benefit of it. We are forming now a shelf of reference books for the children, in order to call their attention to our nutshells of knowledge, and to teach them how to look up questions for themselves, and to prepare them for an intelligent using of the large encyclopædias and reference books in our reference department.” Miss Jenkins still continues her work in a readingcircle of little girls.

BOSTON. Athenæum Library.― Mr. C. A. Cutter reports that the library has no connection with the public schools, but "various art schools use the library much." No separate lists for children are published, but the best in that literature is noted in his bulletins, and copied in other libraries.

BROCKTON. M. F. Southworth, Libr.-"The teachers of the High School and the principals of the Grammar Schools are allowed free access to the book shelves, and the former take out for the use in the school as many books as they please, which they are allowed to keep through the term. Many of the teachers recommend books to their pupils, and in the High School Stylus, a paper carried on by the members of the school and published monthly, there is generally a list of books selected by one of the teachers. The principal of one of the grammar schools recently urged his geography class to read at least one book on Africa while studying that country, many of the class complying with his request. Another principal has recently asked to be allowed to take out twenty-five books at once, as he has created such an interest among his scholars that they come before school, and are willing to stay after school for the sake of reading the books which he has put in their hands. I frequently recommend books to children, and sometimes select them for them, always trying to put something in their way which they would not be likely to think of for themselves. I offer them something entertaining in history, biography, or travels; if they do not like my selection I find as good a story as I can induce them to read."

BROOKLINE. Miss M. A. Bean, Libr.— " Although we have done more and better work with the schools this year than ever before, we are far from high water-mark' in this respect. We have made extensive additions to our building this year, and one room has been finished with reference to future school work. In this whole

matter of juvenile reading, I am convinced, from a somewhat close observation in our library, that as the standard of books for the young is improved, they will follow it. This winter Henty's historical stories have been having a great run with us, and 'Little Lord Fauntleroy' and 'Sarah Crewe ' are never in long enough to get back on their shelves. Jas. Otis, Kirk Munroe, and Homer Greene are favorite authors, and our bound volumes of St. Nicholas, Wide awake, and Harper's young people are in constant demand. It is true that 'Oliver Optic 'still does duty, but there is a decided falling off in his devotees, as well as of many other writers of his stamp, for which we are truly thankful."

CAMBRIDGE. Miss A. L. Hayward, Libr.— "We are about to allow each teacher to draw ten books at a time, or to have ten cards. We can do little here to influence young people in the selection of books; the teachers and parents can do much more. Our Superintendent of Schools has a fine selected list of books for the young. I gave an address to the public-school teachers about two years ago on How to Use the Public Library,' and gave lists of authors and subjects, and some special books."

CONCORD. Miss Ellen F. Whitney, Libr.—“I use Miss Hewins's 'Books for the young,' for the young readers. I have marked our library numbers against the books. Each teacher in the schools has a 'school card.' On this school card the teacher may take as many books for school use as he wishes, the teacher being responsible for the books. There are frequently more than fifty library books in the High School at one time. The other schools have the same privilege, but do not use it to the same extent."

HAVERHILL. Edward Capen, Libr.—“We have no special connection with the school; such only as arises from intercourse daily, almost hourly, and from conferring with the teachers." Here aid is "cheerfully and faithfully" given to teachers in assisting them to find all that the library affords on special subjects for school work. Each person in the library service has an influence more or less direct over the young who are in quest of good reading. . . But this influence is small, unless the parents at home have knowledge, and judgment, and control sufficient to aid the management by their counsel and authority. We use the book lists of other libraries when we are informed about them."

LANCASTER. State Industrial School for Girls. L. L. Brackett, Libr.—“We have no special methods, but what has been the most help to us, to elevate the ideas in the choice of reading, has been evening entertainments from different authors."

LAWRENCE. F: H. Hedge, Jr., Libr.-" Our reference-room is open to scholars and teachers, and I do all in my power to help those who apply to me in searching for the desired information. We have twice had lists prepared for scholars in the High and Grammar schools."

of about 200 carefully selected books, which I am informed have been much enjoyed and have tended to raise the standard of reading among the scholars. In the other grammar school referred to, one of the teachers, inspired by reading Miss Hewins's manual,' Books for the young,' suggested books for her pupils to read, with most excellent results. The reading recommended has been mostly books of history, travel, science, etc. She has from the library twenty or thirty volumes at a time, for which she finds eager readers; sometimes permission being asked by the scholar to retain the books a longer time than usual, that the parents may read them also. She assured me she finds no difficulty in inducing the children to accept her selection; perhaps I may be allowed to say here what I did not say to her, that her own personality was not without its effect upon them. Such books as Champlin's Civil war,' Richardson's 'Story of our country,' Coffin's 'Building of the nation,' were read by twenty-eight out of a school of thirty-four pupils. Other teachers in the building have since followed her example with similar gratifying results."

