The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-19
OUR PUBLIC LIBRARIES.

The condition Of our public libraries was
considered at some length last week, but the
importance of the subject warrants the pre-
sentaton of few more facts and figures
The city library contains about 10000
volumes Records show $780, 900 volumes is
sued during the year. Assuming that only
the individual who draws the book reads, or
is benefited, by it, the annual handling OF
each Of the 10000 by at least eight persons
proves the circulation of the library to be all
that could be wished or expected by the most
enthusiastic friends Of such institutions.
Statistics show, indeed that the number of
books circulated is relatively greater in In
6ianapolis than in any other city possessing
public library.
Mention has been made of the Importance
Of the library as an adjunct of the public
schools. TO indicate that this is not mere
theory it is enough to give one illustration in
point. The superintendent of the schools,
dropping in upon certain class on one occa-
know more of subject then under considera-
ton than could be gathered from their text
books. To that end he read to them from a
volume in his possession and referred them to
others in the same line. In the weeks follow
ing every book mentioned was drawn from
the public library, and, in addition, the book
stores were called upon and their stock ex-
hausted. A second supply of the literature
in demand was ordered, and all these books
subsidized. This instance is enough of itself to
show the value of the library as an educational
factor. 1t is equally important as an aid to
more advanced students engaged in scientific
research or in investigating special branches
of literature or knowledge.
This useful institution cannot however,
be maintained upon its present income, which
is not more than So, 900 instead Of $4,000, as
stated heretofore OF this amount, Sc, 900 is
required for salaries, and these. by the way,
are smaller than is commensurate with the du-
ties performed. Two thousand dollars is paid
for rent, $3.50 for light and fuel, $500 for
necessary printing, and 81, 500 required for re-
binding. This brings the total up to SIC, $50.
Heretofore, at least So, 900 have been paid by
the School Board, under the law allowing
them to provide and maintain rooms for libra
ry purposes; but since the board has become
cramped itself, this assistance has been with
drawn, and the library thrown entirely upon
its own resources. AS seen, the expenses are
greater than the income, and the library must
institution abreast of the times constant ex-
penditure is necessary in the purchase of new
books, but not dollar is at command for this
purpose.
The present library tax is fifth of
mill. To meet the demands Of the public
and maintain the library at the standard
which it has reached under carefel manage
ment in the past, and which has made it an
institution of which the city has a right to be
creased. A levy of one-half mill would pro-
duce an income of something near 500, 000
This sum would, with proper handling be
sufficient to provide not only the technical
and scientific works published each year and
enough miscellaneous literature to satisfy the
general public, but would leave margin for
IL 4. II &C 4 Ill 4 l.
addition of many standard and classical works
now absent, but which should be in every
library.
The superiority of the schools of the city,
and the excellence and the popularity of the
library have helped to give Indianapolis an
enviable reputation as center Of intelligence
and culture. That this should be impaired
by allowing niggardly policy to prevail to
the de,riment of the library, and indirectly
of the schools, is hardly to be thought of
The special tax levy may be increased at the
soming session of the Legislature.
The defects in the State library may be in
dicated by single circumstance. Three gen.
tlemen of this city, Hon. Albert G. Porter,
Hon VIM. H. English and Mr.. Jacob P.
Dunn, jr., are engaged in writing historical
works upon Indiana. Their work in no way
conflicts, treating as they do of different
periods; but in the course Of their investiga-
tions each writer found it necessary to consult
records and books relating to the subject, and
which should have been in the State library,
had it been properly complete, but were not
to be had there. Their work came to a stand
still until the city librarian procured the de-