The Washington times., 1901-10-17

The appropriations for the Washing
ton Public Library for 1901-02 We're: For
librarian, 800; assistant librarian. $500:
assistant $40; two assistants at SOU
stenographer and typewriter, 5000; JAM
tor, $3.50; one attendant, $3.50; two atterd-
ants at $500 each; one messenger, $3.50; in
all. $3.50
For purchase of books, 5000; binding,
$500; rent. fuel, light fitting up rooms
and other contingent expenses, $500; In
all, sll,000 Total. s19, $50.
The current appropriations are noted
in pursuance of custom in presenting
next years estimates, but on this occa-
sion the effect is mis- 1adins, since it IS
the existing library, With IT'S appropria-
ton last year of Sl93Se, which is to be
met: but the extraordinary conditions
raised by the occupancy of the new build
ing under a pledge OF suitable library
maintenance render the problem an origf-
nal one, to be decided largely on the
precedents furnished by other libraries
similarly housed and conditioned, and we
are aided little by consideration of the
provisions heretofore made for the exist
ing library"
Librarian Flint's report shows the cir
culation of books in ,he Public Library
IS follows:
Philosophy and religion, 2,092: biography.
3.f4S; history and travel, 7,ll6; social
science. ilS: natural science, 1855; useful
arts. I23; recreation and fine arts, LIZ;
literature. 7470; English fiction and ju-
venile, 1893; periodicals, 249; total. 123,555
The average daily circulation vas 4oi,
and the Library was open for 303 days
With reference to the registration of
readers. the Librarian says:
When the library was opened in jan
uary. 1899 the trustees directed that cards
should he issued to readers. e.'Litling them
to the privileges of the library for three
years This was done, and on June 90
1901, l3,2& persons had registered on
January . 1892 the first cards issued will
. M 81 Cf rat heA
which means additional work. A COM
plete registration should he made and
every resident of the District of Columbia
encouraged to become reader at the
library.
in 1900 S.746 persons registered in 1901
PSI. In 1900 there was general interest
in Mr.. Carnegie's gift. in the discussion
of the sites and the new building, and in
the work Of the library in its cramped
quarters on New York Avenue. Hardly
a week passed without some mention of
the library in the daily papers. During
the past year the gift, the new building
and the organized public library seemed
old stories and We're seldom mentioned;
hence less interest has been mani
Tested on the part OF the public IN the
matter of registration. but one great rea-
son has been the lack of books demanded
by the mass of readers, which can only
be remcdied by large purchases"
The Librarian presents this statement
regarding the use of the library by chill
dren in the public schools:
Ono OF the most gratifying facts has
been the constantly Increasing number OF
readers among the children, the majority
Of whom are from the public schools. and
this in spite of the fact that owing to
the crowded condition Of the library and
lack Of room, no special work has been
undertaken with The teachers or pupils
Of the schools of the city. II Is hardly
necessary to state more fully than was
given In the last report in regard to the
proposed Children's room, as ample pro-
vision for the room has been made in the
new building.
There is stlll imperative need of
greatly improved facilities as to books,
periodicals. and Incidental accessories,
and especially for an assistant wen
trained for work with children. to be put
In charge of this department of the II
brary. Such person in connection
with the schools should assist in cultivat-
periodicals, anG have n knowledge of the
way to guide and urge the younger read
crs to make their own selections, thing
which they are always very anxious TO
do"
Mr.. Flint makes a strong plea for a
larger library force, for increased appro-
priations for books. and for facilities to
give the institution greater efficiency,
even in its present quarters
The following were the additions to the
library during the period covered by the
report: Philosophy and religion, 49, biog-
raphy. 2ls; history and travel, 357; social
science, l3S; natural science, a0 useful
arts, 9S; recreation and fine arts. 70; lit
erature h6; fiction, 3.i53' juvenile, 3CS;
periodicals, $40; general works, 40; total.
3,S72.
MALARIA MAKES IMPURE BLOOD.
Groves Taet,1.sa chin TIT onres Malaria