The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1913-02-09
MONTANA PUBLIC LIBRARIES

state, most of them connected with the public libraries in
Montanas larger cities. The theme of the discussion is the
extension of the field of these institutions. 1t is interest
ingly presented and we'll argued. Montana is forward in
the support of educational work; the public library often
reaches where the school cannot and always it is an inval-
liable supplement to the schoolroom. The broader the field
of its Influence is made, the better will it serve the public.
We viii not undertake, this morning to enter into the dis
cussion of the topic which furnishes the theme for the in
teresting symposium mentioned. That subject is treated
there by experts who are able to present it convincingly
and who, we think, have done so. Rather, we desire to offer
some comment upon the work which the public libraries
in Montana are doing and to emphasize the benefits which
the state is receiving from these institutions, through the
capable and earnest people who are their executives. There
is hardly a city in Montana which has not its public library.
t is suggestive of New England in that respect. Some Of
the cities have handsome memorial libraries, gifts of bene-I
factors who have thus builded the most enduring of monu-.
ments. Others are the beneficaries of the donations Of
Andrew Carnegie. All have excellent accommodations for
their books and in each the library has become something
more than a mere collection of volumes.
1t is one of the gratifying features of Montanas develop
ment that her cities have come to regard libraries as neces-
stiles. That the authorities have placed in charge of these
libraries, wherever it has been possible, expert librarians,
is further to the credit OF the progressive spirit OF the state.
These libraries occupy an important place in the educational
work of the state. How much good they are doing is not
realized by many people of the state. One has but to know
the questions which are brought daily to the librarian for
her aid in solution, to understand the place which the pub
lie library has won with the public of Montana.
Endless are these questions and of a range which is almost
beWiderng. And the librarian welcomes this fusilade Of
inquiry. 1t means that the library is something more to the
people than a s%torehouse of stories for the entertainment
of winter evenings. 1t means that the people of Montana
are recognizing the public library as a repository of infor-I
nation. The growth of the reference departments is proof
that this recognition is general.
Of the endeavor to familiarize the children with the use
of the public library, the public is learning something, but
it requires actual contact with the work to understand how
remarkably this effect is gaining ground. In some cities,
perhaps in all, there is hearty cooperation between the
schools and the library and the latter places at the disposal
of its juvenile patrons excellent material, supplementing the
regular work of their studies. In the Montana libraries
with whose work in this line we are directly acquainted, this
feature has become one of the most interesting of the
library activities. Specially valuable is this work because
it familiarizes the young folks with the intimate use OF
books.
Of the extension of the usefulness of the library to the
rural districts there is much to be said which is favorable to
the plan. The Missoula public library has made an indie
pendent effort along this line for several years with con-
spicuous success; had there been funds available, the work
great service to several Missoula-county communities as
things are. The work has been appreciated by the rural
communities which have received it's benefits. 1t has been
a pleasurable feature of the work on the part of the library.
We assume that the Missoula public library is typical in
its work of the other similar institutions in the state. Its
growth has been remarkable during the past decade and it
has outgroWn its present quarters; already plans are made
for doubling the facilities of the library and it is hoped that
four months from this date the library will occupy adequate
quarters.
Always and everywhere the development of a public
library entails a vast amount of volunteer work. Taking
the Missoula library, again, in illustration, it is not easy
to see how the development could have been as great had
it not been for the ceaseless devotion of Professor Aber to
the welfare of the institution. AS secretary of the board
of trustees, Professor Aber has been interchangeable in his
efforts to advance the interests of the library. He has given
of his time and his strength and of the wealth of his ability
and experience. And all of this effort has been volun-
tary and without recompense. Missoula owes much to this
earnest man.
The state and its cities cannot afford to be ~niggardly in
their provision for public libraries. Money spent here, if
it is spent properly, is a splendid investment. There should
be liberalty as great as in the consideration of the schools.
he state has never been backward in this regard and it NAV
be depended upon to improve the facilities of its libraries
as greatly as possible.
only comfort we had here in Missoula, most instances which is surelv the
from reading tho tannsrot,rc better vav Tho vrL of ithaca CO.