The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1920-03-26

prepared by the United States Depart
ment Of Agriculture)
Much good has been accomplished
by men of means through the erection
of buildings for library purposes
throughout the country. However, as
these buildings are restricted in their
size there has been considerable criti-
cism of the limited amount Of benefit
accomplished in comparison with the
large financial outlay.
The accepted principles Of public
service have become much brOadened
in recent years and present-day philan-
thropists are increasing the usefulness
of their gifts by including in these
costly plants, not only rooms for
libraries but auditoriums and rooms
for public gatherings and the meeting
place of various civic organizations,
together with facilities for public
recreation and amusement. In this
way such buildings are not confined
to the more populous and enlightened
centers but are made to serve the
needs of the smaller towns and rural
sections.
Leaves Money for Building.
The small village of Wilder, Yer
mont, has a scattered population, many
of these being employees of the local
papet mill.
After survey of the social needs
of the community the owner of the
mill left money, before his death, for
the erection of building which would
meet the following needs: A library
for the use of the people of the village
and surrounding country, club house
with recreation facilities for the young
men of the town, and meeting place
for public assemblies and Organiza-
tons.
OF the $4,000 donated, $17,775 was
used for construction and furnishings
which included $500 volumes for the
library, and athletic equipment and
bowling alleys. The interest on the
remainder of the money Is used to
help maintain the enterprise.
In order that those using the build
ing should feel financial responsibility
therein and in order more effectual-
ly to govern the enterprise COM
munity association was formed, the
members of which, upon payment OF
the annual maintenance dues of four
dollars, enjoy in full the privileges Of
the athletic and recreational depart
ments.
That the use of the building is not
confined to those who pay dues Is
shown by the fact that the entertain
ment committee is composed of two
people from the association and four
from outside.
While the building is used for social
and civic purposes without charge the
auditorium cannot be rented. If an
organization has an entertainment for
the good of the community which it
desires to give, tickets are sold and
sufficient proceeds taken to pay the
nominal expenses.
Games for the Young.
AS one enters and, aside from the
much used auditorium and stage, views
the commodious and well furnished
library and reading rooms. in use by
people of both sexes, one might con-
clude that here conferred the most i'm
portant function of the building. AS
one descends to the basement and hears
the rollicking laughter of the young
people at billiards, bowling, games and
athletics one might not be so sure.
Continuity of control was provided
by the donor by the appointment by
him of seven trustees who form a con-
tnuous corporation, in that when there
is vacancy the other members ap-
point, subject to the approval Of the