The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-03-27
DIRECTORS NOT FAMILIAR WITH CONDITIONS OR THEY
 WOULDN'T SELL LIBRARY Gentleman Who Has Used Library Many Years Says It Is In Best Possible
 Place
Would Convert Circulation Department Into Open Shelf Sysem Put Chldrens Department First Floor, Dispense With Lecture Room and Art Gallery Feature and Use New High School Auditorium For Lectures

Convert the circulation department into the "open shelf system. In- clude in the circulation department the space now occupied by the chfl- dren's department.
 Remove the children's department to the first floor, John street, utiliz- ing the space now used as store room by first floor tenants.
 Re-arrange present system Of shelv- ing books ouI of reach.
 Dispense with lecture room and art gallery features.
 Above are the suggestions towards improvement of conditions in the Bur- ro,rgiis> Public Library building made by one who has been practically a daily visitor in the library for many years, beginning long before the li- hrary was moved into the Burroughs building.
 He is one of the most strongly op- posed to the removal of the library 10 Golden Hill. He believes the pres ent quarters of the library will be ideal, with changes that will be com paratively inexpensive.
 The whole trouble with the libra ry," said he, lis that the directors themselves are not familiar with the conditions that they are discussing It is a rare thing. indeed to see di- rector of the institution inside its doors. Yet they attempt to solve a problem that exists almost altogether in their imagination. and which with a little practical attention can be dis posed of with small expense and lit tie time.
 What is needed first and foremost is the 'open shelf system" said he This is the approved modern system of running public libraries. Thievery a bugaboo that used to be raised when this scheme was suggested, has prov. cd so insignificant that it is almost inconsiderable. The saving in the payroll will be found several times the loss occas stoned by thefts of books
 with little expense. shelves suit able for the open shelf system car be erected through the long corridor that runs along in front of the lofty shelves now in the circulation depart ment -- Then the visitor can come right into where the books are, and with the aid of the modern catalogu- ing methods, he readily can find the book he seeks, sign for it as he leaves or consult 1t right on the spot.
 "FiH up all the space wasted fo- the passage way, with shelving of a suitable height. eliminate the tower ing shelves now back of the counter and you'll still have ample room to store all the books in the library and those the directors may buy for years
 The Children's department can be greatly improved by removal to the first floor. on the John street side This will save the little tots the climb when the elevator isn't running-and that is often enough-and will give more room for the extension of .he circulation department.
 Now. a word about the reference room. It belongs in every library But we're dealing in cold hard facts Spend a few hours in the reference room and you'll be surprised to sec how deserted it is 1 don't say that the reference room should be abolish ed. Far from that. But I do main tain that the books could be recapi-