The Maui news. [volume] (Wailuku, Maui, H.I.) 1900-current, 1921-04-15
NOW FOR THE LIBRARY

Governor Mccarthy has approved the County Library Bill, pass
ed by both houses and it has become a law. Now it remains only for
Maui to take full advantage of the opportunities which the law affords
Under the provisions of the law there are two methods under which
Maui can proceed. One is the method designed primarily for I1o but
applicable to Maui as well, to have a contract entered into between the
board Of supervisors and the existing free library and the other is to
have the board of supervisors name a library managing board. The first
method. is the simpler and has other advantages as well, so there is no
doubt the county will proceed under section I rather than section 2 of the
act. 1t would seem the course to be pursued is for those who have been
supporting the library in the past to meet and name a managing board
of five who can then enter into the required contract with the board Of
supervisors. Thus the appropriation of $4,000 for support and main
tenance of the library would be made available at once.
This is advantageous in more senses than one for it gives ample
time for the selection OF a suitable site, securing OF it and the erection
thereupon of a building. Thus is removed at the outset the possibility
of dispute as to the permanent site. That subject can be threshed out
cody, and thoroughly without further delaying the project, but no time
should be lost III getting to its settlement. 1t is hardly probable that
a site will be found which will be perfectly satisfactory to all concern
ed. Wherever the library be finally located it cannot be 50 convenient
to some as lit will be for others but Maui can settle that subject without
place it where it will be of the most use to the largest number. The
first step is to get the library operating to grow from the nuceous the
Ways and means OF securing the site and of raising the funds for
the building will come next. In that respect it is to be hoped the Wo-
mans Club will always remember that the Maui County Library is its
own child and will cooperate as no organization can better do in the
housing of it. For that reason this paper suggests that at least one
member of the managing board of the library should be a member Of
the club. Those who have faithfully stood by and supported the old
library can be depended upon to do the right thing in that respect.
Another subject of Importance will be the item contained in the
contract between the existing library and the board of supervisors for
county support. In the present budget there is no appropriation for
such an object. Beyond a doubt the board of supervisors will want
to make IS adequate a provision as the county finances will permit. 1t
must be remembered at this time that the county revenues this year will
not be so large as had been hoped for. The rate is fixed upon last years
valuation but the tax is figured on this years valuation which may be
seven million dollars less this year than last. So too much must not
be asked this year but it would be well to have al understanding for
increased support next year and thereafter.
Let us tackle the subject "a a business problem and from the out
set handle it n a thoroughly businessike way each meeting his neighbor
half way in the settlement OF all questions and public, trustees and coun-
y officials one and all manifesting the true Maui spirit OF cooperation
and self reliance.