The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-05-25
BOOKS IN PLENTY.
now Circulating Library May be
Formed at Slight Expense.

possibilities of living without books. but
the suggestion is not pleasant one to con-
template. We do not realize what books
do for rs until we are deprived of them in
some way, and then the gap left in our life
shows too plainly the influence and hold
they have upon us. No new books to read.
no new books to discuss and recommend,
would be terrible state of affairs to many,
and yet it is seldom that we get all the right
KIND OF books that we want. In great
city there are many ways of procuring suffi-
clent reading matter at a slight cost. Lii
brarles offer great advantages, and the peo-
pie are quick to avail themselves of
their opportunities, rs is shown
R ~ the Ne growth WITH, Of such institutions.
try the conditions are altogether changed,
and book-loving people are often deprived
of great deal of reading. The latter dis
advantage, however, has been overcome, in
great measure, of late by the formation
OF private literary clubs at slight expense;
and for those who are unacQuainted with
the methods of organizing such associations
this description is given.
The club may be composed of any num-
Der from ten persons upward, but the more
that join, the greater the variety of reading
afforded to the members. The sum to be
D.
and each member contributes either one,
two or three dollars. or any intermediary
sum they agree upon, each one paving the
same amount. With the money thus OBJ
tanned committee purchases as many vol
umes as there are members in the club, and
card Is printed in this wise, which is
pasted on the inside cover of the books,
covering the list of members, with the
titles of the books:
THE-L1BRARY CLUB.
~, Received. Returned.
Benz ur" .......
The The Odd Number.
:. "Pastels in Prose-.
Mrs. Thompson. ...
God in His World"
Mrs. ;.k Ee6inson.
Then the books are distributed to all of
the members, each one receiving the book
under her name. Mrs. Brown has there
fore, Ben Hur; Mrs. Smith. the Odd Num-
Der, and so on. Then opposite each name
the date OF the receipt of the book is writ
ten. 1t may be the rule to keep each vol
ume two weeks, which gives ample time for
all the members of the family to read it,
and then it is promptly returned to the
treasurer at the expiration of the time set
and the date of the return noted. Then
Mrs. Brown receives, in turn. Maria; Mrs.
Smith, Ben-Hur; and, for the third time.
Mrs. Brown has God in His World. So it
goes around until every one in turn has re-
oeived each book, and then lots are drawn.
and each member receives one of the volumes
to keep. In this way, for the price of one
volume, which they ultimately receive. the
members have the use Of the entire set of
books. While the books are going the
rounds 1t is very easy to keep track of them.
because the names follow in regular order.
and when Mrs. Robinson receives Ben Hur,
BY going down the list she can see that ali
the other members have written opposite
their names the dates of its receipt and re-
turn, and thus know the list Is exhausted.
When the second person receives the first
book and records the date, it does not
mean that the book under her name has
been 3 received at that time, but it indicates
the book in which the card is
pasted. 1t is good plan to print the titles
IN small type, so that no confusion
will arise. The books should be covered
With brown paper, in order that they may
be kept fresh and clean, and it is we'll to
print on the card a slight penalty for keep
Ing the books beyond the prescribed time.
There are number of these clubs in diff |
kerent parts of the country, and they are
growing. BY consulting with |
saoh of the members, individual tastes NAV
be considered, and if the majority desire
novels, the list may be made up mainly of |
such books. Allowing each member two |
weeks time, club of ten persons may be |
kept up for six months, and ten new books |
placed at their disposal. The expense is |
,ritiinR, and every one who joins club will |
IND 1t profitable investment.