Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 46, Number 271, Decatur, Adams County, 16 November 1948 — Page 6

PAGE SIX

LOCAL LIBRARY OBSERVES BOOK WEeI

£ Decatur Public Library Board IK ■ S mbH s ■- # rmWww * ■' »£ ** r < - -WEMsiWsr >£s r JIWKiW w^ wl nwM S' J| r ’ <V

Reading from left to right are Dr. N. A. Bixler, president; Harry Dailey, Sylvester Everhart, Mrs. W. P. Robinson and Raymond Kohne. These five citizens and two others not in the picture, Mrs. F. H. Willard and Mrs. Hugh Andrews comprise the Decatur library board for the present year. The photograph, taken recently bv Paul Edwards, is in the library reference room. ______

° Ki Jr 7'L • ’ all the other libraries of Indiana. Need ror Libraries It is more than 100 years old. It 0 — 0 occupies a beautiful building which cost nearly a million dollars fifteen (Written by Harold F. Brigham, y ears ago The building is a monuDirector. State Library.) ment to the history and progress We need strong public libraries o j j nd j ana as a s t a te. it is conbecause they are an essential part S f ructcd of Indiana materials, furof the total educational sjstem in n j s h e( j Indiana equipment and America. The public library pro- decorated with Indiana art . It is vides educational opportunity for cons j dered the most beautiful state all the people. It carries on where iuj rar y building in the country, schools leave off. making possible continuous educational activity libraries tod./ Guild Books AITHC people achieve a better life as in ( Literary Guild Books for dividuals, and because they are .... .„ J , „„ .. ...... . r. children and Young People as weh vital to the success of Democracy .... .... .j .1 as for adults, which must ever depend on a well- _ . , . .. ‘ For November:- ‘Riding the informed, actively participating _ „ „ . . .. ... . . . . , , Rails by Elizabeth Olds is the citizenry in order to be successful. , . , „ . _ ~ We need strong libraries also se,ee ‘ io “ for 6 ‘ 7 aDd 8 year ° ld because people need the kind of ® recreation-thev offer. Mental di- „ , ~,y B . ,5 y “ y version may well be considered Manly Uad ® U ,® llman 18 the the more important today than other ne * 00 . or " er .„ OyS . . forms of entertainment in view of „ Maunta ! n . Dl^ Ure * ?, y A " ne the stress and strain of these Emery and Riding Days by Mar- .. jorle M. Oliver, are the other t>' a*-.- t ■>. books. You will enjoy them all. The State Library is a servant of

County Library Boasted 136 Books Century Ago

The week beginning November 15, 194 S has been set aside and designated as National Book Week. The magazines and newspapers will call attention to the new books, and a special effort will be made to attract the hprrying citizens to the Public Library where hundreds of books on all subjects are available to the public, rich and poor alike. While we are enjoy’ng this edu cational and beneficial privilege, may we pause for a moment, and looking back one hundred years, ask: “What books were available to the citizens of Decatur and the community, in 1848? At that time Adams County and Decatur, its county seat, had only been organized apout a dozen years; it was a pioneer community in the midst of a deep forest. A peek into the log cabins or humble homes would usually reveal the family Bible, a copy of Pilgrim s Progress, and perhaps one or two other books. Some of these homes might have had one or two other books and other homes might not have had any. And yet in 1948 Adams County could boast of and actually did have a County Library. The books were kept in the Treasurer's office in the little two room building located at the southeast corner of the Public Square. This building had been erected in 1839. According to the official record, the County Library bad about 136 books, not counting a number of law books. Acts of the General Assembly and other similar books. The books of this library had evidently been carefully selected among well assorted subjects, so the Adams County Library One hundred years ago gave the pioneer settler of Adams County the happy and beneficial privilege i of reading a splendid group of i books i The first lot of books purchased 1 by this County Library was known 1 as the "Evangelical Family U-l brary, and included the following 11 books: . t Evangelical Family Lfb~”v: 1 1 Doodridges' Rise and Progress: i 1 Wilberforce. Practical View A t Touchstone: Edward on Affec-jf ttons; Pilgrim's Progress. Baxter’s b Saints at Rest; Baxter’s Call

