The Wrangell sentinel., 1938-10-28


 AlcoYe shelves are now filled with books that appeal to the thoughtful reader and would cost hundreds of dollars if purchased by the club. The Wrangell library was the first li- brary in Alaska to get this help. Many other books are given the li- brary each year by former and present residents of the town. Mag azines for the reading table and for distribution to men on boats are constantly received.
 Alaska Bookshelf Growing
 The Alaska bookshelf while not complete, is growing and is of es- pecial interest to the newcomer to the Territory. The new fiction shelf is, of course. the most popular. The children's section, while not exten- siye owing to the fact that the school has a library of it's own, is giving good service Tn short, over four thousand books fill the shelves which extend all around the room. Two tables hold the magazines. One has the late numbers and one the discards that may be distributed. Whole files Of magazines are avail able for those who live in distant places. The library thus gives a val uable service over a wide area. The club carries $2,500 insurance on books and furnishings.
 The library was moved to it's pres ent quarters in 1881 when the new school building was finished and the old made ready to receive the City offices. The room used now is much larger than that used when the library was first opened. and is light and cheery. The Civic Club held it's meetings there for a time and still holds an occasional special session there.
 Of the club membership Of 36 in existence when the library was opened. eight remain. Many resided here only temporarily and left the next year. others continued members and workers for several years, and still others have passed on. Those who remain have no trouble in rel calling the discouraging years when from three to five tried to eneour- age each other and to surmount each obstacle as it appeared. When they took the lead in organizing various types of benefits for the li- brary and other activities, towns people always responded generously and this fact and the Knowledge that the library is a real asset to- town have been most encouraging
 Dream Realized In Part
 So the dream was realized-partI of it, at any rate. The reading room was open at various times and wasl greatly appreciated by those who used it rightly. It is not pleasant to admit that it had to be closed bel cause of the destructive tendencies enough young people will have learned that library is a place fori quiet enjoyment; that tables and chairs are not gymnasium equip ment; that magazines and books are worthy of respect and care, and
  know these facts shall not enter where their behavior is a violation of peace and order
 The actual work for the library, selection of books and periodicals, is done by a library board of three, two of whom must be members of the Civic Club. Each member serves for Is months, a new member be- ing appointed by the club president every six months, or the outgoing member re-appointed. The present board consists of Mrs. F. s. Barnes, treasurer of the club, Mrs. R. F. Pe derson and Mrs. Robert Murphy, formerly Miss Margaret Mccormack These members are very glad to get suggestions from the reading public and while it is impossible to buy all the books suggested, they do what they can to increase the value of the library for the patrons and theI community. No charge has beenI made for library cards since the Territorial refund went into effect The librarian and the board ask only that books and magazines be returned when due and in the con- dition in which they were given out.
 Seventeen Years Old
 On Monday night, October 31, 1898, it will be IT years since the formal opening of the library took place. Miss Woods, whose leadership 25 years ago inspired the effortsl that made 1t possible, left Wrangell for her former home in oregon in 1919, and passed away at Easter time, 1923, eighteen months after the library had been established. ! Those who remember how she tramped around the town to notify each member of the club of every meeting (Wrangell had no telephone system at that time) know that she must have felt sense of satisfaction fhaf ha ho baOau chnW-