The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-01-23
THE LIBRARY BILLS.
Comments by a supporter of the Pro-
posed Measures.

To the Editor of the indianapolis Journal:
In an editorial of the oIrlll cf Jan. is
a wrong impression is gwen CT che Of
the library bills before the Legislature
for consideration. There is no differ
ence whatever in the bills as to the
care of the state library property. Every
one knows that in a state library there is a
collection of rare and valuable reference
books which must remain intact, but the
state library should also contain books on
science, literature and art that are beyond
many private libraries and those of small
cities which should be accessible to the
State by paying express to and from and
replacing if damaged or lost, making 1t
possible for scholars to pursue their studies
in any part of the State, these books being
not always of general interest enough for
the travelling library. A commission of
recognized ability will make such rules as
will be to the best advantage of all con-
cerned. and will bring the state library and
library interests of Indiana up TO the stan
dard they should be-
The bill from the Indiana Union of Liter
airy Clubs. which seems, for political rea-
sons is being placed in a false light, is a
common sense view, after careful study.
of what will be for the best future good of
the library interests in Indiana. The trend
OF public business points toward commits
slons when is desired a high order of sue
cess. commission means the devotion of
time and effort by specially qualified per-
sons, getting in touch with the most pro-
gressive methods in other States indeed
IN no other way can superior fitness or eX-
pert ability be brought to bear on impor-
tant measures and methods and a sustained
policy be carried on. The commissioners
should all be responsible to the same au-
thority in no Otner way can harmony be
secured, and we think the library interests
1nnOrtant enough to merit The direct
attention of the Governor rather than TO
be subordinate to board primarily Sc
lected for some other interests Hence, we
believe the Governor should appoint the
commission and they appoint the state Ii
brarian. The bill is offered without the
least opposition to the State Board OF Ed
ucation. They are no GOubt doing all they
can under the pressure of their own work,
which is certainly quite enough tor one
board. IL is not a question for or against the
State Board OF Education, but 1t IS a ques-
ton for or against the best future develop
ment Of the library in Indiana.
We ask that travelling libraries be made
part of the state library and not a sep
arate department, because it naturally be-
longs there and will not necessitate addi-
tiOnal expense for clerical assistance which
for the present needs would be entirely un-
necessary. 1t is all very we'll for those who
are within reach of any book they may de-
sire, to theOrize and moraliZe upon the adj
visibility of travelling Libraries, Dut one has
only to be among the people of the country
and small towns to appreciate the intense
longing for books. | believe the travelling
library is the solution of some of the grave
questions that confront the people to-day
A strong demand for broader and more pro-
SressiVe library legislation comes from
many parts of the State and we are sure
the legislators will give the question earn
est consideration. Some one has wisely
said that whatever tends to raise men to
higher planes of living contributes directly
to the efficiency of their service.
ELIZABETH CL4AYPOOL EARL
Chairman Library Legislative Committee,
Indiana Union of Literary Clubs.