The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-04-26

Chicago Post.
Perhaps. too, we underestimate the value
of the reading habit-considered quite apart
from what 1t feeds upon We ''view with
alarm the quantities of trash that is con-
sumed by the multitude. and not, without
reason. we bewail the absence of guidance
the misdirection OF so much energy and the
misapplication OF so much time. A vulgar
book vulgarizes the reader-yes, but the
reader OF the vulgar book Is already vulgar,
and in most cases he gains rather than loses
by his reading. The chances, there is some
foundation for believing, are almost alto
gether in favor of his betterment
And especially is this the case with the
patrons OF public libraries. These institu-
tons never contain books that are vicious.
and II they supply the general reader with
much that is cheap and almost worthless
they do not supply them with that which
depraves. Meantime they make possible a
widespread use of books, a reading habit,
the importance OF which we should not over
look simply because we have learned that
men win not spontaneously select what is
best for them.
This easy condition of Iaissez faire has it's
limitations, however, and even now il does
not wholly prevail. We cannot afford TO
neglect the fact that the schools and the
liberal clubs are constantly directing the
reading of a very large class. are constantly
sending readers TO the libraries for the best
that Is on the shelves. Thus the libraries
have In the clubs and schools the active
agencies they themselves necessarily lack;
while the clubs and schools find in the IL
braries a resource without which their use
fulness would be seriously restricted. In
England there Is a society called the Home
Reading Union. whose members are pledged
10 read certain number OF improving
books each year. 1t is very doubtful wheth-
er any such organization could thrive in do
as-you-please America But IL would GER
fainiy add considerably to the influence OF
How far the library itself may leave the
passive role Is an interesting question. Neg
atively, IL excludes Injurious books. May II
not do more? May IL not actively direct its
readers into higher paths?
In small communities there Is no doubt
that Judicious librarian can exercise an
important influence over the patrons OF the
library. There Is a large fraction OF readers
who would be glad 20 have guidance. and
IL this guidance We're JudiciOus. many q
reader might be seduced IND reading lit.
erature instead OF trash. Indeed he need
never suspect the change.
To ask one that revels in historical TO-
nance OF the contemporary sort 10 turn
abruptly 10 Thackeray or Jane Austen
would be foolish. But the mind that Graves
romance. and. through ignorance. is feedlpe
Itself on Hall Game, even the Deadwooc
Dick series. might be led cautiously up tC
Dumas and Victor Hugo. This sort OF be-
nevolent diplomacy can be exercised. and
doubtless often is exercised, by librarians IN
small towns. Why should II not be prac.
t;ced In cities where guidance Is needed still
more urgently? The direct methods EN-
poyed IN simpler communities could not bt
applied always. but others could be devised
An example in point Is found I'm ST. Louis
where Mr.. Frederick NJ, Crunden, librarian
or the st. Louis Public Library has adopted
the plan OF FASTING In each inferior book a
list OF better books. Thus. when the april
cant asks for poor novel. Il Is given HIM