Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-06-11
Free Circulating Libraries
County has Drawn Prize.

Mr.. J. D. Witter is preparing for its
citizens a gift so broad and generous
and complete, SO rich In its possibilities
of intellectual improvement for our
citizens, that it will mark an era in oul.
educational history. He proposes
to give to all the rural and village
residents of the county, an opportunity
to read the best books of the language
at their own homes, practically without
money and wi bout price. His plan
includes the purl aase Of a library OF the
most wholesome and popular books,
those that expe ience proves are not
only good, but which are eagerly read
by all classes of people, and to divide
this library into smaller ones which
shall be moved from station to station
i'll the county, until every resident has
had an opportunity to read all the
books of the main library in the course
of few years. Each of the smaller
libraries will contain 80 volumes, and
will remain from four to six months in
a place.
A community may secure one OF
these travelling libraries by complying
with certain easy conditions, whic h are
only intended to secure the careful treat
ment and safe return of the books, so
that they may long continue their
kindly mission. A community desiring
the travelling libraries will be required
to form local library association of
about twenty members, and to appoint
a responsible person as Sect'y. This
officer will appoint the Librarian, re-
ceive and return the libraries, and
conduct all the correspondence. He
will, in fact, be the executive officer.
Each local association will pay for a
small and inexpensive bookcase, and
will also pay the transportation charges.
The books of each library will be
securely packed for shipment in a sub
stantial box which can be safely sent
by freight so that the transportation
charges will be small. Frequently a
neighbor will be found who will cheer
fully carry the box in his trip to and
from the county seat. These minor
expenses will be provided by one or
more individual members of the
association, and the books will be free
to all residents of the community who
will handle them reasonably careful.
Each Library will be managed under
simple and reasonable rules, and will
be provided with records which can be
easily kept by any intelligent person.
1t will contain a few bright books for
children, a few wholesome and enter
tanning novels, three readable books
of travel and adventure, four Of history
and biography, one or two Of popular
science, one ofliterature or poetry, one
of songs. one Of games and sports, and
one on cooking or some other depart
ment Of housekeeping. Some Of the
libraries will have books on civil
government, or social science, educa-
ton, farming or other practical
subjects so that the whole range of
topics that interest individuals, as well
as the masses will be covered in the
changes in year or two. Mr.. Witter
has requested the trustees of the 7. B.
Scott Free Library of Grand Rapids, to
assume general charge of this system of
free travelling libraries, but he will
defray all expenses of any sort
incurred in their establishment and
maintenance. He is anxious to reach
all parts Of the county, and hopes to be
called upon to furnish a large number
of small libraries. AS it takes some
time to purchase and arrange these
libraries, he wishes to know soon about
how many will be wanted.
Residents of communities, which
can probably use these libraries TO
good advantage should address, /. E.
Philleo, Grand Rapids, and they will
receive blanks showing them how to
proceed in forming local associations,
In the management Of the details of
the plan, Mr.. Witter and the library
board will haye the cordial assistance
of the Wisconsin Free Library Com
mission, which has recently aided in
successfully establishing similar
system in Dunn County.
In the latter county, Senator ]. H.
Stout of Menomonee, made the first
experiment in this line in Wisconsin,
but it has met so eager and enthusiastic
reception by the people, that its
popularity and usefulness is beyond
question. The system seems destined
to grow in wide use, as it offers a
unique method ofproviding wholesome,
well selected literature for the residents
of isolated neighborhoods at COM
parltively small cost. 1t should be a
matter of just pride to every citizen of
Wood County that it will be among the
leaders of new movement which far
seeing business men as well as educators
believe to be one of the most promising
movements of the day.
Heretofore, most prominent phil
anthropists have showered their favors
upon cities, but this new line of
philanthrophy scatt9rs its bless ms with
free and liberal hand upon those who
live outside the great lines of travel
and business. We have no doubt that
Mr.. Writer'S wise benefcence will
| find prompt response, and that our
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