New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-08-05
Libraries for
The Colonials

The Camps Library is the outgrowth
of Lord kitchener's request that Colo
mel Sir Edward Ward should undertake
to further the welfare of the overseas
contingents upon their arrival in Eng
land. Among other things, Sir Edward
suggested the establishment of Libraries
on Salisbury Plain. The plan was APP
proved, and the Hon. Mrs. Anstruther
undertook the organization of the works
The use of a large empty warehouse
in London was obtained through the
courtesy of representatives of the Bel
gian army in England, and the various
rooms were equipped with shelves and
table, Public and private appeals sent
broadcast were Immediately fruitful.
When it was announce that the Aus
tralian and New Zealand troops would
disembark in Egypt instead of England
arrangements were at once made to
send consignments for their use. The
work was extended to include provi-
sion for the camps all over the United
Kingdom, since many soldiers quar-
tered far from towns and healthful
amusements were as much in need Of
good reading matter as were the men
on Salisbury Plain. Then came the
decision to care not only for the troops
in camp but also for the men in the
trenches.
~ understand most fully" wrote Sir
Douglas Haig, "the value of readable
books to men who are out of the line
with time on their hands and little
opportunity of getting anything of the
sort for themselves. The demand that
has now to be met is very great and
increases constantly. l am
therefore writing this letter to urge all
those at home who have been accus-
toned to buy books and magazines in
the past to continue to do so freely,
if possible in increasing numbers, and,
having read and enjoyed them, to pass
them on as freely to the Camps Library
for circulation among the troops"
Justification of the generals appeal
may be found in the many letters of
appreciation on file at the library
headquarters. Here. for instance, is
an extract from one from France: "The
last parcel Of your books came just as
we had been relieved after the gas
attack, and there is nothing like book
for taking ones mind off what one has
seen and gone through" And, again,
from an officer: "Most of the men were
lying or sitting about with nothing to
do. When | said had box Of books
to lend they were around me like a lot
of hounds at worry, and in less than
no time each had book-at least, as
far as they would go. Those who
hadn't been quick enough were trying
to get the lucky ones to read aloud. It
would have done you good to see how
the men enjoyed getting the books.
. May we have more, as many
more as you can spare?'
Often gifts are accompanied by mes
sages that bring tears. One Of the
treasures of the Camps Library is a
popular magazine which when received
was considerably worn and minus it's
cover. On a sheet of note paper, Sc
cured with red sealing wax to an inside
page, is written this message:
WITH BEST WISHES.
am only little boy of 10 years.
And Hope who ever gets this Book
will like it. My father is missing.
Since the % and 26 Sept. 1915. The
Battle of Loos. | wonder if il will
fall in the hands of any one who
was in that Battle and could give
US any information concerning
Him.
The lad signed his name, giving also
the name of his father. the number of
the battalion, the name of the regi-
ment and the home address. Inquiry
revealed sad sequel to the little story
the boys father was one of those
thousands who went away at the first
call, never to return.
A commanding officer of any camp at
home or abroad may call upon the
Camps Library for books. They are la
belled and sent out in lots of one hun
dred, in the proportion of one book to
every six men. On request, a supply is
sent to regimental recreation rooms
Automatically once month, no appli-
cation being necessary, boxes or bales
of books and magazines are sent to all
units-in proportion to their strength
serving with the British, Mediter-
ranean and Indian expeditionary forces.
Monthly supplies of magazines reach
the bases for the use Of troops en-
training for the front. Chaplains Of
every denomination in every theatre of
war receive on application a box once
q fortnight or q bale once q month.