The record-union., 1897-09-19

the membership being determined, each
is known thereafter by his or her num-
Der. At the outset the volumes pur-
chased are as nearly as possible divided
evenly among the members. At the
end of two weeks number twenty
passes his book to number one, and
number one his volume to number two,
and so on down the line the exchange
goes on. Where the exchange can be
made through the Librarians hands or
through the shelf repository where the
list of exchange numbers is posted it
should be done.
Forty weeks will elapse before the
twenty volumes will have gone
the rounds and within that time
each member will be expected
to contribute cents a week
! or 10 cents at each exchange. which will
accumulate money sufficient to purchase
another lot of thirty volumes, and if
the less costly editions are chosen a great
many more, such for instance as well
known and reputable publishers issue
as libraries; that for instance edited
| by the late Mr. Morley, by which excel
/ lent volumes can be had at % cents
each in stiff covers and muslin hinges
embracing all the standard poets,
Shakespeare plays, the great novels,
histories. ancient and modern, the
greater essays, sermons, biographies
works of travel, etc. If such choice
is made the original contribution may
be reduced to 81, and eighty volumes
procured and the distribution per person
or family enlarged. But we would ad-
wise that only well bound volumes be
procured, and that no contemplation be
had of a less cost than 30 cents per
volume and from that to 50 80 within
which selections from among the most
valuable books of modern print can
be had.
The New York Times" now informs
us that these book clubs are in exist
| ence in large cities, and that there
are several in Albany, Rochester and
similar communities. There it is
| deemed essential to limit the member
ship, since it prevents completely and
| invests the scheme with attractions OF
a social character not known to free IL
braries. 1t assufes the club member
also that the book he receives has not
been in any home in which he or she
would not be a willing visitor, and thus
affords some guarantee against "bac-
terial dread" 1t guarantees also TO
readers that a book of notable popu-
larity will certainly come to his hands
| in due order, whereas in the library 1t
is often difficult to secure much
sought volume, and requires, frequent
| ly, months of waiting.
In the Rochester and Albany Clubs
the books are covered with stout paper
and boldly numbered on the outside
and there is a small contribution made
to meet this cost and the printing of
list of the membership and order of ex-
change, which are pasted on the inside
Of the front cover. There the MEM
bership or exchange numbers are wise
| ly adjusted according to the proximity
of residence TO render the exchange
slip with the dates of the exchange the
1st and 10Th of each month in bold
type, and this is secured opposite the
title page as a reminder. But this is
scarcely necessary since at least in one
of twenty families some one will re-
member promptly and make the ex-
change, and this will start the word
down the whole line.
Now as to disposal of the club books.
At Yonkers and in some other places
it is provided that after a volume has
made the circuit. any club member may
purchase it at half the cost price. The
books usually are well kept and worth
owning because well covered and care
fully handled by those who feel per-
sonal ownership in them. The money
| accumulated from sales is devoted 20
| the purchase of new volumes in most
part, or to the reduction of the men,
bership fee or to compensation of the
librarian and payment of costs, or di-
vided among the three.
In one OF these book clubs known as
| the Sesame" and connected with the
Dutch Reformed Church of Albany, af-
ter a volume has made the rounds it
may be drawn as an extra by mem
Der who wishes to re-read it; or it may
a small fee-some three cents. But the
purchasing plan has most to recon-
mend it. Between two clubs of which
we hear, exchange collections is made
semi-annually, thus broadening the
scope of circulation, while retaining the
limited membership scheme But the
strict limitation is better with the pur-
chasing plan added because it enables
members to secure ownership of books
at a cost not otherwise possible.
1t will be found that publishers and
book dealers are exceedingly gracious
to these clubs and will favor them with
low rates and many privileges to Sc
cure their patronage, and viii usually
deliver purchases made free, no mat
ter what the distance of carriage. if all
the purchases are made through one
house. and to that there can be no OBJ
lection, since any dealer Of repute can
procure any volume issued.