Dying Thoughts; Life of Brainard; Memoirs of Martyn; Edward's History of Redemption; Persuasives to early Piety; Guide to Young Disciples: Memoirs of Payson; Nevin’s Practical Thoughts; infidelity Memoirs of Jeremy Taylor; Buchan's Asia; Elisha, The Tish-1 bite; Evidences, by Bogue & Keith; Bible Thoughts; Mammon' & Meekness; Self Knowledge &. Counsel to Young Men; Christian Memoirs of Peace; Os Page and Hobble; Mother & Child at Home; Gallandet Scrip, Biography, Adam to Joseph; Life of Moses; Isaiah, Nat. Theology & Redemption; Memoirs for the Young; Sabbath In-, temperance & Essays. At a meeting of the County Library Board held February 2, 1846, William A. Bugh, the Librarian was authorized to purchase the books set out in a schedule prepared by him, and at the meeting held June 5, 1946 he reported the purchasing of books, costing $325.00 including 17 biographies; 10 essays; 26 histories and a number of books on political economy, Religion. travel, poetry and Shakespeare. On the inside of the front cover of the back of the books appeared the following label: Adams County Library No. Terms: All books borrowed from the County Library are to be returned within Two Months. If not returned within that time, a penalty of Five Cents for every five days will bq charged, from the expiration of the time until the book is returned, to be paid by the borrower." In writing about books. Thomas) Chalmers, the author of one of the j books listed above, said: “Books are standing counselors! and preachers, always at hand and always disinterested: having this! advantage ever oral instructors that they are ready to repeat their, lesson as often as we please.” It must have greatly pleased the lonely pioneers of Adams county to have the opportunity to have re- f peated to them the many splendid lessons contained in the above books, as they gathered aronnd the fireside in their log cabin or humble home amidst the forests one hundred years ago.

Librarian And Aids Have Numerous Jobs Handing Out Books Only Minor Item Keeping track of almost 17,000 books and handling more than 3,000 regular customers and answering thousands of questions, is the job of Miss Bertha Heller, Decatur librarian and her assistants, Miss Doro- ; thy Cottrell, regular assistant; j Mrs. R. D. Myers, substitute 11i brarian and Mrs. Richard Myers, Jr., part time substitute assistant. New book shelves are being I added, but space is almost at a premium and soon a new wing will have to be built to take care of the ever growing number of books and the ever increasing business. The trustees now have under advisement the problem of getting more space to house the books, magazines and newspapers. The book-loaning department makes three types of loans. The regular books are loaned free of charge on the card system for a two week period. Then there are seven-day books, which are charged for after the seven day period and rental books, on which there is a small charge for each day the book is kept. ( Miss Heller and her regular as- ' sistant, Miss Cottrell are at the library each week day except one. and each has one day off. Mrs. Myers, Sr. replaces both Miss Heller and Miss Cottrell on their holi- ! days and Mrs. Myers, Jr. substi- ' [ tutes when one of the regular emI ployes is ill. , Besides taking care of the loans, I getting lost books back, watching subscription expirations, getting ( new books and magazines and a half dozen other routine matters, . I all the employes know the location . of books and where the answers to almost any question might be . found. . All in all, the library is a , busy place. i! MEMORIAM ’ In the history of all institutions. ', there comes a time when there are 5 1 changes in the governing body. One of those changes came to the ' l»oard of the Decatur Library, in r the death of one of its most valued members, Mrs. C.D. Lewton. ’ In 1906, one year after the opening of the library, she became a r member and served faithfully, both as an advisor and a member of the book committee. It the time of her resignation one year ago, which was caused by ill health, she was a * most efficient president. Always interested in all departments of the 1 library, her preference was for the books on flower culture a,nd gen- - eral gardening. Having been a teacher in her young womanhood [ she never lost interest in the child- ': ren and their books, and on the tab- ; les and shelves are a number of books and shells she thought they ! 1 would enjoy. Faithful to the interests of the 1 ; library, and prompt to the minute I at its meetings, Mrs. Lewton will I I be greatly missed by the library •| board. * ■ Space At Premium Almost all available space in the main part of the library is now ‘ used for books. The present board| of trusteed realised that it soon will have a problem of either building a wing to the building or us- ’ ing both floors for books

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT, DECATUR, INDIANA

Miss Cottrell Aids Miss Cottrell, assistant to the librarian, daughter of Mrj and Mrs. Grover Cottrell of this city, has served the public at the local library for more than two years. Miss Cottrell, who was graduated from Decatur high school in the spring of 1948, served part-time during her junior and senior years in High school. Group Sponsors - New Book Corner Associate Chapter Has New Project The Decatur Associate chapter of Tri Kappa is sponsoring a new local project—the Tri Kappa Book Nook in the public library—arranged for the use and pleasure of young adults, particularly those of high-school age. • The Joint Committee on Young Peoples’ Reading, composed of representatives from the American Library Association, the National Education Association and the National Council of Teachers of English has established definite' purposes of guided reading. The Tri Kappa selections will be made with these aims in -mind. They are: (a) ( To include a wide variety of reading interests and types of literature which will make the list of purchases useful and representative. (b) To include books that are universally enjoyed by young people. (c) To include books that will challenge young people intellectually. (d) To include books that will help young people build better understanding in the world of today. The new shelves which have been built to accomodate the books in this perpetual gift carry a bronze (Turn To Pnge Eight)

