs. During the year 1903 the circulation was nearly 14,000— about 300 volumes for each Wednesday and Saturday afternoon it has been open to its patrons. Noble Harter, Supt., of Schools. 160 INDIANA LIBRARIES WASHINGTON. Carnegie Public Library. Washington was one of the beneficiaries of the generosities of Wil- liam Maclure and received one of the Workingmen's Libraries, which was maintained for nearly forty years, but went down and the books were scattered about the time the old township libraries went into their final repose. The selection of books was excellent, the patronage was large and the good effects are apparent in the city today. The Carnegie Public Library of Washington, originated in a sugges- tion made by the ladies of the Monday afternoon Club. Acting upon this suggestion, a meeting of about twelve citizens was held February 21, 1901, in the office of Gardiner & Slimp, and a committee consisting of Rev. 1. I. Gorby, Ezra Mattingly and John W. McCarty was appointed to corresponded with Mr. Carnegie. He responded promptly with an offer of $15,000, which was later increased by him to $20,000. The dona- tion was accepted by the city council, and an annual income of $2,000 was guaranteed by the same body. Voluntary subscriptions by public spirited citizens amounted to $2,000. June 14, 1901, Mr. Joseph Cabel generously donated the square on which the building now stands, for the joint purpose of a lot for the Library, and a public park. In accordance with the provisions of an act of the general assembly of 1901, a hbrary board of seven members was appointed. Wm. R. Gardiner, president; Ezra Mattingly, secretary; John W. McCarty, Ham- let Allen, Mrs. Mary Shirley, Mrs. Alice Corning and Mrs. Austin Cabel. In April, Mrs. Annie H. Gibson was elected librarian. The building was completed and the Library opened to the public on February 21, 1903, with 2,300 books on the shelves. During the year 1,875 volumes were added. The Dewey classification is being used. The bulletin in the children's room is made attractive and instructive by the use of good prints, illustrating themes peculiar to the season, important events and eminent people. Juvenile books are easy of access and open shelves are accorded to all. Five days in the week the Library hours are from 12 M. to 9 P. M. ; on Saturdays from 9 A. M. to 9 P. M. , and Sundays the reading rooms only are open from 1:30 P. M. to 4:30 P. M. The population of the city is 10,000. Washington township con- tributes by tax and the people of the township have the same rights to INDIANA LIBRARIES 161 the use of the books as those of the city. The number of borrowers at present is 1,400. The number of books issued in the 253 days the Library has been open is 16,093, making the average daily circulation about sixty- seven. Mrs. Thos. Ackley, Mrs. M. J. Carnahan, Mrs. Emma B. Hyatt, Mrs. Ezra B. Mattingly, Mrs. T. B. Graham, Mrs. J. H. O'Neal, Mrs. J. T. Neal and Mrs. M. S. Hastings constitute an advisary board. They take charge of the Library on Sunday afternoon, serving, each in turn, caring for the bulletin, and helping in every way to make the Library an attractive, pleasant place. WESTFIELD. Westfield Public Library. The Westfield Public Library of Westfield, Indiana, owes its incep- tion to two Woman's clubs, the members of which in June, 1900, resolved to establish a Library and reading room. The first step taken was to interest the different organizations in the town in the enterprise and a representative from each church, club and lodge met to consider the advisability of such an undertaking. The result was that a library association was formed, with a fee of $1.00. The work of raising funds began, but it was not an easy matter, for the majority of the citizens had little faith in the movement, con- sidered it a * 'fad' ' which would soon die. However, forty determined, energetic women stood behind it and a half-dozen substantial men came to their assistance and worked diligently for its success. Almost every honest device for making money was resorted to, from musicales to rumage sales: a book-shower was advertised and books and money were personally solicited. On January 11, 1901, the Library was opened with over 700 volumes. Lack of funds made it impossible to employ a trained librarian but Miss Merica Hoagland, library organizer, assisted in organizing and classify- ing the Library according to the Dewey decimal classification and aided the workers in such a manner that the work was placed on a firm foun- dation so that it could be carried on according to the latest and most approved methods. The town board donated $50.00 per annum the first two years; this was the first substantial assistance the association received. 