Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-03-11
FREE LIBRARIES.
Great Progress in Their Es-
Establishment in Maine.
Reasons for Their Being and The
Causes Of Their Not Being.
The Meeting Of Maine Library Association
March IL. Promises Well


the free library movement is taking firm
hold of Maine The people demand it,
and the progress OF education also de-
mands it, for its own use, if for no other
as a part of her schools, and other insti!u-
tions of learning.
When asked about the subject Of free
libraries by Journal reporter, Tuesday,
and the chief object iii the meeting to be
held, Thursday, at the capitol and Uni
tartan church vestries by the Maine
Library Association, Mr.. Carver replied:
Abe main object Of the meeting is to
bring into closer touch tho librarians and
those interested in the establishment OF
libraries throughout the State. The estsb-
lishment of free library is a compare
lively inexpensive matter in most cases,
and inertia is really the most dangerous
obstacle which presents itself 10 those who
undertake the movement.
But the free public library is an i'm
portant adjunct to our schools. Text
books cannot contain anything like the
amount of Information that education de
mands in this era And with the raising
of the standard of education comes the
growing demand for books of reference
and means for reaching out and grasping
the deeper lines of study and thought
This is the main plea for the establish
ment Of free libraries education, and it
demands the attention of all thoughtful
persons just as closely as do the schools.
The latter though the very best that can
be made are not sufficient in themselves "
What assistance does the State give to
those who are building up free library"
was asked.
The State pays in all cases 10 per cent
of TIE sun. paid by each town or city, in
which the library is established, in addi-
ton to the sum raised by that town.
There are three methods of building
up library. In one, the latest and that
generally pursued in small country towns,
the town raises what money it can, aud
the State contributes of that sum in addi-
ton to 10 per cent of it, $50 for 500
raised, or 500 for 5000 raised. Any addi
tionsi sum receives the regular 10 per
cent
SIN cities the most feasible plan is for
the movers to Incorporate library asso
nj all bn 10 Nv
subscription and also all that is possible
from the city, on which latter, it will be
remembered, the State pays the regular
percentage
"a few libraries are founded by be-
quest and made free. On this basis are
the Belfast library, the library at Port
land, founded by Mayor Baxter, the Fogg
memorial library at Kennebunk, the Co
burn library at Skowhegan. and also, in
part, the Lith2ow library.
'Thcn,sof, course, there are the circula-
ting libraSies conducted on private basis,
By sonebookseller. Those libraries con
tain Aty books of fiction travel, and
biogNfhy.
I'D The county law libraries are somewhat
Instinct from any others in their methods
being supported by liquor fines and for
FIXTURES, of which they receive 20 per cent,
the sum not to exceed $500. Each county
has its association and selects its libra
rian.
1T should be borne In mind that free
libraries are generally recognized through
the country the sina,qua non of civiliza
ton.
In New Hampshire there is compul
sorry law, demanding that towns support
free libraries. In Massachusetts, there are
Libraries in all but "a cities and towns
How many free libraries are there in
Maine:" was asked
There are 10 free libraries in the 500
cities, towns and plantations (of which
number, 10G are plantatlons.) There are
in all 80 which receive help from the
town, and consequently from the State"
"What appropriations are granted the
State for librarics?'
For 1894 S15, 000 was appropriated; in
95, $4,000"
SIS the number of free libraries grow
ing rapidly
"There were ten more in December,
1895, than in December 1894, ard the
growth is continually increasing, l think.
cit should be born in mind by all, that
libraries are for the people, and their
creation and maintenance depends upon
the people In some cases, where al en-
dowment is made, the amount is not
sufficient to construct the library build
ing, build up, ard maintain the library
after a nucleus has been made. In this
case it is the duty Of the town or city, or
rather the people of that city, to have
money appropriated by the town, to see
that the work is properly maintained.
"Ihe time Is now ripe for the establish