The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1895-02-14
PLEADS FOR LIBRARY
'PROF. WlSWALL SAYS ONE is IN
DlSPENSABLE.
WANTS ONE FOR SCHOOL PUPILS
Most Potent Factor in Struggles To-
ward Right Thinking and Right
Living.-Their influence In
Education.

Mr.. EDITOR: me through
your paper to present to your readers
and the friends of the public school a
few thoughts concerning our school
library.
That well-selected library is an in
despensable auxiliary of an efficient
school, is a proposition that no intelli-
gent person in this age will deny, yet
it is believed that comparatively few
fully appreciate its Importance. A
love for good reading is one of the best
guarantees of good citizenship. 1t not
only contributes to the intelligence of q
people, but it promotes in most po-
tent way right thinking and right
living.
In no other direction has there been
such marked advancement in educa-
ton in Wisconsin, during the last de-
cade, as in the matter of public school
libraries.
The Library Law of 1887, which en-
powers town treaSurerS to withhold
annually from the school fund income
ten cents for each person of school age
in their respective towns, has resulted
in the establishment of school libraries
in more than half of the rural districts
of the state, and it has stimulated their
growth in most Of the cities. The
State Superintendent in his report for
1894 makes the following statement:
9 The interest in school libraries has
been even more marked in the cities
and large proportion OF them have
fair and some of them excellent Ii
brarieS."
There are in our school library, eX-
elusive of reference books, about three
hundred and fifty books in a readable
condition. While this little collection
is doing most valuable service,
thanks to some of the teachers Of the
past) it is manifestiy entirely made
quate to meet the needs of nine humid
red children. 1t is gratifying to know
that there is an eager desire for books
on the part of pupils, yet it is a source
of deep regret that our limited supply
Of books is insufficient to meet this
growing demand.
Are our citizens aware that Kenosha
is far behind most Of her sister cities
in the matter of library facilities?
Are we aware that the majority OF
country districts, even, of the state are
better supplied with library books in
proportion to their school population
than the city of kenoshag Is it gener-
ally understood that no appropriation
has been made for library purposes
and that the maintenance Of the library
depends solely upon the proceeds OF
the school entertainments?
The teachers of the public schools,
keenly approaching the need of more
books, are preparing to give two en-
tertainments for the benefit of the IL
brary and they are sparing no pains to
make them a pronounced success.
The program of the high school enter
tainment to be given on the 18th at
the opera house is varied and pleas
ing one. 1t includes cantata given
under the direction of Miss Erickson.
Prof Carnes, of Chicago, who was here
recently with the Imperial Quartette,
will give some readings. The enter
tainment by the grade departments
will be given at the high school audi
forum on the Goth. A most interest
ing program appropriate for the ami
versary of Washington's birthday, has
been prepared. Let everybody attend
and see what the little folks can do.
We feel confident that both enter
tainments will be greatly enjoyed by
all who attend.
We solicit liberal patronage.