The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-10-01
PARKER D|SAGREES
 ON LIBRARY PLAN Criticises Suggestion Made
 by Dr. T. D. Parke GIVES HIS REASONS
Says Board of Education Would Dis- like to See Any Change Made That Would DisOrganize the
 Present Library System

Direct issue was taken yesterday with the library commission plan suggested by pr. Thomas D. Parke of this city by officials of the board of education. for whom President John l.. Parker issued a statement.
 In his statement President Parker says the present library plan is fully adequate for all present purposes, and is the best that can be devised under present con- ditions. MT. Parker laments the supposi- ton that efforts are being made to dis organize a plan that is working satisfac- torily. The statement asserts that it would be regretted by the board of edu- cation if the library system here was de- livered into the hands of any one not in terested in it's welfare or the school sys- tenn of Birmingham.
 The statement follows:
 .eThe board of education does not feel inclined to take issue with anyone in re- gard to the management of the public li- braries of the city. As is well known, the central library, now in the city hall, was started In the office of the superin- tendent of schools and built up to it's
 
 pupils of the schools.
 we fear that the separation of the li- brary from the school interests of the city would not be calculated to develop any special interest in it's welfare
 "The library commission idea in Bir- mngham Is not new by any means. The Carnegie library at Ensley was operated under a special commission until Ensley was annexed to Birmingham, when that commission of it's own motion requested the board of education to take charge of the institution.
 The West End library also was organized under a commission, and the building remained closed for more than year after it's completion. Last April the commission retired and re- quested the board of education to take charge of the work. The necessary equip ment was at once provided and the H. brary wasopened for the use of the peo- pie.
 "The Woodlawn library was organized by the Woodlawn schools and the Wom- ans club. At the request of the ladies of this club the board of education in- corporated this library as a part of the library system of the city.
 "rhe Avondale library is still operated by the commission originally appointed by the town of Avondale. I am not in position to speak of the success of this library, but number of the patrons have from time to time requested the board of education to take charge of it.
 There were good reasons for placing all these libraries under the library com mittee of the board of education. Tn the first place, Birmingham's one public h- brary was developed by this board. Tn the next place. the libraries were re- garded as part of the educational sys- tenn of the city. and in the absence of any special provision by law for the maintenance of libraries. it was deemed best to place the libraries under the school board. to be maintained exactly as the schools are maintained.
 ITO go back to the library commission plan will prove a distinctly backward step for the interests of the library, un- less there is special library tax. or a special appropriation made for library maintenance. Under the present plan.
  teachers, and the janitors of the schools in some instances are required to ta 70 care of the buildings.
 If there should be a specified fund provided for library maintenance, if is possible that a Commission might main tain the library as well as the board. There Is absolutely nothing. however. to hinder any body of citizens from assist ing the board by providing funds for books The Library association did some excellent work in this dine for a few iyears. but We have heard nothing of t'sis association for more than year
 The board of education is wiling to accede to any plan or method that will promote the welfare of the library, bri < il is unwilling 10 turn over the wors that has cost years of struggle 10 any body of people. not directly interested iT its welfare and in educational work. The library, as it stands today. is already | great institution. and the board of educ9 ton would regret to see its welfare en dangered ny hnwise experimentation
 What the library needs today k mol more books. We have not room in n, now have. What the city needs is q nev library building and an adeduate fune for it's rnaintenance. The present ar engagement is the best that can be de yised under present conditions, and ", regret any effort to disorgaiiize d plal that is working satisfactorily"