The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-02
The Institution Was Opened in City Hall Yesterday
CONVENIENT ARRANGEMENT
The Reading Room and the Reference Volumes Free to Public, But Annual Fee Charged for
 Circulating Books.

Several hundred people went to the city hall yesterday afternoon to attend the opening reception of the public library in its new quarters, and many were the ex- rresslons of pleasure heard from the wis itors on the neat and convenient arrange ment of the apartments.
 The opening reception was held from 3 until o'clock. People began to appear at the library before o'clock and the at tendance kept up steadily until the clos ing hour.
 The reception committee consisted of the principals of the public schools of the city, assisted by the teachers. The prin cipals are J. B. Cunningham of the high school. c. A. Brown of the Henley school, c. B. Glenn of the Paul H. Hayne school. T. c. Young of the Martin school, Mrs. M. N. Dabney of the Ullman school, and Miss N D. Davis of the Lakeview school. The teachers who assisted in receiving and entertaining the visitors were Miss Lulu Bradford, Miss Cora Palmer, Miss Nellie Castleman, Miss Helen S. Hudson, Miss Maud Davis. Miss Jessamine Rob- ert Miss Rose G. Lewis, Miss Julia Royal and Miss Mary sholl.
 Classification of Books.
 Mrs. Daisy Wendell, the librarian. was present and explained to visitors the ar- engagement and classification of the books. The card catalogue system has been adopted in preference to a printed cata- logue. The cards are on file in cabinet, to which everyone has access when searching for book.
 During the reception refreshments were served in large room on the third floor of the city hall. The apartment was tastefully decorated in vines and flowers. The decorations were made by Mayor Drennen and his private secretary, H. A. Richardson. Flags and bunting were also in evidence in different parts of the room.
 The present library Is the outgrowth of the establishment of very small one in 1890 by the teachers of the city. Since then the work has gradually grown, until the library has become an important pub lie institution. Since 1890 over s6000 has been spent in the purchase of books and in addition to this several donations of books have been made from time to time. At present the library contains between 5000 and 5000 volumns, embracing almost every class of literature.
 Reading Room.
 A reaGing room has been installed, and here many leading New York, and south ern papers will be found in addition to 10 daf1fpa uh will be made for persons who desire to read the papers or magazines in this de- pertinent, and there will be no charge made for those who use the reference department. In the circulation depart ment, however, charge of $2 a year for each person will be made. Every member will be allowed to take two books at time. but if kept more than two weeks a fine will be imposed. The board of education has limited the num- Der of life memberships to 300. The life memberships are issued at a cost of $25 to anyone over 21 years of age.
 Included in the library are 300 volumes published in the last three years An ex- cellent list of reference books is also embraced in the library contents.
 -ne library will be open every day from g o'clock in the morning until o'clock in the afternoon, and during these hours the librarian will be in the apartments. It is hoped by the board of education which has charge of the library that the institution w.l be self sustaining. but donations vii. be thank fully received.