The San Francisco call., 1899-12-06
III.-READING COURSES AND A
GIRLS LIBRARY.
Reading Circles.
BY JOHN MILLAR, MA.

The years of school life are short for
most persons. Fifty per cent OF all chill
dren who enter school leave before the
age or IL. Too often the love OF read nS
is not created before the duties OF life
are 70 be assumed. The girl who has no
taste for literature should seek so far
as she can. the environment which will
give her love for good books Parents
and friends may not be the best judges OF
proper reading matter. Not infrequentiy
teachers suggest reading courses for ex-
pupils OF their schools. II is a great ad-
vantage TO young people when some per-
son in the community interests himself I'm
the formation OF reading circles The
young woman who joins a good literary
society or reading club has a chance OF
getting above many OF the petty cares
and the gossip OF this life into a higher
realm-the realm OF ideals.
Organizations OF this kind sometimes
embrace students attending educational
institutions. but more frequently the
membership is made up OF persons who
have finished school life. When the last
lesson is given children by the teacher
there should be some means OF having
the process OF education continued. II IS
becoming more fully recognized that the
boys and girls who are "out OF school
deserve consideration. Public libraries
ments such as university extension" Of
the present day. The need OF school ex-
tension" is more pressing. Perhaps no
development in this direction has rad
such marvellous success as the Chautau-
qua literary and scientific circle. The
plan has paved the way for system Of
home reading and study which has he
come widespread. II is often maintained
that methods Of this kind cannot furnish
opportunities for getting the best train
ing, and that the knowledge gained Is
superficial. There is some force in these
objections. Attendance at college is 10
be preferred. Only few have, however.
the privilege OF going 10 the higher seats
Of learning. 1t Is for the great body OF
mentioned are intended. A demand for
the education OF the masses Is a sign OF
the Christian conscience. Hence the or
ganization OF literary associations in con-
obedience to the same demand, Christian
Endeavor and Epworth League move
ments have not overlooked the benefits
OF good literature. Unfortunately, efforts
OF the kind have not reached many
young persons. What is needed very
much is public school extension. Some
ness of the school TO the students who
have at an early age been obliged 10
work In the home. the office. the store or
the factory. Reading clubs may be
formed wherever there Is available some
person able and willing 10 give advice re-
garding the books 10 be taken up. IL IS
not necessary that the club should be
large, provided the few who constitute its
membership are filled with the desire for
self-improvement. The organization Of a
reading circle is simple process. A
dozen or less number meet once a week
to discuss matters pertaining 20 the book
read by each Of the members. Another
book is read. and at the next meeting
notes are again compared. Opinions are
freely expressed and mutual benefit re-
suits from the interchange of opinion.
No attempt at critical examination