The times., 1898-12-04
The Ac, ,ommodntions for the Blind
Rcaders.


The Ace tonmodntions for the Blind
Readers.
a large pavilion in the northwest corner
of the library has beenlss, apart for the
use of blind readers and put in charge
of Miss Eta Josslyn Giff1n. The idea of
having such department originated with
Miss Helen Marr Campbell land was car
ried ont through the efforts of Mr.. Young
and Mr.. Hutcheson. To the privilege OF
reading have been added lectures. public
readings by prominent people, musicals
and other features for the entertain
ment of the blind, extending the scope
OF the department so far beyond the
limits originally intended, that it par
takes decidedly of the nature of a phil
anthropic work. The public readings
were suggested by MIR. Hutcheson. and
! inaugurated with great success by Mrs.
John Russell Young.
At the main desk. near the door OF the
pavilion, Miss Giffin has on exhibition
books printed in the various systems used
| by the blind, including the New York
Point, American Braille Dot system in
vented by Louis Braille in 1899; the Luz
cas- stenoSraphic SYSTEM and others The
system in most general use is the New
York Point system. Without entering
into technical description of its merits.
it is sufiicienk~to say that it is the easi-
est read, enables books to be more con-
densed and gives the blind a tangible
form of writing. In one of the old sys-
TENS the Bible was printed in sixtv-five
unwieldly volumes, while, by means of
the New York Point, not more than
eleven smaller ones are necessary Books
for the blind are very expensive and the
Library has only about 2l9 volumes. The
collection is growing. however. and many
charitably inclined persons are endeayor
ing TO secure donations to increase its
number certain corner of the pavilion
has been set apart exclusively for the
use of blind readers, who. when the ap-
ply for books are. always asked what
system of printing they prefer. Some
important works in the collection are.
me Bible printed in nearly all the sys-
TENS, lrvinGs works. some good musical
manuscripts, Pilgrims Progress, miscel-
laneous poems, etc.
Music.
This is department of which the pub
lie seems to know very little. Situated in
the east wing of the building, at some dis
lance from the general reading-room, ii
escapes the observation of casual visit
ors. The work is conducted by Mr.. w. r.
Whittlesey. superintendent and Miss
-
dent New music is classified as rapidly
as it comes into the Library and, as the
international copyright law now brings us
the productions of foreign masters from
the chief musical countries, such as Ger
many and Italy, the department. will soon
be well stocked with the gems of musical
compositions. Very nearly every variety
may be found in the collection, from in
structions TO a drum major to symphonies
for rphn
here and in Europe find their way to this
department, making 1t a reference library
for the practical musician AZ piano room,
furnished with an excellent piano, adjoins
the main room, and the musician is sent
TO the former to try pieces of music OBJ
tanned from the musical library. This en-
ables one who desires to make purchases
of music for any purpose. 10 decide be-
forehand what compositions are to be pre-
ferred. record is kept of each appli-
cation for music and the kind for which
call is made This is done III order to es-
innate what classes of music are most
needed for the Librarys daily use.
So complete is the system of filing away
that separate pieces of music can be To-
Gated as easily as books in the general
Library. 1t is in this department that we
can detect one of the most notable i'm
provements over the old Library. While
in the Capitol, the music was, simply piled
away. with no facilities for making it ac-
cessible to the musician. The officials now
in charge of the collection lay stress
upon the fact that. the latter is not
merely on exhibition, but for practical
work and daily use. In a classified COL
lection are exhibited Samples of kinder
garten music. and all of the various sys-
tens, from the tonic sol ia to the latest
methods. Some prominent teachers of
this city. who have learned of the useful
ness of this department. come to it to
obtain the latest and best methods to in
terest pupils. The mural ornamentation
Of the music room is being supplemented
from time to time with pictures of prom
inent musicians, singers and composers
ble-that is. catalogued and uncatalogued