Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1900-09-06
6tatsI Superintendent Barrett Issues
. Circular Explaining the New
Library Law.
Tho School Board 10 Compelled to-
Spend 50 Much Money For
Books.
Some W hblesome Advice 90 to How.
to Proceed Under the
Statute.


county superintendent, for distrlbu-
ton among boards of directors, to be
read at the regular meeting in Septem-
Der, circular relat ting to educational
matters in general and to libraries and
the new library law in particular. In
referring to the new law, Superintend-
|ent Barrett says:
The law is mandatory in Its proyis-
ions, making 1t obligatory upon the
treasurer to withhold the money from
the apportionment, and upon the presi-
dent and the secretary, with the assist
ance OF the county superintendent, to
laxpend the money judiciously for the
purchase OF books selected from lists
prepared by the state board Of educa-
tional examiners.
The amount of money to expend att
|any one time Will not be large but5when
continued from year to year, according
to the provisions of this law, it viii
rapidly accumulate and keep the libra
~ fresh with some new books that can
be added every fall. 1t is to be hoped
that the adjustment Of these Libraries
Will arouse new interest and stimulate
the citizens OF many districts to en-
ploy other means OF increasing the
fund.
The list Of books is now being pre-
pared by the state board of educational
examiners, and. ogs,ther with the regu-
lations, will soon be printed and for
lWarded to the officers charged with the
selection OF the books. Directions will!
/ be given as to the best method OF keep
ing the records by the secretaries and
the librarians. All record books will be
| furnished by the board and paid for out
| of the contingent fund, unless supplied
by boards of supervisors. as is some
times done. The list recommended by
the state board of exa miners includes
books from the leading publishing
firms of the country. To save expense
and annoyance to the district the entire
list has been submitted to number Of
firms for bids. and it is proposed to
give the contract for handling books to
the lowest responsible bidder. This ar
arrangement will very much simplify the
bordering of books, since all can be pur-
lchased from one firm instead of many.
This is the plan adopted in other states
where similar laws are in force and re-
ports indicate that it is most highly sat
iisfactory
AS stated, the list of books recon-
mended was submitted and bids re-
lceived. The lowest was that of the st.
Paul Book and Stationery Company, OF
ST. Paul, AIinn. This company, in adj
EDITION TO. having made the lowest bid,
agrees to prepay books to districts. thus
saving them any cost of transportatio
'Thistis a great advantage to the
school districts said Superintendent
Barrett. and will be appreciated
The list of books prepared by the
board of examiners comprises more
4 than 600svolunles of the best books suit
able for pupils. teachers and residents,
and has been properly classified.
In addition To the general classified
iition. the board has for the convenience
of small districts row without libraries
named q suggestive list of books for a
:. five dollar Ii library" stem dollar liz
brary." etc. The purpose of the board
lnas been to assist those charged with
| the selection and care of library books
and provide the very best books at the
lowest prices. Superintendent Barrett
lis unable to state definitely the sum:
that will be expended for libraries. In
1899 $23,4S3 We're expended for Libraries
and dictionaries, and in 1898 $1S,232 were
spent for the same purpose. Under the
llaw the treasurer in school townships
and rural Independent districts is re-
Iquired to withhold not less than 5 nor
more than 10 cents for each pupil II
think, = said Mr.. Barrett, that in many
ldistricts the maximum amount will be
withheld If Carlyle was right when he
said that the best university is a library
LOT well-selected books, it certainly
should be. Z