El Paso herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1901-1931, 1920-09-15
The Honest Book Looer
and The Public Library

Editor Fl Paso Herald.
The interview concerning the pub
lie library, which appeared in last
Saturdays Herald, BY visitor from
Tovah. Is so misleading and untrue
Go seems best 70 explain Just what
the rules are which govern the use
Of the various types OF books IN the
public library.
Any man having an established
business in Ei Paso may sign his
own application card, and also Tor
members OF his family. Other per-
sons are required 70 secure the sig
nature Of one whose name Is in the
latest city or telephone directory.
Visitors may take out any aodi-
in the circulating department BIZ
making a deposit OF money covering
the value Of the book. with this ex-
ceution. valuable books known 20 be
out Of print may not be taken from
the library.
Traasients IN the city who expect
20 make a prolonged stay and do not
wish 20 take out a regular card, may
make a deposit o. 50 and pay a
Special privileges are granted %
schools and clubs and 70 anyone
studying a definite subject.
Liberal Regulations.
Five books are allowed on card
IT one time. two Of which may be-
least two cards in a family. which
would allow 10 books 70 be taken out
At 2 time FOR home use. For small
library this seems generous allow
ance.
There has never been a regulation
recurring the signature Of property
owners on an application card
References books and government
publications do not circulate and
must be used in The library.
The ri Paso library IS a designated
depository Of the government % re-
ceiva regularly the publications OF the
various departments. This material
is available FOR the use Of the public,
but Is not for general circulation
Many Of the most valuable reports
are out OF print, and could not be re-
placed for any sum % money.
OutraEes and ThouEhflessneas.
In a city where the population as
constantly changing, certain regula-
tons are necessary. or there would
be no books for anyone Il may be
true that the man who loves books
is honest" However. he is often care
less about returning books Because
OF this careiessness between 900 and
800 overdue notices TO delinquent Dor
rowers are mailed each month. and
guarantors are often obliged 70 pay
for books lost by these honest book
loverE."
The attitude OF many persons to-
ward public property IS hard to un-
derstand. The lack Of respect to-
wards books particularly, Isl shown
in various ways. To keep a library
book is not considered stealing. To
cut out articles from encyclopedias
and periodicals 20 save a few mo-
meuts labor in copying is not con-
sidered destruction OF public proper
" and therefore liable TO fine or
punishment. A more detestable prac-
tics and one which is also punish
able By fine, Is the writing Of com
ments on the margins Of books and
periodicals. heavily undermining
phrases with pencil or ink. thus max
ms So necessary 70 withdraw the
book OF magazine from Circulation
This Is the cause Of more annoyance
20 general readers and the library
staff. than any other abuse practiced
b. the "hoBest book lover"
Protection Necessary.
The persons who do these things in
Libraries. might not enter your house
and steal your property. but are they
not nevertheless a menace 10 the COM
munity2 Is it not therefore necessary
90 protect a public library from that
small minority which is always a part
Of every public, by making reasonable
rules which viii guarantee TO the
majority. the assurance that books
which are on the shelves for their
use, will be always available and in
good condition.
The II Paso public in general has a
proper appreciation Tor the rights Of
others, and rarely makes any objec-
lions 70 regulations which. when un-
dsrstccd. are accepted zE necessary,
Maud Durlin sullivan
TfhrarfaH