History of Decatur Library

Note: The following history of the Decatur public library was taken from the records and compiled for the Daily Democrat by Miss Bertha Heller, Librarian. From ancient times to our own day a golden thread of respect for books and the wisdom they contain has remained unbroken. Civilizations have perished, but books have somehow been preserved and libraries have continued to exist. The week beginning Thursday July 12th to 19th 1906 was a gala week for Decatur. The Decatur Library had neared completion and receptions and musicals were given that week in honor of the occasion. July 19, 1906 the Decatur Library was officially opened to the public at an evening reception. The keys were given to the city and a receipt taken for the library building. Interested citizens had for years talked and planned for a library. They felt that to a progressive people a library was a necessity. Neighboring cities had libraries. Why should Decatur be the only city without this important aid to education. In January, 1904 a meeting of. all those interested in the progress of Decatur was called at the Presbyterian Church. It was a cold, stormy night, and only a few came. But Rev. E. A. Allen presided and a temporary Board was appointed: Mr. Woodward,

Librarian And Assistant Always Busy •■nr' "IWP p* ■■■ s lyßßh "‘'"■■■« —- HI irEtr -•■ - 1 ■■IS '- -.- Wz ■ls? t 'hr*-’ A I stpL.. ISFy**'Mlm Bertha Heller, right and Mlm Dorothy Cottrell, left behind connter are pictured here with areral young customer*. Mist Heller to the librarian and Miss Cottrell to the assistant. The photo was taken recently by Paul Edwards. j

|g o List Os Members Os Board Since Origin .0 — 0 Citizens who have served on the library board during the years 1904 —1948 include: Rev. E. A. Allen. Mrs. A. B. Morrison. Mrs. C. M. Kenyon. Mrs. L G. Ellingham. T. C. Corbett. E. X. Ehingen C. J. Lutz. M. Kirsch. Mrs. C. D. Lewton. Henry B. Heller. Mrs. Mattie Bailey. Mrs. John Niblick. Mrs. Mary Eley. M. F. Worthman. H. F. Ehingen Mrs. D. B. Erwin. Mrs. J. C. Sutton. Mrs. R. D. Myers John Parrish. Dick Heller. Mrs. Dale Ross. Mrs. Prugh. Dr. N. A. Bixler, president of the present board. Harry Dailey, secretary. Mr. W. P. Robinson, treasurer. Raymond Kohne. Mrs. F. H. Willard. Mrs. H. J. Andrews. S. L. Everhart. C. Os C. In Building The Decatur public library building, in addition to housing the library and reading rooms, also has an auditorium on the first floor which is used by local clubs and sororities for meetings. The auditorium is governed by the regular board of trustees. There also are several rooms on the north side of the first floor, which at present are occupied by the Decatur Chamber of Commerce. The Selective Service Board is presently occupying the auditorium.

chairman, Mr. Clark Lutz, Mr. Hartman, Mrs. Kenyon and Mrs. Morrison. Before a meeting of this Board could be arranged Mr. Woodward was taken sick. In his death the Board felt an almost irreparable loss. His enthusiasm for the cause was contagious and he had gone into the work with all his heart. It was several weeks before another meeting was called by Rev. Allen. At this meeting Rev. Allen was authorized to write Andrew Carnegie asking for a donation of SIO,OOO. It was sometime before an answer came. More correspondence was necessary until at last the glad news came saying that Mr. Carnegie was pleased to donate SIO,OOO. Following is the copy of the letter:March Sth, 1904 E. A. Allen, Esq., Decatur, Ind. Dear sir: Responding to your communications on behalf of Decatur. If the city agrees by resolutions of Council to maintain a free public library ’ at cost of not less than one thousand dollars a year, and provides a suitable site for the building, Mr. Carnegie will be pleased to furnish ten thousand dollars to erect a i free public library for Decatur, i Respectfully yours, Jas. Bertram, Private Secretary. There was at this time an ap-

