Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-10

One of the leading authorities in educational
matters in this country is Prof. VIM. T. Harris,
the commissioner Of education. As he told a
STAR reporter recently he has read with a great
deal of interest what has been printed in The
STAR relative 70 the starting Of public library
IN this city. II was very much surprised" he
aid, '.when learned that there was not pub
lie library in this city. I could not understand
low that could be in a city of this kind. have
cen told the library of Congress is used. But
can't understand how this library can be Of
,uch use, owing to the hours during which the
1rary is open to the public. Those who are
r1Dloyed in government service would,
.agine. find it rather difficult to use this
brary But understand that this library is
not intended to be used as a general circulating
library. 1t is a great library and destined to
be one of the great collections Of the world. and
for reference purposes 1t has an important
function"
PUBLIC LIBRARY NECESSITY.
II consider that public library in o city is a
necessity. The library ranks next to the
school in educative power. The school for the
most part finds its formation in teaching how
to read. The library furnishes what TO read.
The school gives the preliminary preparation
for education. and the library gives the means
by which the individual completes and accom-
IL.
Our American school system points toward the
preparation of the pupil for independent study
Of the book by himself. 1t points toward ac-
quiring tine ability of seifeducation by means
Of the library. The school is set ut the task of
teaching the pupil how to nse the library in the
best manner. That take it is the central OBJ
ject toward which our American school methods
have been unconsciously guided
ADVANTAGES TO GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES.
"In my opinion, although speak under the
disadvantage of a limited acquaintance with
the facilities offered by the collections of books
i'm the various departments, general library
would be OF great advantage to the government
employees. as il would contain wider range of
books than could possibly be INCLUDED i'll the
small libraries and it would also be available
for use at a time when their Office duties do
count ON me to use my efforts to advance any
movement which viii bring books within the
reach of the people generally"
PRINCIPAL LANES VIEWS.
81 have been very much interested in the
movement to secure public library" said DR..
F. r. Lane, principal Of the Washington High
School. to a STAR reporter. ''both because Of
| the general benefit in culture and happiness
and for the large assistance which it will render
| to the public schools. The librarian Is the
natural ally Of the teacher.
in spite Of the number of libraries in our
city. children are, TO great extent deprived Of
their privileges. At the Congressional Library
the requirement. that a deposit shall be left for
! books drawn, and the fact that children below
O certain age are denied even the use of the
rooms and reference books. is drawback to
any general use of the collections under the
direction of Mr.. Spofford. The librarian and
his assistant. Mr.. David Hutchesol, have been
uniformly courteous 70 the teachers and pupils,
but the percentage OF children who have
! awaited themselves OF this courtesy has been
! necessarily small. The various depar tmental
libraries, although scientific in their general
character. have, in connection with them. cir
culating Libraries. which would be Leneit tc
pupils II they could obtain access to them.
BOSTON LIBRARY AND BOSTON SCHOOLS.
'Tn the city Of Boston the school supcrin.
tendcnt is in constant consultation with the
authorities Of the public library. Lists Of
books desirable for general reading and refer.
ence are published and circulated among the
school children. Special purchases are made
| to reach this great class Of the reading public
\ The work of instruction in the schools Is sim
plified by this assistance and habits are formed
| which are Of great benefit subse luent TO the
termination Of school life. Nearly every vii
lage in the northern states IL provided with 4
public library and wherever school systems an
most dosrishing in their character the publh
For years IN Washington TIE school anthor
itiss have recognized this want and have met 4