The Waterbury Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1917-1946, 1933-08-15
Parnassus On Wheels
Work Encouraged
Work of Supplying States Jails With Books Finds
Response Among Citizens

In September, 1882, a society
known as "Parnassus on Wheels"
was formed, its object to supply
books to jails in Connecticut. The
originator and prime worker in
this library society for jails is Miss
Genevieve Cowles, librarian, whose
aim is to increase memberships in
the society through which the col
lection and placing of books in the
jails will function. Miss Cowles
visited Waterbury recently and
outlined the purpose of "Parnassus
on Wheels" as it is her hope to
interest all surrounding communi-
ties in the need of such an under
taking. She Is an experienced Ii
braian and an artist as we'll.
In discussing the types of books
in demand, Miss Cowles stated that
a very wide variety might be taken
into consideration; there are all
types of men and women in jails
and therefore the scope of litera-
ture that might be enjoyed and
welcomed by them should embrace
a broad literary selection. includ-
ing novels of all kinds, eliminating
any of a degenerating influence,
poetry, biography, history and
books on the sciences and arts.
Miss Cowles stated that she would
be happy to receive books, not ne
cessarily new, but in good condition
at her present residence. the David
Hoadley tavern in Bethany, where
those interested may get in touch
with her by writing, telephoning,
or personal delivery of books. If
unable to deliver or send books to
this address, "Parnassus on
Wheels" will make arrangements
to pick up books at designated adj
dresses.
Although this society is not yet
a year old, 1t has aroused wide
spread interest, many Of the Yale
university faculty giving their &C
tive support to it's functioning. A
representative board of directors
from this state has promised sup
port through membership and in
expects to add to this board from
ciated on the board of directors for
"Parnassus on Wheels are Judge
Frank p. McEvoy Of this city,
Judge Robert l.. Munger of New
Haven, Judge John Banks of
Bridgeport, Judge Isaac Wolff of
New Haven, Judge Allyn Brown of
Norwich, Judge Arthur F. Ellis of
Litchfield, Judge John r. Booth
of Danbury, Monsignor John J.
Mckinney of Bridgeport, Rev o.
r. Magnell of New Haven. David
Day of Bridgeport, Mrs Percy Wal
den of New Haven and Mrs Heath
scotte Woolsey of Kent.
The dues per year for a regular
member are small, while other
special memberships rate higher.
Information on this may be learned
at any time by getting in touch
with Miss Cowles at the address
given above.
Among the Yale professors in
terested in the movement are Pro-
fessor Jerome Davis, Professors
Borchard, Dession, Hicks, DIR Nc
Intosh, Mr. Keogh of the Yale Ii
brary and others. Jails that have
been supplied and will be supplied
in the future are at Tollanc,
Brooklyn, New London, Norwich,
Haddan, Danbury, Litchfield and
Bridgeport. Already many of these
jails have been visited more than a
few times, and through this social
contact by means of the books
brought to the jails particular good
effects have been noted. Miss
Cowles explained. In some in
stances jailers are building shelves,
and a prisoner acts as librarian. In
practically all instances, splendid
cooperation is given by the jail
officials.
Miss Cowles Is the daughter of
the late James Lewis Cowles OF