The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-29
A LIBRARY COMMISSION.
A Bill Will Also Provide for Town
ship Boards.

The Indiana Library Association, at it's
meeting yesterday, divided forces on the
subject of whether or not it was advisable
to continue the state library under the SUI
pervision of the Board of Education. or TO
divorce 1t altogether from the school system
One faction thought the best plan was to
leave the appointment of the state librarian
to state library commission, While the
other faction stood to uphold the present
law giving the Board of Education the man
agement of the library.
Altogether the old question of state or
nonstate jurisdiction was discussed in a.
manner to Indicate that it has become a
factor in all questions now before the asso-
citation. The report of the legislative com
mittee, which had in hand the drafting of
suitable library bill, brought on a discussion
which for a time threatened to defeat the
purposes of the committee Albert Faurot,
Of Terre Haute, secretary of the Library AS
ISOLATION, presented the outline of a bill
which was the joint work of the association
and the Indianapolis Commercial Club, and
after spirited discussion was Endorsed. ex-
cept by the representatives of the Literary
Club, who were pledged to their own bills.
as follows:
"First-A public library commission Of
three members is to be created; the state
librarian Is to be a member and the secre-
tary; the other two members are to he an
pointed by the Governor each for a term of
four years. Such commissioners are to
serve without compensation. The law as to
the state library board and the appoint
ment OF the state librarian is to remain as
at present.
"Second-Four thousand dollars is to be
APPROPRIATED for the purchase of books and
equipment, for travelling libraries which are
to be kept separate from the other books of
the state library, and are to be loaned to
n r n hpv oil ~ 1oyrf-
cultural or other societies. grange. college.
seminary, university extension center study
circle or other associations, on furnishing
satisfactory security and complying with the
rules and regulations of the public library
commission.
"Third-One thousand dollars is to be ap-
proprated annually for clerical assistance
and other expenses made necessary by the
act
'Fourth-On written petition of five
voters, the question of a township library
shall be submitted to the voters at any
township election. If majority of votes
on the question are in favor of the library,
a tax of one-fifth of a mill on the dollar is
to be levied and collected for such library.
"Fifth-Townshp library boards are to be
established composed of the township trus-
tee and two residents of the township, one
of whom shall be a woman, appointed by
the county superintendent. Such board
shall have charge OF the library, and shall
During the discussion, Miss Merica Hoag-
land, of Fort Wayne. advocated the separa-
tion of the library system from the public
school system and the placing of it in the
hands of q library commission She was
seconded by James Statesman of Peru but
the sentiment in favor of the bill was strong
enough TO carry 1T by small majority.
Before adjournment the officers Tor the COM
ing year were then elected as follows Pres
president. Albert Faurot. of Terre Haute:
secretary, Miss Belle Hanna: treasurer.
Miss Jessie Allen of indianapolis; member
of the advisory board, Miss Elizabeth D.
Swan. of LAFAYETTE