Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1908-09-12
LOCAL News AND NOTES

Mr.. and Mrs. ARENAS Clifford and
w. L. Perkins of Pomfret, Mrs. H.
| G. Jackson, Mrs w, H Moore, Mrs,
A. B. Pinney, and Mrs. G., W. Mer-
rill of Woodstock.
Mrs, Chamberlin spoke a brief
word of welcome, to which Miss
Pierce responded, and following a
prayer by Rev, w, A. Leonard, a
selection was sung by a quartette,
Mrs, Pinney, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs
Merrill and Mrs. Moore.
An interesting paper, by Prof.
Edward II. Williams, jr,, concerning
the Norman Williams public library
of Woodstock, telling of its methods
and the conditions of its maintenance,
was read by the Rev r. j. Chrystie.
In referring in a general way to the
library as an annex to the school,
Prof Williams said that the too vo-
ciferous demands of teachers for
books along certrin lines which
happened to interest them for a
moment meant an accumulation of
volumes of ephemeral interest which
are never used. The public schools
taught little of too many things;
the quality Of instruction in the
schools had greatly deteriorated, and
for these reasons he had refused tc
hitch the Norman Williams public
library to the system,
Mrs. II. A. Allen, of the Band
stand" library Of Quechee, gave an
interesting description of this unique
institution and her work there, which
began many years ago. 1t will soon
give way to new building, which is
to be opened about Nov. l.
Miss Minnie Fay, of the Felchville
library, who has been quite success
full in extending the circulation of
books, was the next speaker. She
issued, she said, two books at time
on a card-one Of fiction and one of
non-fction--and this led to inquiries
as to the rules Of other libraries,
most of them giving special privileges
to teachers and students.
Mrs. Chamberlin said the Abbott
library allowed borrowers to take
as many books as they wanted.
Superintendent Stone was next
introduced. lie began his talk with
a warm endorsement of the state
library commission and its efforts
toward library extension as a means
of reaching the people, especially
the children of today. He spoke of
the need of a practical education for
the child and the present aim
towards industrial training in the
schools.
E. L. ingalls,, superintendent of
the schools of PomGret, Hartland
and Hartford, referred to the help
full aid of libraries to the schools in
his charge.
Earle E. Lewis, principal of the
South Royalton High school, spoke
of his interest in education and the
need of thoroughness and neatness
in the conduct of school work.
Principal G. l.. Morrill,, of the
Randolph normal school, emphasized
the benefits of the cooperation of
library and school, as did all Of the
speakers. Principal Morrill, believed,
too, in the use of pictures as means
of interesting children.
e. NJ. Goddard of the State library,
spoke of the work of the commission
and what it had accomplished, and
Miss Hobart followed with a brief
description of travelling libraries
and told how they might be obtained.
Mr.. Wilson, chairman of the
library commission, said there was a
general disposition to bring the
library and the school together;
nothing touched the child that was
not of interest to the state.
Miss Fletcher spoke briefly of
library lecture work, and the meeting
closed with duet sung by Mrs.
Pinney and Mrs Jackson,
The members of the library com
mission were much pleased with the
attendance and the interest shown
in the meeting. The Abbott library,
too, is highly praised, and the success
of Mrs. Chamberlin work is becom-
ing we'll known throughout the state.
County Fair Next Week
The Windsor County Agricultural