Arizona republican., 1922-01-01
BOOK DEMAND IS
INDEX Of C|TY'S
REAL PROGRESS
IN LITERARY WAY
BY Russell Freeman

In classified enumeration OF any
states forward steps along the line
of accomplishment 1t is eminently
fitting that the development Of its
literary status should be given place.
Accepting the seller of books as a
helpful factor in the effort toward
ethical uplift, it is manifestly Just
and fair that his voice should be
heard when others are given ear in
the annunciation OF state achieve
ment. 1t is not believed that these
statements will find anything like
general acceptance. Certainly no
widespread enthusiasm will be
aroused.
Unfortunately, in the minds of
many, the distributor of books is all
lowed nothing more than a sort of
tolerance. The book store takes rank
among the places OF occasional con-
venience-a desirable resort in case
of emergency and not an institution
deserving encouragement or entitled
to consideration as civic asset.
Naturally this view is not universal.
In every community the bookseller
Is "aided and abetted" by loyal ad-
harents whose material assistance
and kindly encouragement are of i'm
measurable value and is received with
thankfulness and appreciation.
Book Interest Grows
There is rising tide of book in
terest" 1t is generally agreed. More
people than ever are thinking books
buying books, talking and writing
about books. stores are being opened
and new outlets created.
The publishers gre alive to the val
ue of publicity, as distinct from ad-
vertising. They are seeking discus
sions, interviews and feature articles
on them as suggested by their books.
In conjunction with these enter
prises, and perhaps most potent of
all, must be regarded the co-opera-
tion Of the individual dealer. Through
him win be reached the attention and
the consideration Of those who read
and no other avenue of approach Of
fers so great advantage. The book
store has ties that bind 1t to every
phase of the community's life. Is
there any other merchant whose
business is so important to school,
to church, to Clubs, to all people in
their group interests?
1t is essential that booksellers
keep in mind the distinctive charac-
ter of their profession. Books are in
ACC0 tICAdllQi5G anu lAuGl OC llcLL-
died as such, but the bookseller oc-
cupies a more important position in
the community than tradesmen in
other fields.
We, who are Of Arizona, speak
with pride of our educational insti-
tutions their wonderful growth and
accomplishments. The highest value
attached to scholastic course is the
preparation is assures for the ap-
propriating of the worlds best men
tai contributions. 1t Is the open ses-
anne for further knowledge, and a
sti-nulant to the mental appetite for
the reading Of the books that sat
isfy.
Better Use Of Books
There are good books in plenty
and more will appear. What the
world needs is a better use of them.
The mass of people know that there
are such things as books. In a popu-
lation OF 105,000000 a sale of 10000
copies is called good; 100000 is
amazing. Not the sale, but the
situation is amazing. Part OF
this is the fault of the author,
the publisher and the bookseller,
but the greater lack Is in the
reader or the one who might be a
reader" or in him who might create
a reader by a carefully chosen gift
or happy suggestion.
Our libraries are splendidly effec-
tive, but We need an increased indi-
vidual ownership. There are evil
dences of an increasing and a grow
ing desire although the seekers for
good reading are in the minority, as
the above figures make plain. How
ever, the higher order of literature Is
receiving a larger share of the public
notice. The novel maintains its do
ninion, but there Is a healthful de-
mand for really good fiction. 1t is
noticeable, too, that Phoenix readers
are inqNiring for publications of an
instructive nature. In these partic-
ulars Arizona Is quite like every 9TH
er division Of the country. The
printed book Is finding its own by
degrees.
The work is to be carried forward
with enthusiasm and with earnest
determination. The grade is a steep
one and there are obstacles constant
~ interposed. but patient endurance
and interested effort are of great
avail. These things are promised
and with this promise We. rest at
ease"