Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-11-09

and has proven very acceptable 70 our
patrons. Very truly yours.
JANE p. HUBBELL. Librarian.
In CHICAGO.
Chicago Editor Argus: In reGly -
yours, | beg 10 say tEat oar reading
and reference rooms are open or sun
day from 8 O'Clock a. II. until O'Clock
p. III. Patrons have access TO any
book in the library for use in the refer,
ence room during these hours. Trust
ing that this viii answer your question
am. very respectfully.
VI. 3. WICKERSHAM.
Secretary.
Elgin. III Editor Argus: IN reply
to your letter to the secretary OF the
library board which / have been liz
structed TO answer. l am sending you a
copy Of the library rules. which think
will give you the information you de-
sire in regard to keeping the library
open on Sunday. Sincerely.
KATHERINE ABBOTT. Librarian.
IThe rules of the Gail Borden Public
library at Elgin. referred 10. provide
that the reading and reference rooms.
should be open Sundays from l:3O 10
9 D. III. This provision originally ap-
piled only TO the reading rooms. but
now pertains likewise 10 the circulat-
ing rooms.-Ed August
Alton, IH.-Editor Argus: Your note
received inquiring as to whether our Ii
brary is open on Sunday or not. Our
library is open only on Tuesdays,
Thursday and Saturday as We have no
reading room. We have no use for peri
odicals. etc. Yours truly.
r. DOLBEE.
ton, III.
COL. Walker talks.
Col. c. l. Walker. president of ne
Rock Island public library board. when
seen by an Argus reporter III regard TO
the opening of the library on Sundays,
expressed himself as very much oppos-
ed 10 the measure. Col. Walker saTs
that the reading room of the library
was kept open Sunday afternoons for
some time and was gwen a very
test. the reports of the libra
riaEs at that time. according to Col.
Walker. showed that the average at
tendance was 70 8. and it was because
OF lack of attendance. and consequent
demand for the Sunday opening that
the rule was repealed. AS far a.
know there has been no demand for
opening the library on Sunday. and our
has shown that the public
do not desire the use of the reading
rooms.
Secretary WcIrh Not ia Favor Of Opening
J. w. Welch. secretary of the library
board, strongly opposed Sunday oTrn-
ing on several grounds. Lack OF de-
mand. added expense. and demorGli2-
ing effects. are some OF the reasons
which Mr.. Wolch gave for his ODposi-
ton Mr.. Welch explained that when
the library was kept open on Sundays.
several years ago. there was, as a rule.
not over six people who took advantage
OF the opportunity to visit the reading
room. Mr.. WEIGH said that with only
the two attendants at the library. the
added work would increase the eX-
pense considerably. and he held th2t
the public demand is not for open
hours on Sunday. but for more books
Every effort is being made 20 increase
the number of volumes in the library.
and the demand for new and complete
volumes. is greater than the board
funds can supply Those who agitate
the opening of the library reading
rooms, on Sunday" Mr. WEIGH con
tinued. do 50 with desire 10 benefit
some one else. someone who does not
want to be benefited = ;Eat manner"
This statement was explained by say
ha- h,A civ h,