Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-08-15
H.AN[lBRAR|ESFOR
men IN THE CAMPS
Campaign to Raise ST. 600, 900
Fund Is Started at
Meetings Here.
FOR BUILDINGS AND BOOKS

A campaign to raise at least $1.o0o.ooo
for the camp library fund. was start
ed at q series of meetings OF repre-
sentatives of the American Library As
ISOLATION from the east and south yes
terday at the Public Library. Plans to
provide libraries, both buildings and
hooks. for the soldiers at the canton
ments and training camps also were
discussed. The work was intrusted TO
the American Library Association by
the commission on training camp &C
tiyfties. in cooperation with the War
Department and will be in direct
charge of the committee on camp IL
braries, Of which J. /. Wyer, 5r.. direc-
tor Of the New York State Library
is chairman.
The first meeting Of the day was that
of the field staff, which discussed and
adopted a line of campaign designed 10
cover every city and town and village
be represented in the National Army,
and 1t was felt that the people of such
places also would wish to help 1urnisn
books to the young men they have sent
to the war.
Following q session of the executive
board of the association. the war
finance committee. under DR.. Frank
Hill of Brooklyn, N. Y. considered ways
euIt. at lowest figures, and the day was
closed with a meeting of the $50 II,
brarians present. at which the final
details of the campaign were perfected
Books Best for Diversion.
From reports presented at the vari-
GUS sessions It appears that BOOKS
have proven to be the best anttdotes, or
preyentives. for the evils of drinking
and gambling. and also that approx
mately SO per cent of the men prefer
q good book to cards or dice or booze
In their of hours. Despite their severe
training. the men have much time for
themselves in which to recuperate
from physical fatigue. and in these
hours they seek mental diversion and
refreshment.
According to the plans of the War
Department. each camp or cantonment
is to be a real city. the average popu-
lation being from 10000 to $4,000 men.
Provision has been made for post Of
fices, churches, ONCE buildings. and
even banks: only libraries are still
needed. and these the relatives and
other friends of the soldiers are asked
to provide. One dollar, it is figured,
will furnish book, keep it in circula-
ton until 1t is worn out and replace it
when retired for physical disability.
Field to Be Covered.
The field to be covered by the libraries
embraces the widest range. including
service for recruits, for men in train
ing. for men in mobilization, garrisons
outposts, for the men in their res,
periods, while on the march, and even
for the men at the front The libraries
viii serve the crippled and MANNED mer
returned from service, and wounded
soldiers and prisoners of war, mer
awaiting the muster-out. sailors or
shipboard and sailors at the various
naval stations-not man in any
branch of Uncle Sans war service is
70 be neglected.
As there will be thirty-two camps OF
cantonments, library service in these
alone must provide for virtually 1900
oee men.
For its very minimum contribution
each city and town and village will be
asked by the association to transmute
Sper cent Of its population into dollars
That Is. city of 10000 residents will
be asked to give a minimum of $500
and so on. up and down the scale. bu,
10 limit Ii set on maximum.
Hope and belief were expressed at the
meetings that the press of the country
would lend its help in raising this fund
which. it was felt. would appeal es
pecially to the members of the fourth
estate.