Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-12-06
General Remarks.

At the beginning of his general remarks
the librarian SAYS. The Maine State Libra
~ has now arrived at that critical point III
its development when it needs the most
careful attention and fostering care of the
Legislature" Again he says, The posi-
ton and duties of the State librarian have
been obscure. uncertain and of little honor
and authority. No active, aggressive work,
has been by law or regulation assigned to
him beyond that of watching the books and
waiting upon patrons
The reorganization of the library upon
the basis of modern ideas and theories Is
urgently demanded by the march of events.
The free public library will ere long be es-
tablished in every considerable town in the
State and il will be recognized as one of the
cheapest. most important and effective
agencies in the education of all the people
of every age and degree of intelligence.
The State Library, as the distributing
agent of the State, under the wise ard con-
sentative direction of commissioners, can
sil very materially in building up and en-
couraging the accumulation of a reference
department in each of these libraries, as
they spring into existence and usefulness.
Its own valuable books of reference may
be sent to distant parts of the State in the
care of these local institutions.
In MANY states the lea'ling educators are
giyiu. much more time and attention to the
teaching of local history than in former
years, and the signs are not wanting to in
tlicate that our own schools and colleges
will ere long have course of study, not
only in local history, but also in relation to
the boundless natural resources and ex-
quiste beauties of Maine soil and scenery,
TO the end that an intelligent pride and af-
fection for the State and her institutions
may suppant the shameful ignorance and
indifference on these subjects 0tt-tlmes
manifested by some of her young citizens.
In the promotion of this object. the libra
rirs of these institutions can receive much
aid from this department, by the loan or
gift of books relating 10 the subjects of
study. Again, nearly every city and village
IN Maine now has its associations, organized
for the study of history literature art. science
or sociology with lectures, essays, and a
regular course of reading for the winter
months. Often the members of these uni
versitv extension courses desire to consult
ostlv aud rare works, which should be
obtainable here
The historical data respecting the dis
covery and settlement of Maine, and the
founding and growth of her institutions
should be- collected AMI deposited here,
Tn" reports and publications of the State
itself should he obtained at any cost The
citizens of Maine. desiring to investigate
carly records of New England, should not
be compelled to journey to Boston for that
purpose The history of the part that our
81 ali
toms struggles for existence ought to be
obtained and preserved.
IF properly endowed with yearly fund,
this library can purchase for the use of TIE
people of Maine complete and exhaustive
works upon history, science, art. literature
and other departments of human know ledge,
which are too expensive to he owned by in
di,lduals or free public libraries 1t can
easily enlarge its list of exchanges with
learned societies and institutions of this and
other countries that publish rare and val
liable works upon special subjects, and
thus bring tithin the reach of the poorest
citizen the accumulated wisdom and learn
ing of the times From the unsatisfactory
task of contributing largely to the private
collections and libraries of individuals, its
duties and hene factions win I've devoted to
larger public interests. AMI he given to in
siitutions rather than to persons.
In order that all these objects may be
fully and fairly accomplished the Maine
State Library needs to be placed upon a
permanent and independent basis. 1t
should be divorced from the iittnl and I'M
certain action of political patronage. Its
administration should be placed under the
general supervision of Il commission, com
posed of the best educated, most intelligent
and progressive citizens of Maine. Its IL
hrarian shonld be given an adequate salary
for himself and his assistant, without being
compelled TO resort to wire pulling and lob
bying. He should be something more than
a guardian placed in charge to watch the
books, --sometbn- more than a scaveuger,
seeking among the rubbish of old garrets
and discarded collections for the means by
which 10 add to the wealth and number OF
its books, The day has gone by in which
everybody or ANYBODY can successfully per
form the duties of the office. If the
librarian aspires TO meet the
wants Of the tiWes, and to
administer the affairs of bis library fairly
we'll he will need to devote all his time,
energy and intellect 10 the task
and documents in the State library relating
to the discovery. settlement and growth of
Maine and books of collateral history; also
reports and hooks pertaining to executive,
legislative and judicial departments.
included in the report is photography
of Maine laws published hv permission of
the author, Hon Josiah II Drummoud; lists
of books. pamphlets aud other publications
added Ia the Maiue State Library from Dec.
!, 1870. To Der. t. 1892, .inclndiny OK
changes. donations. etc; Laws of New
York relating TO libraries; resolutions of
the association of state librarians on legisn-
ron; articles on School Libraries and
Free Public Library" by the librarian
an article On university extension and
Nsiue libraries, by Prof. Little. librarian
Of Bowdoin College.
The permanent additions to the Maine
State Library from Dec. LIST, 1890, to Dec.
lst. 1892;
No OF
Volumes.
nv purchase law books......4....-... $40
iiy pnrclla5e miscellaneous hnosN.---.-. 3i2