The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-07
TRAVELLING LIBRARIES.
Int-rosting Article From President Of wo.
man's Clubs.

work known as tho Travelling library,
which is being systomatized by tho
Federation Of Woman's clubs, 1 ask
that yon will give space to tho fol-
lowing, in order that the propaganda
OF this work may be fully understood
aud appreciated by tho people of our
State:
a great awakening is being felt
throughout the length and breadth
of this broad land to tho Importance
Of Il more general diffusion of knowl-
edge to tho masses, and out of this
awakening has grown this work,
which is missionary in tho broadcast
sonse, rs its raison. da etc is tho plac-
ing good literature in tho reach Of
small towns, rural schools and vii
lagos, the carrying of good books
into isolated communities where H.
brary privileges and benefits are un-
known.
The Travelling library is not re-
cent experiment but rs evidenced by
other States is entirely practical
and successful project.
In the State of Wisconsin we find
record of eight years successful
operation. A work that is supported
by State aid, and is controlled by Il
library commission consisting of Il
board Of five persons, viz: The pres
ident of the State. university, the
State superintendent Of schools, the
secretary of tho State Historical soci-
ETY. with two others appointed by the
governor. A State appropriation
supports and carries out this plan of
the Free Travelling Library.
Ohio follows closo in the lead Of
Wisconsin and other States north,
east, south and west arc catching the
inspiration. Our sistor State, Geor-
giu, with her usual enterprise is
abreast Of the times.
The Georgia Woman's clubs have
been sending out libraries as individ
nal clubs for two years. The most
important travelling library work,
however, in the south, and which is
unique in its inception is that of the
Seaboard Air Limo railroad, under
the superintendent Of Mrs Eugene
Heard Of MiddIetown, Ga, and which
by her earnest efforts has been eys-
temiZed.
Mrs. Heard is an ardent member
Of the Georgia federation, and is also
chairman of tho library committee of
the general federation. Tho terri
tory over which she has control Ohe
Sraboard railroad) extends from Nor
folk, Va, to Atlanta, Ga. This line
of road, through its vice. president,
Mr.. e. st. John, has contributed
books used Oh tho line and cases,
transports the agents and book cases
free of charge, and otherwise assists
in the successful carrying out Of this
project. Mrs. Heard's territory en-
braces 25 South Carolina towns o.
stations on the SAID railroad These
towns will be reached by tho Travel.
ing library Of the South Carolina fed
Grafton, through Mrs. Heard and hen
agents. 1t is projected to make
Clinton, Chester, Cheraw and Abbe,
vile di trlbutmg points for tho ada.
cent territory on this line of road
And now word as to the mothod
Of this work. A certain number ol
books re denominated u library
suy so or more-o2 is the number
adopted by the Soaboard railroad
These books arc labeled and mum
bored and placed in a case made
cperially for the purpose with stout
doors, locks and handles ready fol
transportation at Il moments notice
A local organization must bo formed
in towns and villages or communitio:
desiring the use of the library--a Ii
brarian appointed who will be re
sponslble for tho safe return of the
books. The books are then sent on
for the free use of tho public in thu
villages applying for tho library
The books will be returned tor thu
expiration OF the timo allotted, whicl
is abont 30 days. Tho library il