Borrowing Is Easy Any resident of Decatur can qualify to become a registered bor- ) rower at the public library by filling out an application blank, and 1 having it approved by those -in ’ charge. More than 17,500 books are on the free list and may be borrowed for a two week period without charge. There are a few hundred books on wjhieh a small charge is made daily. Paintings Aid In Creating Interest Psi lota Xi's Use "Seeing Method" Two paintings, tending to stimulate a continued interest among grade school children, Sponsored by Alpha Delta chapter of Psi lota Xi sorority, have been placed in the Decatur public library. The paintings are used in an effort to enlighten the children’s department of the library and the purpose of the out-of-door scenes is to formulate stories understandable to children. This plan of interesting children in reading, through seeing and thinking is being used with great success in libraries and kindergartens throughout the nation. The local sorority is also sponsoring a group of small framed pictures, exclusively for the smaller children. At present the series includes Mother Goose pictures, but these will be changed from time to time to depict seasons and other events. Farm scenes also will be included in this group. Already the plan is gaining great favor among the small children who visit the library and the sponsors believe it will grow in interest and popularity as the pictures change from time to time.

propriation of S6OO for library purposes. The city council was paying S4OO per year for rent of a room. The Library Board said “Give us this rent and we will give you a room in the library as long as you need it.” This would give the amount needed to get Mr. Carnegie’s gift without further taxation. The city council adopted the resolution of accepting the proposition of the Board and Mr. Carnegie authorized the payment of SIO,OOO to the Board Oct. 18, 1904. In the meantime a permanent library board consisting of the following members had been appointed in July, 1904 by the judge of the Circuit Court: Mrs. Kenyon, Mrs. Ellingham, Mrs. Morrison. By the City Council: E. X. Ehinger, T. C. Corbett. By the School Board: Rev. E. A. Allen, Clark J. Lutz. The Board was organized as follows: Jlev. E. A. Allen; Secretary Clark J. Lutz; Treasurer E. X. Ehinger. January 9th 1905 a deed for lot 97 was recorded in the name of the City of Decatur for which $2350 was paid. Mr. Oscar Hoffman of Decatur was employed as architect, May 14, 1905. Bids were received. Mann and Christen being the lowest was accepted. It was for $9850, this was almost the entire sum given by Andrew Carnegie. The Board realized that a shortage of funds (Tara To Paar Kight)

"Library Fills Need In City," Brown Says A good library is the treasure house of the wisdom of the world. Within its walls, available to all, are to be found the keys to the culture of the ages. Our Decatur Public Library is an important part of our community life. The. library, like the public school with which it co-operates closely, is essential to our culture and our democracy. The libraries and the schools are the great “dynamos” of democracy. On the occasion of National Book Week, we salute our progressive and forward looking Public Library Board and our courteous and efficient Librarian. W. Guy Brown Principal Decatur High School Patrons Total 2,000 There are more than 2,000 registered borrowers of the Decatur public library, according to the latest statistics for the present year. Registered borrowers are patrgns who maintain a regular card for borrowing books. r Tri-Kappas Aid In Art Exhibits Locak Chapters Are Sponsors Os Project An oil painting, “The , High Road,” by J. W. Merldith, from the world famous Hoosier Art Salon in Indianapolis now hangs on the South wall of the Decatur Public Library. This painting is the first of a series to be hung in the Library by the active and associate chapters of the Tri Kappa Sorority in a program to bring to Decatur the works of many famous artists. Tri Kappa has been a member of the Hoogier Art Patrons Association since its Inception. The sorority first offered a 450.00 dollar prize to women artists exhibiting at the Hoosier Salon. This policy was continued until 1932 when the award was changed to a purchase prize and Tri Kappa began their art collection. The sorority now owns twenty-seven pictures by (Turn To Pnjcr Eight)

