The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-09-26
PUBLIC LIBRARY THROWN OPEN ID
 ALL NEXT FRIDAY For First Time In History Bir- mingham WIT Have free
 Public Library"
RULES UNDER WHICH THE
 BOOKS MAY BE TAKEN OUT
In Past Few Months Library Has In, creased from 10000 to Over 10000 Bound Volumes-Complete
 Reading Rooms.
BY EDWIN TORGERSoN.

| ing public on next Friday, October l. bringing to a final realization the plan that has long held the attention of our public-spirted citizens. In order to util- ize to the fullest extent the facilities now afforded the Board of Education has de- clded to abolish all fees and to make the use of the library free to all residents of Greater Birmingham.
 The board has employed as librarian Miss Lila May Chapman, whose excel lent training at the Atlanta School for Librarians has ably fitted her to fill the position. Miss Chapman was formerly employed as librarian at the Atlanta pub lie library, whence she came highly recommended as an accomplished and efficient worker. She is an expert cata- loguer and skilled librarian No pains have been spared in the cataloging of books and the methods of the library will be the most modern and efnns-- Miss Chapman has been furnished with staff of competent assistants, in order that prompt service may be insured.
 The Birmingham Public Library asso- ciation, voluntary organization formed for the purpose of promoting the in- terests of the library, has been largely instrumental in producing the present good results Through the efforts of it's members library spirit has been de- veoped In the community and plans have been laid for the securing of funds for the building and equipment of an ade- quate public library in the heart of the city, with branches located in the dis Tk Ioc ployed as secretary Miss Frances Nimmo Greene, whose services in that capacity have deserved the highest praise. The CO., operative work of the association Is sanc- tioned by the Board of Education, and should receive the aid and encourage ment of every citizen. The officers of the library association are as follows:
 President, A. H. Ford; first vice presi- dent, Lee c. Bradley; second vice presi- dent, Dr. ]. H. Phillips; third vice pres- dent, Mrs. N. B. Feagin; fourth vice pres- ident, Miss Willie Allen; fifth vice pres- ident, Mrs w. S. Lovall; secretary, Miss Frances Nimmo Greene; treasurer, w. H. Manly; executive board M. V. Joseph. \. D. Moore, Dr. T. D. Parke. Samuel Ullman, pr. Wyatt Hefiin, J. W. Donnel- ", IT. Manly, Henry B. Gray, Otto Marx Maj. R. H. Elliott, Gov. W. H. Sims, Dr. J. H. Phillips, Sterling A. Wood, John L. Parker, George B. Ward, Dr. A. J. Dickinson, John Raul, James Weatherly, W. c. Shackelford, Mayor Frank 7. O'Brien, F. H. Cabaniss, Dr. Cunningham Wilson.
 Origin and Development of Library.
 The public library of Birmingham, con- taining nearly 10000 bound volumes and 25.O0 unbound pamphlets, is located on the fourth floor of the city hall building. The institution was originally planned aril promoted as supplement of the mu- nicipal system of education, and to the teachers and pupils of the public schools the people are mainly indebted Tor the library as 1t now stands. The mission of the library in the life of the com- munity is to supplement the work Of the schools and to enrich the general culture of the city by developing the habit of reading good books.
 The quarters now occupied are quiet and comfortable and well adapted to the present use. The rooms are convenient Iy located and accessible through the ex- cellent elevator service of the city hall. The reading room is well lighted and provided with the latest magazines and newspapers for the use of visitors. The reference departments contains valuable collection of modern reference books and the periodical room the best collection of bound magazines to be found In Alabama. In addition there is children's room, containing an excellent selection of juve- nile literature. Other large rooms are used for the cases of the circulating de- partment and as depository for govern ment publications.
 The number of books in the possession of the library has rapidly increased dur ing the past few years Before the en- gagement of Miss Chapman and Miss Greene the collection numbered only about 10000 volumes. Since then the library has been improved in many ways and has been made popular with the reading pub lie.
 Rules and information.
 Anent the opening the library officials have had printed large number of pamphlets containing all inforpation for prospective members. The following will be of interest to all who desire to be enrolled as members:
 If you wish to become a member of the library, come to the library rooms at any hour between g a. m. and p. m any day except Sunday. Sign the application card in the presence of the librarian, then carry this application card with you and secure the indorsement of a taxpayer of the city whose name is in the city direc- tory. This Is simply for Identification. and no liability Is assumed by the tax payer whose indorsement is thus ob- tained. You will then present your ap- plication card to the librarian and receive a borrowers card.
 Remember that your signature upon the application card means your acceptance of the regulations of the library.
 These regulations are made in the in- terest of the entire membership. You should not expect the librarian to change them for your personal accommodation; this might involve injustice to some one else. Visit the library as often as you can, and bring your friends.
 REGULATIONS.
 l. The public library of Birmingham, un- der the auspices of the Board of Educa- Al e1,.