Evening star., 1936-12-04

It. One may wonder how these two get
teamed up, and here is the reason: The
wise amateur breeder knows from past
experience that the dogs he gives away
do not get as good care as those he
charges something for. It seems that
most humans. alas. only value what they
have to pay for, in some way or other.
Wise breeders charge their dearest
friends for puppy. not for the sake Of
the money, but to insure the little four
legged fellow square deal in his new
home.
So with the loaning libraries; although
their primary aim Is to make money,
another aim is to ensure the return Of
their books in the best possible condition.
The small charge achieves both.
What you pay for you appreciate.
usually. This works both ways in book
dom, both physically and mentally; - e
borrower who must pay for what he
borrows handles book more gently, he
does not smear it with foodstuffs, nor
does he spill coffee over it; he likewise
finds added zest in the printed word
because he, great fellow, has reached
down into his pocket and parted with a
little Of his hard-earned cash.
\ ~ \
The reader who accepts a book from a
friend, whether he has the volume thrust
upon him, as is sometimes the case,
through an excess of enthusiasm on the
part of his friend, or whether he seeks
the loan because he wants the book, must
not jump to the conclusion that he should
want to change beautiful friendship of
books into a paying proposition.
What he should do is to keep well in
mind the difficulties enumerated and
determine highly and honestly to go just
little out of his way to keep forever in
his mind the fact that he has in his
possession for short time book well
liked by some one else whose book 1t Is
after all.
Let him not forget, too, that the loaner
did not include Aunt Harriet in his loan.
He never heard of dear Aunt Harriet.
He might regard her as a most esti-
mable lady, but certainly he did not
have her in mind when ne pressed the
precious volume upon you.
Remember. the book was intended for
you, and for you alone.
In its little way it was a token of
admiration and respect.
y
Let not down, then. this honest gentle
man. who reposed confidence in you, by
loaning you something which he liked
and hoped you would like.
He hoped he would get 1t back. but.
knowing life somewhat. he was not too
sanguine. The beauty of doing something
for others, even in little. had possession
Of him for the time being.
He became reckless-and loaned you
his book.
He forgot about Aunt Harriet. and pos
sibly Cousin Mary. both of whom, spying
the book, cry loudly, "Oh. would like
to read that"
So would thousands of persons, Aunt
Harriet. Only the publishers hope they
will purchase the volumes for themselves,
and build up nice little home library of
their own.
Let us all make a New Year resolve
right now to return, and at once, the
books which we have borrowed but have
forgotten" to return. five are honest
about this matter we may be amazed
at the extent our shelves hold books that
do not belong to us. And if Aunt Har-
riet, in her turn, did not return the book
she borrowed from us after we borrowed
1t in the first place, let us be man enough
to go down to the store, purchase new
volume and return it with bland smile
The thrill such deed brings booklover
Is true Christmas gift all by itself.