Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1920-10-05
HONOR TO BE
PAID RILEY ON
ANNIVERSARY
BenevOIence of Poet Shown in
City's Public Library
Affairs.
BUILDING SITE
By KATHLEEN MCKEE.

AuQtdudpOAAS VIII pause AOA q AON hOuA ,
Thursday to honor the memorys of her
own poet, James Whitcomb Riley, on the
anniversary of his birth.
1t is peculiarly fitting that on this day
rhe indianapolis public central library,
which was erected on the ground donated
by the ''children's poet" should also OBJ
serve its third anniversary,
The library will hold open house. in
the evening for citizens and a program of
the finest musical talent in the city will
be included in the evenings festivities.
Many things in the library remind US of
the genius, but we should hardly call him
Il genius for he was so near to the hearts
OF his friends that "Raggedy Man" and
There, Little Girl. Don't Cry will never
be forgotten, and IAN Old Sweetheart of
Nine" will have immortal life along with
the love lyrics of Browning, Burns and
Tennyson.
Perhaps the memorial would
please the poet most is the children's
reading room. which has been named for
him, and from which more than 200
books are issued to the children every
day.
The love which Riley possessed for the
school children viii be recalled by his
dedication to them in booklet of "Out
niversary in 1915:
20 children. so mild,
In pure worth. and so wild
With delight, take the love of
an elderly child"
CHILDREN's ROOM
LIKE SANCTUARY.
= Indeed, when we enter the children s
room it seems almost like a sanctuary
with its pictures Of Riley himself, Fields
and other, poets dear to the children, and
we can almost hear,
FOR, 0 ny brother so far away;
This is to tell you she waits today
To welcome US. Aunt Mary fell
Asleep this morning, whispering, Tell
The boys to eome'-and all Is well
Out TO Old Aunt Mary's,"
and know that Riley himself is waiting
for his children friends tout to~old Aunt
Aary's."
~aour library and Mine" should be the
slogan of the library which has been
reorganized to eliminate all red tape in
procuring Of books by the reader who
no longer has to have a guarantor, only
needing to have his name In the city di.
rectory; nor is he limited to a small
number OF books. but now has the priv
ilege of taking s many home as he de-
sires within reason.
One is allowed 10 retain a book
thirty days. instead of fourteen, as was
the previous rule.
Under the direction of Charles E. Rush
librarian, who began his administration
with the opening of the new building. the
library has been put on a business basis
and is operated like any commercial
business.
One Of the interesting features Of the
new library activities has been the story
telling conducted last summer at the city
Fairgrounds and this winter at the
branch Libraries, which is under Mrs.
Vaughn Andrews, who received special
training at Pittsburgh and at Chicago
University in the work.
The classification Of books has been
reorganized and new card catalog has
been made recently.
FIND MUCH USE FOR
CROPSEY AUDITORIUM.
The Cropsey auditorium, which is es-
pecially adapted to small theatrical pro-
duesions, had 80 productions staged in
It during last year, among which were
these by the Little Theater and the
Shortridge Drama League.
II has also been considered as the
most popular hall for musicals and
recitals, and has been used by the
Writer'S Club, American War Mothers
H1HE C-o1 CAoRtFA - SA- ~ - 49, 49,
Indiana University extension classes and
tie Housewives League.
. The social activities and special fea-
lures for members of the stan have also
been original with the indianapolis
library.
There is a lunch room for the stan
members, where they can either be served
or bring their own lunch, and a stan
reading room.
Then there Is the staff news letter
officially called The Library House
7 Organ" published every two weeks which
contains library notices. humorous ar
ticles, introductions OF new stan members
and items Of interest TO the stan.
The posters. which contain interesting
announcements regarding features of the
library. posted in the central library and
IN the branches are designed by Miss
Maurine Rayel
Last, but not least, is the business
branch, which is conducted In the old
central library building
It's collection of books has been made
according to the demands Of the readers
and is composed entirely of i've stuff
1t is one of the few public business
libraries in the country, having been
one Of the pioneers in the field. and
while it is vet in its infancy It contains
a creditabe collection.