The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1884-12-05
LIBRARIES AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
An Interesting Closing Session OF the
Western Library Association.
Discussions that Will Bear
Fruit in the Future.

brarv associations convention was held
in the Central Presbyterian church last
evening. The work of the convention
practically ended with the close of the
session yesterday at noon. and last even
ing's meeting was for the purpose of dis
cussing with the teachers of the public
schools "The Relations of the Public Lii
braries to the Public Schools" Mr., W. F.
Poole, of Chicago. presided and opened
the discussion, Mr. George Mixter being
called to the chair Mr.. Poole's ideas
were clearly presented, showing the great
good which might be accomplished by a
closer cooperation between the libraries
and the schools.
Mr.. G. W. Merrill. of Cincinnati. fol-
lowed, presenting some excellent ideas as
to the best methods to employ for the
purpose % cultivating desire in pupils
to read books that will benefit them.
Mr.. W. D. Hooper, of Indianapolis,
made quite lengthy and very pertinent
address on the course he pursued in this
city relative to the distribution of books
to pupils of the public schools. He also
gave very clear idea of the importance
of impressing upon the minds of students
in proper manner, the great benefits of
course of reading upon some subject
until the subject was fully compreheuded
Some hints upon the preservation
of books were offered which should
be of service to those who are
engaged in library or book work,
Mr.. X, A. Linderfel: gave very nice
little address in which he explained the
methods pursued in Milwaukee in getting
up class of pupils interested in some
one particular study by supplying each
with copy of the book containing the
study which it is desired to learn. After
pupils have read portion they are allowed
to express their opinions as regards the
subject matter and the manner in which
it should be read in order to get ut the
full meaning of the author In this way
an interest is awakened with beneficial
results.
Superintendent W. S. Mack, of the
Moline public schools. was called upon
for an address and responded. He took
up the matter of the best manner in which
to arrange books in the juvenile departs
ments of public libraries and mentioned
a plan of his own, which consisted of in
dexing books so that they might be read
lily found. That is, books which students
who were persuing some particular course
of study. He showed 10y comparative 1ig-
ures the per cent of increase in the circus
lation of biographies, books of travel
and other important matters pertaining
to Juvenile education in the pub
lie library of Moline this year
over last year when the index
system was not in vogue. Mr.. Mack was
also of the opinion that the Juvenile books
should be in separate department in the
public libraries where the pupils could 60
and get what they wanted at once and
without troubling anyone. Mr., Mack's
remarks were listened to with wrapt at
tention and at the close Mr.. Mixter an.
nounced a. the hour was getting late the
discussions would come to a close He
also announced that Mrs. Yuill had
kindly consented to sing q
solo and that lady stepped
forward and sang very pretty solo with
organ accompaniment by Mr.. Sam Bowl,
by. Mr. W. F. Poole expressed the
thanks of the Western Library Associa-
ton for the many kindnesses its members
had received from the citizens of Rock
at some future time to again he able tC
visit this city
Mr. Mixter expressed the pleasure il
had afforded the citizens of this city IL
entertain the association and knew it WI!
the unanimous wish of all who had CONT
in contact with its members, that the day
might not be far distant when it helt
another convention in Rock Island. The
convention then adjourned.