Women Play Important Role In Library's Gnowti

Note. Mrs. John W. Tyndall was designated by the Ladies Shakespeare club to prepare a history of the part women played in the founding and growth of the Decatur library. Following is the result of that study: There may be a few people in Decatur who can recall as students, helping to give entertainments consisting of essays, recitations, music in the class room of the old fraipe school building, once standing where the present high school building now stands for the purpose of starting a library fund. This was under the leadership of Professor W. A. Luckey and wife, superintendent and principal of the high school about 1886 Such was the modest beginning of the movement to create a desire for a community library in Deca tur. A bit later a small tax made it possible to add a few more books which were placed in the office of the superintendent and a part time librarian was employed who also served as supply teacher. A few privileges were granted the public. There were only two literary clubs at that time, the Ladles' Shakespeare club and the Historical club. These women, most of whom were also interested in the schools, were graciously allowed to take out books for reference for a time but gradually as the school activities erew the presence of outsiders was not always appreciated. Some of these ladies were members of both clubs and one of their favorite subjects of discussion was the possibility of a public library* usually ending with such expressions as “I wish we could have a Carnegie library.” This wish, expressed by one of the ladies to Mr. George Woodward, then president of the school board and the man who ordered any mooks purchased at that time, convinced him of the possibilities of obtaining snch a library. The ball had been started rolling. The Shakespeare Club at that time bad no officers, so one does not hear much of their efforts as a club but they very ably supported and boosted both the project and their enthusiastic leaders who were noshing it to success, these were i Mrs. A. B. Morrison whose erto-*« dated back to 1893. Mrs. L. G. ElHnrhsm and Mrs C. M. Kenyon. These ladies worked untiringly , with Mr. Woodward. Rev. E. A. I Allen attorney Clark Luts and a tew other interested persons, for the promotion of the idea. The re-

ITOSD"'1 TOSD "'

Patrons M To See Displaj I Os Books; I Interior P a i nte(J . I T ,9 u i | 9lsCho "J To He lp Patrons I The Decatur public■ ls joining p uWica ‘Sl| libraries across the nJ., 1 ?"® servance of Xational ’ For the occasion the kill tion is “dressed in a, best." The rooms have been J redecorated: new light?*! have replaced the old 13 books and magazines hav.S added, and the building in has been completely oyjfll The board of trustees 3 the president Dr. N. A B Miss Bertha Heller. librarian 3 issued an invitation to the JW visit the library this week 3 the improvements and also fl the special exhibits p resen 3 the occasion fl The library win conduct b J ular hours during the week. fl open each day at 12:15 w fl 8:30 p.ni. and there are no 3jfl hours. J; The new lighting fixture? fl are said to he the latest in fl reading room lighting, v.’fl stalled by the W. F. y, J Brass Co.. Vermillion, 0, fl concern specializes in flnorfl lighting for commercial aid fl buildings. S The walls and ceilings t ■ main room, reading room J reference rooms have been ■ decorated and the entire btfl is ready for the public’s inujfl In addition to several lecalfl tional exhibits. Lehman Bookfl of Fort Wayne has brought fl local library its famous fl Fair," which includes dispfl both children's and adults'fl the latest in fiction, histofl biography. It is said to fl most complete book display fl nation. | The public is extended anilfl tion to visit the library tlm fl and spend as much time as isdfl ed there. j

i suit we all know. When the I -library board was appointed It r eluded E. X. Ehinger. and T. ) Corbett by the city council: 8 r E. A. Allen and Clark J Lutz f the school board: and Mrs. 1 Morrison. Mrs. L. G. Ellinghaai 1 Mrs. C. M. Kenyon by the judga • K. Erwin. These women wort • faithfully with the men on • board meeting regularly to disc t ways and means, helping to cn s interest among the citizens, t liberally of their time and w ! and talents. • When Rev EA. Allen resU f to accept a pastorate eliesi > Mrs. Morrison succeeded bi» ! president of the board, a p<d which she held for over five Ji [ when she too. left Decatur to« » her home in Oaxaca. Mexico. r Kenyon on her removal from ! eity was replaced by Mra L ) Lewton in 1996. She served > f member of the board for W • years. Mrs. Ellingham 1 > voted worker on the board r 1911 when she left Decatur w . side in Indianapolis The . s sneare Club will always feet * -of gratitude for these womer . a sense of pride in their ) pllshments. ’ The bronze plate f states “This building »» ( in 1905. the gift of « negie The lot «« » David Studebaker and b , f the citizens of Deca _ > Studabaker heirs ind^' - John Niblick, who later ' nlace on the boardl» j r the resignation of her. • 1 Morrison: Miss Hattie -• ! Mrs. Phillio Obenauer Morrison. All were members f Shakespeare club. - July 20. 1906 was arH 1 for Decatur n “* ' ofalltheunririnreßt ■ board and an i nt / re ’‘7 tT * f Their dream« hadj I on this day the Dec 1 . brary was formally i nubile Clark J 7,1 1 the impressive ce1 Morrison as pr**' ae * I the audience, club « I refreshments and a- - gram of music and 1 was furnished for * ' library was especi* ll ? ’ house. u»» The library was c. w r not entirely out o Ljd number of y** r * j" W • donated generously. mi ’ and magazines (Twra r. p*»* '