The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-10-06
751 CHAPEL STREET.

of advertising that we can possibly use I recommend to all members to place such cards in the hands of their friends, and urge them to avail them selves of the privileges granted by them. They may be obtained at the desk upon application.
 I cannot too highly praise the work of the ladies' committee. At their fort nightly meetings, held from October to June, they discuss the merits of all the current publications, and present to the book committee a list of books, which, from their personal knowledge is worthy of approval. Such a knowl- edge involves much reading of books on their part, as well as a familiarity with the criticisms of the press, and book notices of all sorts. This super vision makes it certain that objection able books will not find their way to our shelves. It is perhaps to be re- gretted that works of fiction must oc- cupy such prominent place in our purchases, but if we are to cater to the public we much furnish the books which they demand, and the literature which is discussed in the various cir cles of society.
 We hope soon to place in the parlor another case to be used exclusively for books of reference, such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, aliases, etc. This is a much needed improvement, as these books are now on the next floor, which ladies avoid as much as possible on &C., count of the extra pair of stairs.
 The reports of the librarian and the treasurer will indicate to you the pres ent condition of the library and our financial status. It is a matter of re- gret that our debt is not yet entirely extinguished, as I had hoped it would be during the current year. But the improved appearance of the property accounts for the diversion of funds from this channel. We can soon make up for this change if our membership continues to increase in the same pro- portion as for the last six months. To this end I bespeak your loyal co-opera- tion for the year to come.
 The addition of twenty new life mem- bers to our list would make this an &C., complished fact Hereafter it will be the policy of the trustees to reserve all rentals from the upper rooms of the building for fund to be used for ex- pense of insurance and all necessary re pairs. This is a wise arrangement, and will probably meet all requirements. In this connection, I would suggest the propriety of receiving an annual report from the trustees, so that all members may be constantly advised of the con- duct of this permanent trust. I trust that the time may yet come when It will be possible to add to our building, so as to utilize all the land in the rear. The public library would undoubtedly rent the lower room, and an upper room would make an attractive hall for all music lovers and many ladies orea anizations, To me, it seems as though the time is not far distant when it will be wise to consider the expedl- ency of securing the necessary legisla- ton to place the ownership Of the real estate and the library, with it's perma- nent funds, under one corporation This is the plan of the Boston Athe- .neum, and is very successful in city (which boasts of one of the most etfl- cient public libraries in the country share of stock in the Atheneum is now a valuable asset in any ones hands If the institute were organ ized on a similar basis, it would De a permanent one, and no question or divided interest could occur, such as would be possible under the present ar rangement. But plans for a change can wait, as long as wise managers can be found who will take an active part in the control of the library atfalrs, But whatever may be the plan of su- pervision, the "Young Mems Institute,
 that has held so prominent a place Tn this country for more than seventy years, will always find loyal constitu- ency ready to maintain and preserve It. Joseph R. French.