Daily Kennebec journal., 1904-08-11
The Maine Librarians At.
tending School.
Instructed in Classification at
Wednesdays Session.
Prof. Roberts of Colby, Gave Interest
ing Lecture in Afternoon-Muchl In :.
terest Manifest by the Many Libra.
rians in Attendance.

On Wednesday the school for ljbrar-
ians, now in session at the Senate
chamber in the state House. was well
under way. The attendance was some-
what increased by the arrival of libra
rians who We're unable to come earlier.
In addition to these there was a large
attendance at the lecture by Prof A. J.
Roberts of Colby College, of persons
other than librarians. In this connec-
ton it should be remembered that the
general public is cordially invited to be
present afternoons, at these lectures
All of the lectures. while intended for
the particular benefit of library work.
ers, are of interest to all persons.
At the session on Wednesday morn
ing the subject taken up was classifi-
cation. This was under the direction
of Miss NJ. f. Sargent, of the Medford
Mass, public library. For the purpose
of instruction each of those present was
given IL books to classify, being in
structed to do the work exactly in the
way which was followed in their own
library. After this there was ii discus
sion and explanations of why each one
worked as they did. The comparison
of the classifications, which followed,
was considered very beneficial.
One of the ladies in discussing the
work with the Journal reporter said
that it was astonishing how much they
were able to learn by the method fol-
lowed ut the school. "Of course" said
she. eve can't always follow the
methods Of the others exactly, but we
can see where they are an improve
hu .ldn
their methods will gain thereby. 1 am
very glad that | have come and feel
that it is going to prove of inestimable
value to me. When the other librarians
throughout the State come to realize
what benefits are to be derived from the
school they will all be eager to attend
the next one"
At . O'Clock Wednesday afternoon
Prof. Roberts addressed the school
speaking, in substance, as follows:
The librarian and the public school
teacher should work together. Each
needs the others aid. The librarian
should be familiar with what the
schools are trying to do for the chill
dren that the supplementary aid of the
library may be wisely and effectively
SlNtI!. IL Is llpiIl tiiC tCs'"hNA ~ nv
mate personal knowledge Of the chill
dren under her charge that the IL
brarian can gain indispensab Bile infOr-
nation about the minds and hearts. the
circumstances and environment OF the
boys and girls whom the library IS try
ing to help. The teacher should realize
the possibilities Of education offered by
the public library She should see IN 1t
an opportunity for liberal education for
all who are able and willing to take ad-
vantage of it.
The teacher should not forget that
the vast majority of children IN the
nublic schools-ninety per cent or more
do not advance beyond the grammar
grades. For one reason or anotn"r
nine children out of every ten receive
but comparatively little schooilhg.
This fact should arouse every teacher
to the importance of doing her utmost
to give boys such preparation for
future study as will make poSslpie anu
probable the continuation of the pro-
cess of education after school days are
over. Any boy or girl who leaves the
public schools with the ability TO read
we'll and with liking for good BOOKS Is
pretty sure to become a libeially edu-
Gated man or woman.
Is II too much to say that of all the
subjects taught in school the most I'M
portant is reading? Reading IS the
kew that unlocks vast treasurehouses
of knowledge and delight. Whosoever
has this kew i; not to be denied the
profit and the happiness that what we
call education brings with it. The
teacher who makes his pupils good
readers and arouses their interest in
wholesome literature. who prepares
them to use the public library is doing
them the highest possible service. Al
most the chief purpose of the pubic
school should be to fit its pupils for the
Intelligent use of the privileges of the
free public library.
The address was followed by gem
eral discussion of the points which the
sneaker had made. which was one OF
the interesting features of the day.
The whole subject was gone carefully
over. each one having something to
say all of which had beneficial i'll
fluence.
4 question box was also had. which
proved IN attractive part of the days
program.
There were present at the school,
Wednesday, in addition to those in at
tendance Tuesday. the following: Miss
Grace Weymouth. Clinton: Miss Alice
Lord and Miss Rernice Wharf, BAN
gor: Miss Ella Wilson Kicker. South
Rnrwick; Miss Annie F. Page. Hal
lowell and Mr.. I. J. ThaYer. Oakland.