The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1907-11-12
Things the Pc ople
Ought to Know

CHARLESTON. Nov. ii, 1901.

d . . u " u = :
CHARLESTON. Nov. ii, 1907.
In view Of the shortage Of teachers
ID some sections Of the State another
examination under the uniform system
will be held on Friday and Saturday,
November 29th and 3Oth, 1907. The
county superintendent will name the
place for holding the examination in
his county. This extra examination is
held for the benefit only OF those who
do not now hold certificates, and 1t Is
hoped that no others will apply, SO
the manuscripts will be less numerous
and the certificates Issued at an early
date. This department stands ready
to do all II possibly can to supply the
schools with teachers, but It will be
remembered that no one has authority
to compel teachers to go to unlesira.
Bile localities or to accept salaries
which do not compare with those paid
to common laborers. AS heretofore
stated. there are nearly 1000 more GER
ufcates now In force In the State
above the number Of teachers employ.
cd last year. but few Of these persons
Will leave their homes for the low
wages paid in many places. Howev.
er. It Is hoped that this examination
VIII supply some OF the shortage and
that NIL the schools Of the State may
find instructors.
Library Day.
AS has been the custom for some
years, the first Friday In December
VIII be observed in the schools OF the
state as Library Day. The object Of
this observance is to create a taste
among the pupils for better literature
and to secure for their use in the
school room and in their homes books
Of n higher type and OF more whole.
some moral influence. The results OF
these efforts In former years have
been most gratifying. In 1901 there
were only 10000 books in the school
libraries of the State. From the re-
ports received for the year ending
June 30th, 1907, we find that there are
over 10000 volumes in these libraries
1t should be remembered, too, that this
list does not include all the books in
the large city libraries, but that It Is
made up largely OF the small collec
tons OF books in country districts
where heretofore there has been q
scarcity OF good reading matter of the
character chosen in these libraries II
cannot be otherwise than that the mos,
helpful influence has resulted from
me efforts Of teachers and pnpIls IN
securing these books. In MANY places
money was readily secured. patrons
and visitors contributing literally. and
general desire expressed that the
school library should become a hubble
library for the entire district. The
influence OF this good work has Ger
tainly been most beneficial throughou,
the State and links the instruction NJ
the school room with that OF the
nome. ana emphasizes a community
interest between patron, teacher md
pupil that is helpful In every way.
trust that the effort this year will he
more successful than any heretofore
made. and that we may increase the
number OF volumes In these district
libraries to over. $1,000.
For the last two years n Library
programme has been sent ont and
the subject has been emphasized In
the institute ANIMALS and in the Bien
MAJ REPORTS Of this department. Ow.
ing to the press OF other work Mt this
time no regular programme will be Is
sued this year, but teachers will find
much material in the publication Of
me department sent out heretofore.
suggest some short literary exercise
to which the patrons and the general
public shall be invited. The best man.
her OF securing funds will suggest IT.
SELF to the teachers OF their respective
communities. In some places m adj
mission fee is charged. in others each
pupil and visitor Is requested to con.
tribute MS many pennies as he Is years
OF age, md In some commInities the
circulation of subscription list brings
IN Il handsome sum. Tie ingenuity of
the tenchcr will have abundant room
Tor devising the best methods and
means for renching tho end desired.
While some Boards OF Education have
contributed somewhat to tho purchase
OF books. we have no specific provision
OF law authorizing the use of public
funds for this purpose, but 7 think the
board should always provide a booI,
cnse and the necessary appliances for
properly caring for and protecting the
books secured for the school.
Not only would I sugges. the pnr.
chase of good books for the usc of
the pupils In the schools and the com.