The Helena independent., 1893-04-26

meeting last week. II took something ovel
two hours for the old council to wind up III
affairs, most Of which time was tnken up 10
the reading Of the reports refer cd to. l
THE TURLIC LIBRARY.
Alderman Rocco shows the Improve
Msnss During the Past Year.
Many Of the ecommittees made reports on
the matters which came under their super
vision during tho past year. The most in
terestina report was that of the COMMITTEES
on public library, submitted by Alderman
Reece. the only member present. The re-
rort says
"The committee on public library, which
usually consists of three members Of the
council, has unfortunately. owing the abb
scencs OF Alderman Hundley and the res
ianation OF Mr.. jackson, been reduced to a
committee of one, which consists of my
and concise ret ort as ! ossible. which
submit 40 follows: The board of trustees
consists Of Messrs. d. =. Wade. president;
Cornelius Hedges. eecretarl; A. j. Steele.
J. 7. Muruhy, A. w. Lyman and y. ".
Beattie. The terms Of D. 8. Wade and J,
4. Murphy expire with this administ'a alton.
The Library prior to this year has made but
little progress, which Ia due to the fact that
the allowance made by the city council for
tho maintenance thereof has been made
quate. The trustees, however. have been
enabled by tho liberal sppro! ration
made for this year to greatly i'm.
pearance Of the library. The gentlemen
composing the board Of trustees possess
high literary tastes as we'll a. excellent
business qualifications. and much credit Ia
due them for the deep interest they have
taken in the advancement and conduct OF
the Helena Public library. A better solec-
tion of t.ustees could not have been made.
The old shelving, counterA Ratings and
desks have been replaced by new. and other
articles OF furniture such as Is actually
necessary in public library have been
added.
''As it would take considerable time and
space to give in detail description of the
new furnishings will ref, ain from so do
ing but will say thnt the interior Of the
library presents an excellent inviting and
attractive appearance. and it Il credit to
our city. Tho futnitore was furnished
under contract at a cost of about 81. 900.
which amount has not been paid at thia
date as the contract has not been fully
complied with. The use of the basement
under the library for the purpose OF giving
suppsrs should be discontinued, and the
library should be heated by steam, which
would do away with the smoke from coal
stoves, which is 90 damaging to books and
papers; lc.sn ,;.r,u;on NJ, r p.,.., ). ,
gentleman who by his work shows that he
has had extended experience in his follow
ing, and by his e1, ,erience the library has
prohted greatly. New features havo been
introduced by him. and the system Of loan.
ing books has been G: emily improved. Ihe
rules and regu atoms governing the con-
duct of tho library are strictly enforced
without imposing any hn dship upon the
patrons Of the library. Fines are collected
in cases where the Dor over mutilates OF
defaces a book, or retains 1t longer than
rules ermit. and this of itself il an edu-
Gator. especially to the young as it has the
effect Of teaching them TO handle the books
carefuliy and to be prom,t in returning
books when they have had them as long az
the rules allow the book to be retained.
A Gard catalogue 10 being prepared. which
is the basis for complete catalogue of all
books in the library. This osta-
thor and the subject or subjects
Of the work. 1t will do away with the
necessity of compiling a catalogue when
necessary, in fact it Is u complete cata-
loQue to date. and 1t is so arranged that
any one can find amy book under the name
of the author or it's title in a moments
search. md when put In form it ls ready
for publication. Mr.. Patttsn cannot be
too highly commended for the interest he
has taken in the advancement and improve
nsnt of the Helena Public library. and his
efficient SO vice to the public. He ia ably
assisted by Misses Bey and Burton who are
always willing and obliginr, and have by
their desire to please the patrons of the
library commanded tho respect OF all who
frequent it. It ia notice BILE fact that not
one Complaint has been made against any
OF the employees of the library.
There are 4.1s7 borrowers cards out at
this time. and the average daily at
tendance at the reading rooms is about $50
q considerable increase over preceding
years. which ia evidence of the library'l
prosperity. and its appreciation by the pub
lie. 1t has been said that the legal nppro-
priation made for the maintenance Of the
library for this year was more than was
necessary. No one realizing the dement's
derived thereform. especially by the poor
people. would maintain that il 10 not money
we'll spent. No g eater benefit is derived
by any money by the city. 1t enables poor
children to acquire knowledge which psr
haps they would acquire were II not for the
library, and it co. tainly is worthy of tho
liberal support of tho council and should
have it.
,,, The total tai numIs. Of volumes 900 in 4, shs
financial condition ia as follows: Receipts
Amount on hand May /. 1892. g. so;
amount received from city treasu er since
May !. 1892, $10O0773; amount received
from fines end sales OF catalogues. $l45. 45;
fpIund IIom Her6lu, %; tothl, SIb. SS6.UO.
Observation-Disclosures expenIed TO books,
$2 662. II; general expense. g. 722.61; total
S. 3Ss.72 Balnnce on hand, SCOOPS.
From the amount received from the city
treasurer $425.36 should be deducted. ma
that amount ia n pnlt OF the fund of 1899. 8
but was not received until July, 1893, leav-
ing 80. .5S2.37 received from the city treas
urer for the maintenance of the library 10
the fsonl year ending April 80. 1894. An
amount exceeding one. third Of the app,o-
pfiation made for the year ending April
30, 1898. has been spent for books"
CITY CLERK AND ATTORNEY.
What This Oflccr Of tho city Has Done
Z n