162 INDIANA LIBRARIES In April, 1902, the Library was re-organized under the state library law, which made it a township library with a tax income of $446 per annum. A year ago the library board purchased a good lot on which stands a small cottage. This was converted into a library building and reading room and the amount formerly paid for rent was used in paying for the property. The Library has been free to the township from the first and more than half of the 600 borrowers' cards issued have gone to those living outside of the town corporation. The Library is open six afternoons and evenings in the week. The public has access to the shelves and the daily average of books taken out the first year was a fraction less than twenty a day. At present there are 1,000 volumes, and sixteen periodicals are on the tables. The needs of the schools and work done by the clubs are taken into consideration, as far as practical, in the selection of books. The members of the library board are: Mrs. Julia S. Conklin, presi- dent; Mrs. Thomas T. Bray, secretary; Dr. Z. H. Fodrea, treasurer; Eli Stalker, R. E. Funderburgh, Mrs. Edith Hinshaw, Mrs. Rebecca C. Roberts, P. A. Bray and W. C. McAvoy, most of whom have been act- ively identified with the work from the organization. Ida M. Roberts has served as librarian from the time of organiza- tion, having in the meantime attended two short courses in library training. Although Westfield is a town of less than 1,000 inhabitants it is the only town in the county to organize and maintain a free public library, independent of the public school. To do this has required the untiring efforts of those interested, but the steady growth in interest and use of the Library has proved that the efforts have in no sense been in vain. The prospect of help from Mr. Carnegie in the near future is also encouraging. ZIONSVILLE. ZiONSViLLE Public Library. Notwithstanding our repeated solicitations from the authorities for historical sketch, we are unable to secure any information concerning this Library. ^^ >-, :South Bend A, I at JoaePM «^ La porta Moite tea* Val para 1 so t'^fOBTC .RenBdelaer PVtASSi Montloello! CAOnAJVOt If area* STBUBBJI '" PC tUTOS -CIV tUtMl L<;gwiflflor6 i WAM4SU Delphi taffty^tlo TtFrmtSStS AKokom a 9 1^ M.» CLi Arrsjir Tipton® A Port ©aj-na Kuot lngton. ^Marion ] <7 RA Xr \muKOCK^ jtHartford. ^ y r//»ro;r 81*0 od^ic;cftQrtr la 111- ^ Vi'J'-.lJJ^v Zlona»lllaV • P.arUaal RAtTDOlPa Flctirnoftd 11* 9 Conncrsv jAurof^ ^monj* Poacvvilte . _J T^ IndlcMftB gunlclpal or ?rco Public Llhrarlet Indicates* Institutional l.lbfarlea.j •.' ■; ■ - m m > •r-H h— 1 c; h-i 0^ <1 ?H :z; s 0) Q o ^ <1) O ?H W o n hJ pq g h^l S OQ O )t:^ O Q >fOiO ift 58 ?88 88 (M ^ CO 50 00 en O O O "J O O 1^ a fl a '^ a a O en tw tc o O fl oi a> © a fl (M O iM >-0 O ?D -ft 00 «0 - 8 ^,823 8 in oo'M o «2 CO I- iS o > >ra o o o o Oi c (MO 0>- ;s 8 OiOO o :O-^OO0iOOOOOOOO-*OOOOOC?OOOOO«=''=OO ■ O .00 O O Ut O Q Q 5 O ■= O O >0 O O O cv O O O O — O O GC O O O O >o«3omiooSoooocccoci00o>nooiooiraooi^}inir:ocju (MO (MCO^OiMOO rOO(M CO« T-( !00(M, cacco:rx)QO.rt'M<35<3soooa:oooic;o5COi>-oaiocfJt~05a)roo-*05CiO ccooxooaocoooQCOoaoojoDocccoDoocxiaoci ooo~. aoootzjajccoja-'cooooil a fcc © z ^g ^^ © S fl C Ci c C-: 03 a; o a •^ a an —O) C ^ t< ». 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OCCCCCXlC : : a ■ • • > ::: a) 0) -5 -y: C -e C Ca ^ ^ r" Vr fct) s o — 1 P('S O" ?--0 a-=< >>^ • ;::; ■ c3 x; w .2 ^2«5^SS^S'J^^ a .N.^n^— 't'cncn+i";2— '+Jja 33 a tn j3 a .72 3r a-^JtG i, >,•;::; (B CD >/- 3 ^±! <»:;i o^ *: '-►P a si+^ • o) T3 c a tr a S3 o c 4^ r- y. a> a a ^ eS o ^o; boss a i2 o as. Xi © a o a a © a; (« © X5 ^ 1 « !5 Xi -p s o o ^ 0) ^ u Xi — < o m .a 2 H #;5 : o o3 ■^ ?3 r; O (T _; P -i r'' •- . t^ _ JJ . 1 .-, t- '^ •-- 1^5 C T >=, ^^ P ^-=3^;? §.2^2^e >5 © >-. 'S>= :3 ^.sa^-^ (^£- =•-1 =«r: c- sPh a a!-Pi2 ©27^;:: cs-^ a © 2 ) !^.2!^ c3^©-g5^hS j^f^^555^S;4© li © 5 33 Q^i_3 53:2 T ^ I* f-^ S©OX5Ma;^^^Lj ;j.2 3^0^ ^3^ n.CO O §>.ll^^oS' = j|-2-^-gp^^^||=|a3^=-S<^|g:2s§a||^|o3=|a| Ko 41"^ >.S a = a a-2"-- .9 § 0:135 a a ~i3— « a ec» a © © © -fa 4-> 4J 3 3 a eS 03 :3 5^ttaetflKW o'5 0=5^^ 6^^ S.2 o S a S © © o o S^ § S §.H.2.2^-^ ^J =15 © © ^r a 33 ">©0©o553! > a © s3~g= P^?:^^ Names OF Libraries From Which We Have No Reports. Angola Tri-State Normal Library. Car m el Public Library. Charlestown Public Library. Columbia City Public Library. Decatur Public Library. Farmland Public Library. Flora Public Library. Greensburg Public Library. Hartford City Public Library. Jasper-Jasper College Library. Jasper-St. Joseph's College Library. Lafayette-Purdue University Library. Madison Public Library. Marling-Maclure Library. Merom-Union Christian College Library. New Carlisle Public Library. North Manchester-Manchester College Library. Oldenburg-Oldenburg College Library. Orland-Joyce Public Library. Pennville Public Library. Plymouth Public Library. Princeton Public Library. Rochester Public Library. St. Mary's-St. Mary's of the Woods Library. Uniontown-Maclure Library. Upland-Taylor University Library. Valparaiso Public Library. Vincennes Public Library. Vincennes-Vincennes University Library. Walkerton Public Library. Warren Public Library. Westville Public Library. Winchester Public Library. Zionsville PubHc Library. 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. 0EC17195S MAR 3 1962 MAR 1 1 1964 General Library LD 21-50m-8,'57 University of California (.C8481sl0)476 Berkeley