Miss Baldwin was not only a graduate of the University, but was the first librarian under present organization of the library, which by her intelligent and self-sacrificing labor was brought to an excellent state. The plan for the building is worthy of its name and purpose. It has the chief merits of the best modern library buildings. Like the Recitation Hall, this building is constructed entirely of Berea stone. The basement story is arranged for the storage, packing and unpacking of books. The first floor is the library room proper, and has a capacity of from 30,000 to 50,000 volumes. Here will be found not only current periodicals and papers, but books of reference and other books that may be of use to students making special preparation in any department of study. The dimensions are about 41 by 66 feet. The rooms are abundantly lighted and tastefully finished. BRYAN. BRYAN PUBLIC LIBRARY. The Bryan Public Library was organized by a few ladies in 1882. A charter was soon obtained and the ladies under the name of Bryan Library Association commenced working in various ways to obtain money to purchase books. The library containing 600 volumes was opened to the public the following year. The library is under the control of fifteen trustees, five of whom are elected each year by members of the Associa tion. BRYAN PUBLIC LIBRARY. The library has never received any public tax or donations of money. Occasionally a few books are given. A membership fee of one dollar is charged for the use of the library. We have also received a little from honorary membership-five dollars each, and life memberships of twenty-five dollars each. BUCYRUS. BUCYRUS MEMORIAL LIBRARY. In the year 1895 some of the enterprising women of Bucyrus-a town of about 7,000 inhabitants through the kindness of the Hopley Printing Company, published a "Woman's Edition," from the sale of which, together with the proceeds of a dinner served on the day of publication, the sum of one thousand dollars was realized. With this The Memorial Library was established. One year's experience in renting a house proved that the institution could not be maintained by the uncertain proceeds of entertainments. In 1896 permission was granted by the city council to erect a small building on ground belonging to the city, conveniently located near the public square. Our Board of Trustees was a trifle unwieldy, but after some persistant discussion, finally came to an agreement, and the town was canvassed by a few energetic women for sums of five dollars per capita. But in too many instances they were obliged to be content with much smaller donations, sometimes not more than fifty cents. When we had raised four hundred dollars by solicitation, two generous-hearted gentlemen kindly came to our rescue, and paid the balance -three hundred dollars-of the indebtedness, and presented the Board of Trustees a deed for the building, with a receipt for the insurance on it and the contents for a year. There was now no rent to pay, but it required tactful management to raise money for current expenses and a small margin for the purchase. of books, papers and periodicals. In October of the same year, the city council came to our relief and passed an ordinance authorizing a tax of two-tenths of a mill to be levied. for the maintenance of the library. The first money available from this tax was paid December, 1896. The levy nets us fifty dollars a month, which is barely sufficient to defray the expenses of the library. We have a most faithful and efficient librarian, who has been with us since its organization, who is at her post from 9:00 a. m. until 9:00 p. m., except one hour at noon, and another from 5:30 to 6:30 p. m. Although the library is free to all within the city limits, we receive about seventy-five or eighty dollars annual dues from members of the Association. We are still dependent in a large measure on entertainments to stop the never-ceasing clamor for new books. We have had many generous donations of valuable books and periodicals, also of much needed furniture for the rooms. In October, 1899, our hearts were gladdened by a donation from the universal library benefactor, Mr. Andrew Carnegie, who in response to a letter written him by the President of the Association, Mrs. Finley, very kindly sent us a draft for five hundred dollars to be expended in books for the library with "best wishes and congratulations for our enterprising ladies." Our rooms are thoroughly heated, brightly lighted, pleasant and comfortable. That they are attractive is well shown by the large attendance of readers, especially young people in the evenings. The large number of visitors reported by the librarian shows its growing popularity, and the books and periodicals issued each month prove that a grand work is being done for the good of our town, in providing freely the best approved reading matter for our people. WRITTEN BY ONE OF THE TRUSTEES. CADIZ. THE CADIZ PUBLIC LIBRARY. The importance of the Public Library is recognized by intelligent people. Books are cheap, and yet but few have the means to maintain a library such as they would like to have, and such as they know would be beneficial in the education of their children, to whom a good library is of infinite benefit. The public library combines the means of the generous and publicspirited, and all have an opportunity to avail themselves of its untold benefits. The Cadiz Library originated in 1880. Mrs. Nancy Dewey conceived the idea of making a donation for that puropse, and to her much credit is due for its origin. A public meeting was called March 6th, and her proposition to contribute $1,000 was read, and the people became enthusiastic for a public library. A petition was sent to the legislature to allow a small tax for current expenses. An incorporation was formed under the laws of the State; a constitution was adopted March 15th, and on the 15th of April full organization was effected. Subscriptions were invited, and nearly $3,000 were contributed by the generous people of the town. Since that time other subscriptions have been made, and large contributions made in books to the library. The Association is under the deepest obligations to Mr. O. P. Dewey, of Wheeling, whose contributions, both of current literature and rare and costly books, have added much to the library. The library room is elegantly furnished, well lighted, and it makes an attractive and pleasant resort, free to all. It is a pleasure and delight. With 5,000 volumes of splendid books, selected with care, it is an attraction to our town which is appreciated. It is a mine to the youth from which can be taken wealth of which they cannot be robbed, and is a satisfaction to those of maturer years which cannot be overestimated. Under date of September 25, 1900, Mrs. A. J. Emory writes as follows in regard to the founding and management of the California Free Library: A year ago last April, four women met and organized what is called the Wednesday Afternoon Club. Our object was to read and talk together for mutual improvement. The one great object we had in view was the establishment of a free library in our town. We resolved ourselves into a committee to solicit subscriptions and donations of books. We gave entertainments and suppers; we left no means untried to raise money sufficient to purchase a library. I was librarian during the first six months; 600 books were loaned out in that time. Our library is controlled by the ladies of our Literary Society, which now numbers sixteen. Mrs. Dr. Dixon is the present librarian, and keeps the books in one room of her home. We have 251 books and 88 pamphlets. Our little collection is well chosen and represents some of the best American and English authors. We feel the need of more books and expect to make additional purchases soon. Our town numbers only two hundred inhabitants. Ours is the first library in this part of the State outside of county seats, and we feel justly proud of what we have accomplished. CANFIELD. NORTH-EASTERN OHIO NORMAL COLLEGE LIBRARY. The library, which is an important factor in any college, is an especially emphatic feature in the N. E. O. N. C. 7 S. OF O. L. |