The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-23

Circulating Libraries are no more luxury
for large cities only, as small towns are now
also afforded the opportunity of having one
for the asking.
While passing through Greensburg. in this
State, last week, the writer was confronted
in a drug store in which he was making a
purchase with a completely equipped circu-
latng library, representing almost every
author of note in the world. Upon inquiry
he was told that the books embraced fifteen
hundred volumes, such as Reference, Fic-
tion Essays, History Science, Art, Poetry,
Philosophy and Magazines. One of the firm,
Mr.. Alexander of Alexander & Co., stated
that this is a feature inaugurated by them
Aug. ], 1897, and that their subscribers
already number It's, with a continual in
creasing patronage. Immediately after the
inception the innovation was found to take
so well that they began to branch out, j. G.,
supply other towns by selecting the leading
druggist in each place and stocking them
with books of every description, especially
those of such character best fitted to the
community's use. Every member is given a
catalogue to select his or her book or mag
azine and, placing check mark opposite the
authors name, hands it to the librarian in
charge, who gives the book or magazine de-
sired. The charge of becoming a member
is only two dollars and a half (S2.50) a year,
which includes the privilege of reading all
the magazines; without the latter the fee is
only one dollar and a half 800 If mem
Der should wish to purchase a book or books
a wholesale price is made; magazines at
publishers rates, i. e. % per cent. discount.
member is permitted to keep borrowed
book from one to two weeks; the length or
time depending upon the nature of the book.
Copyrighted are loaned for seven days;
standard works, fourteen days; magazines,
three 90 days. Quite number of German
authors are also represented. All the books
are cloth-bound, with gilt tops. Up to the
present time this, the International Library
Association, as it is termed, and doing
aside of Greensburg, in Elwood, Bedford.
Washington and Knightstown. Being des1r-
Gus of furnishing library to every town IN
the State of formidable size, this associa-
ton will be glad to hear from any one wish
ing to establish a library in their town.
Books most suitable to the wants of the
send one of their many travelling agents TO
look after the needs of the intending libra
rian One-third of the books are exchanged
semi-yearly; the members, of course, are IN
Structed to take good care OF them Whlle
in their possession, being part OF the rules
and regulations, which are herewith given
in part: Only one book at a time can be
had and exchanged as often as desired
fine of 2 cents is charged for each and ev-
cry day book Is out exceeding seven days
on seVen-day books, and all others cents
per day for each day exceeding two weeks.
All books lost or damaged must be paid for.
If out sixty days, not returnable and must
be paid for, all fines to be paid before an
other book is loaned.
To have library of this kind in a store
greatly enhances the trade, as the needs or
members are simultaneously attended to in
other lines, which increases 80 1-3 per cent.
The inauguratoTs, MeSsrs. Alexander & Co..
have also the largest drug house in Decatur
county; Gfeensburg, the seat OF location. is
inhabited by them with three-story brick
building. which is filled with merchandise
largest retail business, they also do an eX-
tensive wholesale trade. covering a territory
of forty (40) counties in this State, which
their emissarieS visit weekly. Physlclans are
also supplied in all their needs, such as in
struments, compounds, etc, etc. They have
just about completed the renovation OF their
store which covers a large area or space
and makes an admirable impression. The
flooring space occupies ten thousand square
feet and from appearances is rather scant
than too much. The proprietors (being
father and SOM, are very energetic business
men and forging to the front with
rapidity bordering on phenomenal Sagacfty.
The intention of these gentlemen at the
present time is to form a stock company and
capitalize it. whereby they will be enabled
to cover the territory completely, l. e.. en-
ter adjoining States and equip every town of
respectable size with Il library embracing
two to three hundred volumes. Their mode
is to stock place and then send out agents
to solicit the membership, which usually
takes a very short time, as the majority
take to the new departure with an avidity.
Whenever circulating library is estab-
lished in q town prominent citizens make
themselves felt by extending their gratitude
for the opportunity granted their people in
acquiring reading matter with convenience
and cheapness MesSrS- Alexander x Co.
will cheerfully impart complete information
to all who with to interest themselves in
the stock company by addressing them at
re cf1t-c Ind