Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1894-10-11
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That is All That the Free Library Has
Provided for its Thousands OF Readers

That Is All That the Free Library Has
Provided for its Thousands OF Readers
of the FnvOrite Book of the Day.
Last week the writer called at the
desk OF the librarian Of the Free
Library in order to have his name put
down on the list for Du Maurier's new
book "rrilby." The applicant happened
to ask whether he was next on the list
and was informed that there were 81
names ahead of him. There may be a
dozen names more added for the much
sought-for book by this time so that
had the library committee on new books
placed but one copy on the shelves, the
earliest date that No. 81 dare expect to
see the volume would be about this day
next year. But the committee has
thoughtfully obtained two copies, so
the wait will only be six months in
stead of IL.
This statement is not made in carp.
ing spirit nor with wish to animadvert
upon the processes of management. 1t is
simply for tine purpose of stating matters
as they are. Each new book is allowed
TO the loaner for 10 days. Some readers
OF course will not retain it all tnat time.
But, on the other hand, others will keep
it all of that time, and very probably
still others availing themselves of tho
rules, through paying slight fine, of
keeping the book still longer.
SO that the calculation of n 10 days
holding as ruled by the committee hav-
ing that matter in charge, is accepted as
a fair one, all things being considered.
1t is also known that the gentlemen
having charge Of this branch of library
matters are most economical, and they
have the credit deservedly so, of max
Ing every penny OF the public grant go
as far as it may in all public library uses.
But, on the subject of new book
supply for library readers, the follow
ing, from a conceded authority on the
matter, found in the Mem England
Magazine of last July, (if the writer re.
members correctly is submitted for the
consideration of the library manage
ment.
In regard to the general policy of
conducting free library, the writer
quotes George Ticknor Curtis, who said
in 1851: II would establish a library
which differs from all free libraries
yet attempted. mean one in which
any popular books, tending to moral
and intellectual improvement, shall be
published in such numbers of copies
that many persons can be reading the
same book at the same time; in short,
that not only the best books of all sorts,
but the present literature of the dav,
shall be accessible to the whole when
they most care for it; that is when it is
fresh and new.
81 would, therefore, continue to buy
additional books Of this class almost as
long as they are asked for; and thus by
following the popular taste, unless it
should demand something injurious,
create real appetite for healthy read
ing"
1t should be remembered that Mr..
Curtis was referring, without question,
to fiction.
1t is understood, from an explanation
given by one of the library officials, that
it is the desire of the library manage
ment to make their expenditures for
new books, rather in the direction of
educational works than fiction.
Now the question is whether this
course may not have somewhat over
much of the feature of paternahsm, and
be possibly misildgment of the COM
plete function of public library, as
defined by Mr.. Curtis, and as held by
Boston and other librarians to-day.
1t may be suggested, too, that the APP
pearance of a suspiciously large and
extremely costly number of volumes,
all of the educational order, in their
bright, new covers and very largely,
noticeably SO, untouched, upon the Free
Library shelves, indicates the funda-
mental truth of Mr.. Curtis remarks,
and furnishes pointed argument for
more of the "Trilby' class Of books and
a slightly less expenditure at least for q
time on educational works.