The Wrangell sentinel., 1937-02-26
LIBRARY FACTS

stand Behind Your Library" is the title of an editorial by Clara Savage Littledale, editor of Parents Magazine, published in the Febru- ary number, which presents some interesting facts about libraries. To Alaskans who have access to library privileges. some of the facts stated are startling.
 Forty-fiye million people in the United States have no library ser vice of any kind. In Illinois, nearly two million, and in Indiana, 900,000 have no access to a public library. and yet in these states the public libraries reach more people than do the public schools.
 The library is considered one of the greatest educational institutions of the country. It is estimated that the call to libraries for educational help is 20 percent greater now than in 1880. In the past public libraries relied upon the tax on real estate and as there was further drain on those moneys for other purposes they were not sufficient. Local funds are seldom available and state govern ments are being called upon. Ii all the people who now have no library privileges are to be served. eventual ly the federal government must help.
 This year, at least ten states are asking their legislatures for funds. Two years ago, Ohio received S100.- poo for the biennium, and a nalf- million people Of Illinois backed the request for S6O0,O00 for the same period which they were granted. Ohio Is asking Tor an annual appropriation of $250,00O this year Women s Clubs. the State Federation of Teachers and other groups are be- hind the movement in Texas t1 get S750.000 for a two-year period to strengthen the state library and 10 develop ten district libraries.
 The money received by the peo- pie of Illinois from their state leg islature amounts roughly to only five cents per capita population, the editorial states, and then points out the difference which that five cents made. To get a book apiece. after four years of no new books, roo bOok-hungry children stayed away from movies and stood in line for hours at a Chicago branch library. In another library. men and women raided the shelves for books and to remedy that condition, an exhibit of new books was held for a week. Pat rOns were allowed to make reserva- tiOns during that time but not 10 borrow. The books were not sought for pleasure only. Mechanics, chem ists, engineers, people interested in world affairs, in the Constitution, in the power of the Supreme Court even in astronomy-craved new books. Information. the latest, On air conditioning, electroplating each were in demand. People were hungry for knowledge of late developments.
 While the amount appropriated for public libraries by the Territorial legislature of Alaska, $2.000 for the biennium. is very small in compari- son with state figures quoted from the Parents Magazine it is a decided help to the communities of less than 5000 that are given a sum limited to S150 per year The Skagway Womens Club deserves the credit for bringing about that leg islation. It is hoped however. that the library appropriation may be made larger in the near future-in- creased in amount and made avail able to every public library in the Territory. Alaskans are fond of read ing. They like good books. Every library is doing it's best with the funds at it's command. The question. Why don't you get more boks?" has only one answer: We have very lirnifad f11Ddc