Evening journal., 1902-04-16

no statistics to show the use of books
consulted chiefly or wholly for refer
ence purposes, yet the work done by
such books is no less valuable than
that Of books which circulate freely
and fully justihes the expenditure
which they involve.
THE CHILDREN's ROOM.
The most interesting part Of the IL
brary's work during the year has been
done In the chldren's room. Early
in the year plans were adopted for the
organization of a distinct department
which should always be under the I'M
mediate charge OF a competent chill
dren's librarian and her assistants.
The results obtained have more than
justified the wisdom of the changes
made. These improvements have been
two-fold-physica and Intellectual.
No one will claim that the children $
corner was an attractive place, when
overshadowing the juvenile books, for
bidding rows OF sheep bound govern
ment frowned down upon the young
folks. The lights were insufficient;
tables and chairs were too high and
the latter were placed in long awk-
ward rows A wide frieZe, on which
framed pictures, constantly changing
are hung, has taken the place OF the
government documents. The stin ar
rangement OF tables has been broken
up: tables and chairs have been low
cred to various heights to accommo-
date youthful readers OF various ages;
and plenty OF light from incandescent
lamps has been supplied. All these
improvements help to make the room
pleasant and hOme-like. Artistic pic
lures on the frieze, many of them gifts
like the nineteen Washington pic
lures from Howard Pyle, bust OF
Hermes and a crayOn portrait OF Long
fellow. both the gifts of the library
trustees. add greatly to the appear.
ance of the room. These minister &c
the art of education OF the children
Even more important IS the active
and personal work OF the children
librarian and her assistants. All
books taken by juvenile readers are
charged in the children's room ant
every opportunity is seized to become
acquainted with the children, to study
their tastes. and whenever possible tC
direct their reading. Not the children
only have come to expect guidance II
their reading but many mothers anC
some teachers seek advice in the di
rection of the reading Of their chill
dren. In order to suggest topics fol
reading. lists on special themes or sea
sons (such as Christmas and Memoria
Day) have been prepared. From time
to time portraits of authors with list
Of their books and library call mum
bers have been posted on the bulletir
boards. In fact the latter have always
been kept fun of interesting and at
Itactive pictures, generally relating Il
matters Of current or historic interest
For example, scores of portraits of thu
J late President Mckinley and of Presi
dent Roosevelt were shown at the tim
OF the assassination. Cabinets illus
3 trative OF industrial processes and pro
d ducts. such as the making Of cotto
l thread paper. steel. pens, needles an
s cocoa. have been secured and whe
81 shelved with the books pertainin
\ thereto suggest better essay subject
{ for children than Success" +" Industry
S and such stock schemes.
I Work for children yields most sal
o. isfactory results to those who conceiv
p of the library as an educational inst
I tuition. Adult readers usually com
with tastes formed. so that often it
I simply a question of meeting demand
for certain classes of literature in
4 more or less impersonal way. Wit
I children. however. there is large or
! portunity to guide the reading and
a help shape their tastes. II will b
- interesting to watch results a fe'
q years hence. when the juvenile reader
D of today shall have passed up into I'll
0 adult department.
{ These improvements in the chi
e dron's room have of course served
!, make it much more popular. Alwal
@ too small. the room is now becomir
o. more and more Inadequate in size.
o the busy hours il is a frequent sigl