OXFORD.

THE WESTERN COLLEGE LIBRARY.

The following is from a description Alumnae Hall of the Western College and Seminary, Oxford, Ohio:

"A fire-proof library with a capacity for one hundred and twenty thousand volumes, constitutes the entire north end of the building. More than eight thousand volumes are now upon the shelves. The library is open for consultation more than ten hours daily, and books are drawn for use in the student's rooms, subject to certain restrictions. In this library is the Tillinghast window, placed here by the class of '66. This window received the gold medal at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893, and is said to be one of the most beautiful works of art in America. In addition to the library there is a large, sunny, reading room, which is furnished with more than one hundred of the leading reviews, magazines and newspapers."

In a letter the librarian, Caroline D. White, supplies the following additional information:

"We have had two fires. Very few books were saved from the last fire in April 1871; as near as I can learn, not over five hundred. About eight or nine hundred books were given to the library soon after they re-opened the following October. The library grew in a very small way until we received an endowment of $2,600, which gives us an income of $180.00 to be used yearly.

Since we moved into our new library, June, 1895, we have received some larger gifts from time to time which have increased our number of books. From six to eight hundred dollars is appropriated from the receipts of tuition to meet the current expenses of the reading room and the binding of magazines and periodicals, also the purchase of a small number of books."

PAINESVILLE.

PAINESVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Several early attempts were made to establish a library in Painesville, but with no permanent result until the foundation of the Temperance Library and Reading Room. This was established by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and aided by Mr. C. H. Moore, who loaned a thousand books to the library.

With the death of Miss Dean, January 31, 1898, who, for twenty years, had been its faithful librarian, this went out of existence, only to rise again Phoenix like from its ashes into a larger and more lasting form.

This had been the earnest desire of Miss Dean, that a Public Library should be established on an enduring basis for the youth of the present and future. Early in February a charter was obtained, and an organization effected for a Free Public Library and Reading Room. The articles. say any citizen can become a member of the Library Association by the

payment of a fee of $5.00, and the Library must be open at least three hours each day.

The town was thoroughly canvassed, and the people urged through the daily papers to show their good citizenship by becoming members of the Association. One hundred and thirty-three responded to the appeal. After this a meeting was called, and from these associate members, fifteen trustees were elected, and Mr. Harly Barnes was unanimously chosen president, but as he declined to act, Mr. George P. Steele was appointed, and under his efficient leadership the work has gone rapidly

on.

Mr. Barnes rented the old Temperance Rooms to the association for a nominal sum, and busy hands soon transformed it into a thoroughly comfortable place, by taking down partitions and redecorating.

The libraries of the W. C. T. U., Y. M. C. A. and one thousand books the gift of Mr. C. H. Moore, of Clinton, Illinois, were soon transferred to the new association. Gifts of books came pouring in; the Vocal Society gave $70.00 for this purpose, the proceeds of a concert in Memorial Hall, so that soon we had three thousand volumes. A competent librarian was found in Mr. Ashley, who was induced to bring order out of chaos in cataloguing and putting the books in place.

The great need of a library building had been in the minds of a few citizens for several years. It seemed that some one of the ten or twelve wealthy men, formerly residents here, might be induced to build such a memorial. A letter was written and sent to several, and one gentleman was consulted on the subjject, with the result, that on the opening night, Mayor Reynolds announced that a friend had been found generous enough to buy a lot and build for the village a library, the plan of which was exhibited. Mr. Morley's reason and purpose for giving it were fully explained in his address at the dedication. The building was promised for the next Christmas, but owing to difficulty in securing a title to the lot, it was delayed until spring, and then again until October.

The Council were induced to grant a levy of tax for the support of the Public Library, which by a new law they are privileged to do. In New Hampshire, in 1895, a law was passed compelling the support of Public Libraries, the same as of schools, these being considered necessary to supplement the school work, for they realized that a Public Library is not only a means of education, but a conservatory of Public Morals. At the library opening all the town and school officials were invited and Mr. Morley's friends here and in Cleveland. Mr. George P. Steele, the president of the association, presided and first introduced Mr. Morley who was received with great applause.

His address, which was replete with reminiscence, was heard with the closest attention. In conclusion he said:

"For a number of years after leaving Painesville for Cleveland in 1847, I retained business interest in Painesville, and until the death of my parents, made

quite frequent visits to your city, and kept in touch with your life and growth. I have always been interested in whatever concerned the welfare of your city. The members of our family have a strong personal regard and affection for Painesville.

This library building is erected in memory of my parents, and I feel that no act of mine would be more pleasing to them than to contribute to the education and culture of your people.

I hand you, Mr. President, a deed for this library building.."

After the dedication the books were brought and put in place, and in three days the Library was ready for use, in its beautiful new home, with Mrs. Julia Irwin in charge, who, by her intelligent and kindly service of two years has made herself a pleasant part of the institution.

There are now on the shelves five thousand volumes. That the public appreciate the gift is evidenced by the fact that on an average one hundred persons come to the building every day to draw books, or to enjoy the pleasant reading room, the newspapers and magazines always on file.

PIQUA.

SCHMIDLAPP FREE SCHOOL LIBRARY.

The building and grounds for this library were donated by Mr. J. G. Schmidlapp, of Cincinnati, and named in memory of his mother. The library problem was worked out by the Superintendent of Schools, C. W. Bennett, and the Board of Education. The library equipments were put in by the Board of Education at public expense. It is called a free school library to bring it under the common school library law of Ohio, which permits a levy, makes the Board of Education custodian, and the superintendent of schools chairman of the library committee.

The library was opened in 1890 and has had a liberal patronage. The board pays all expenses out of the general fund. The plan is highly satisfactory and the library is very popular.

POMEROY.

THE POMEROY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

The first movement towards the establishment of a public library in Pomeroy was made at a Chautauqua meeting held October 1, 1895, when a temporary organization was effected and a book reception planned. The books donated in this way formed the nucleus of the present library. A permanent library association was formed November 5, 1895. The library existed for several years as a subscription library. Various entertainments were given as library benefits; contributions of books were received from time to time and the work progressed steadily though