sufficiently indicated. It was intended as a depository for the records and publications of Ohio and similar documents received in exchange from other states and the General Government. The first list of books purchased in 1817 reveals a plan of wider scope, however, and includes a number of volumes of general literature which were evidently designed to bring "within the reach of the representatives of the people such information as will aid them in the discharge of important duties they are delegated to perform." Among the volumes purchased by Governor Worthington were: "Jefferson's Notes," "Clarkson's History of Sla

OIHO STATE LIBRARY, INTERIOR VIEW, 1852.

very," Marshall's "Washington," "Rees' Cyclopaedia," "Malthus on Population," Smith's "Wealth of Nations," "Gibbon's Rome," "Paradise Lost," "Blair's Sermons," and the Bible.

It will be noticed that the State Library was open originally only to state officers and members of the General Assembly. The first regulations provided that "the librarian shall open accounts with the Governor, Secretary, Treasurer and Auditor of State, the Judges of the Supreme Court, and the members of the General Assembly and their respective clerks." The privilege of drawing books did not extend beyond

the period the legislature was actually in session. As late as 1895, books were loaned only to "members and officers and ex-members and exofficers of the General Assembly; State officers, and clerks in the several departments of the State Government at Columbus, and ex-officers of the same; the Judges of the Supreme Court, of the Supreme Court Commission, of the Circuit and Common Pleas Courts; officers and teachers of the benevolent institutions of the state, and of the State University; officers of the Penitentiary; widows of ex-members and ex-officers of the

OHIO STATE LIBRARY, INTERIOR VIEW, 1852.

General Assembly and of ex-state officers; and clergymen resident of Columbus."

Under such regulations the circulation of the library was of course quite limited. In the long period since it was founded many valuable works have been placed on the shelves that were accessible to the general public only for the purposes of reference in the reading room of the library. These were sought by scholars and historians who were engaged in the preparation of some literary work or in the study of some "special science or subject of art." The newspaper files were frequently consulted by editors and reporters. The books had a limited circulation among state

officers and their families. Members of the legislature, during its sessions, found themselves too busy to read, even if they had occasion to add to the stores of knowledge and practical wisdom that they brought from the various sections of the state.

The first Board of Library Commissioners under the act of 1896 were appointed by the governor in April of that year. The members were Rutherford P. Hayes, J. F. McGrew and Charles A. Reynolds. The present librarian and most of the assistants were chosen by this board. In extending the privileges of the library, the old distinction between

OHIO STATE LIBRAKY, INTERIOR VIEW, 1850.

officials and other citizens of the state was removed. The circulating department was at once opened to the general public. Citizens of the state who desire to draw books may do so by furnishing the Library Board a satisfactory guarantee, or by making application through their local library. Those living in distant parts of the state may borrow books by paying transportation both ways.

Under the new regulations the circulation has steadily increased. Reference to the rules and regulations will show that the board reserves the right to say what books may not circulate. They are not sent out

indiscriminately. Rare and valuable books are not issued for use outside of the library. Those in the circulating department, however, are issued freely on the same conditions to all citizens.

The Traveling Library System, which was introduced in the summer of 1896, and a brief history of which will be found eleswhere, is fast becoming the circulating department of the State Library.

The attendance at the Library for reference work has increased almost in proportion to the circulation.

OHIO STATE LIBRARY, INTERIOR VIEW, 1852.

While it contains works in almost every department of literature, the Library is strongest in state publications, government documents, history and its related branches, bound periodicals, and newspaper files. In recent years a systematic effort has been made to add to the early literature relating to the state. The work of collecting has necessarily been slow, but the substantial progress already made warrants the hope that in time this may become the best reference library in all things pertaining to Ohio.

The history of the Ohio State Library was written for the period from its founding, 1817 to 1890. On this and the following pages the narrative is continued to 1901.

1890.

The report for this year contains much valuable information. There is an account of the meeting of State Librarians at St. Louis, a list of salaries paid librarians of other states, and a history of the Ohio State Library from its founding to the date of this report. This includes the history compiled by Wm. T. Coggeshall in 1858, with supplement by Jno. C. Tuthill bringing the record down to 1891. It includes also a complete list of the manuscripts in the State Library.

Additions to library, 2,227 volumes. Registered number of volumes in library November 15, 1890, 60,633.