LOWELL. City Library. C: H. Burbank, Libr. -"The teachers here are granted an unlimited number of books to be used either in connection with the studies or to be distributed among the scholars for home reading; but as yet, among a corps of nearly 200 teachers, the Librarian reports that only about fifteen or twenty have availed themselves of this privilege. Perhaps this may be in a measure accounted for by the fact that about ninety of these teachers are in the primary grade, and in this, as in most libraries, few books are purchased suitable for the youngest readers; and also that in the primary schools more supplementary reading is supplied by the Board of Education. The teachers of the High and of two of the Grammar schools deserve much commendation for the work accomplished. Lists of books and lists of topics are sent to the Librarian, who, with his assistants, is only too well pleased to supply the demand and render all the assistance possible. The pupils of one of the grammar schools, at the suggestion and with the help of their teachers, by means of an entertainment were able to raise money sufficient to purchase a library

LOWELL. Library of Middlesex Mechan-, ics' Association. M. E. Sargent, Libr.—“This not being a free library, reaches a smaller number of the pupils of the schools, but the young people who enjoy its privileges make constant use of it for school work. The little folks are our most frequent visitors, asking help on any subject from 'How shall I find how they got the wooden horse into Troy,' and about 'Electric motors,' to a book that will tell of the occupations of women in all ages.' It is the endeavor to have books suitable for even the youngest readers. Two years ago, nearly 400 books from the different departments of the general library were transferred to the juvenile section, where now the children have a library of about 1,000 volumes, which, having access to the shelves, they very much enjoy. A part of these books were purchased, with the proceeds of an entertainment by themselves; so that they have a personal interest in their department, and the charging cards testify to their growing interest in the better books. Upon one of the lists of books for purchase presented by the children, it was gratifying to find 'The Story of the nations' series, and Church's 'Classics.' Lanier's 'Boys' King Arthur,' 'Froissart,' 'Mabinogion,' Coffin's and Drake's books have been much read. Wood's 'Backyard zoo,'' Four feet, two feet, and no feet,' and other books of a similar character,

have proved very entertaining to the little

ones."

LYNN. J. C. Houghton, Libr.-"We recognize the importance of direct, personal assistance to the young, both in the selection of books for home reading and for researches in connection with their school studies, but we have found something is needed besides good plans and faithful personal assistance. There should be a room, or rooms, well adapted to this juvenile work, in which the young people could receive attention from an assistant specially fitted for this line of work. We have neither of these requisites; our rooms are crowded, young people must do their work in the general reading-room, and if they need help it must come from the assistants already engaged in the routine business of the library. Nevertheless much good work has been done. Our young

people are experts in the use of the catalogue, especially in that portion of it known as the 'Young Folk's Department.'"

NEWTON. Miss E. P. Thurston, Libr.- From the report of 1888: "The library has continued to assist in the educational work of the schools, by sending to any teacher books on whatever subject desired, and the teachers seem to be unanimous in feeling that it is a great advantage, and in appreciating their privileges. They affirm that the scholars are eager for the books, and this especially in some districts where books are not easy of access to the children. The teachers of the lower grades report that the little ones learn their lessons more willingly and with more promptness, in order that they may be allowed the books afterward." Miss Thurston writes: "We have continued the work begun by Miss James, and of the twenty public schools of Newton eighteen have availed themselves of the privileges granted. We sent 3,882 books to the schools in 1888."

NORTH ADAMS. Miss C. A. Dunton, Libr."We are doing all we can in the library to have our young people improve in their style of reading, and the teachers in our schools are much interested in the work; but as yet no definite plan has been organized, neither have we any lists of books prepared. Lack of means is our excuse for having done so little."

NORTH EASTON. Ames Free Library. Chas. R. Bullard, Libr.-"Our teachers are allowed four

extra cards, to be used in drawing books suitable for use in the schoolroom. For influencing the young in the selection of books, no special methods are adopted. Suggestions, hints, and a bit of advice now and then from the librarian serve in a general way to accomplish the object, in part at least. A catalogue of books for children was issued in 1887."

SOMERVILLE. Miss H. A. Adams, Libr.-"The students select books from a 'Student's catalogue,' selected from our catalogue by our School Committee. The pupils come with their lists made up, and we give them what is best suited for their purpose. Our cyclopædias and books of reference are constantly in use, and our deliveryroom is so full at the close of school that we have sometimes given out 100 books in an hour."

TAUNTON. E. C. Arnold, Libr.-" We allow teachers in the High School and Academy to draw six volumes each, constantly for use in their classes, in addition to those they and their pupils are entitled to individually. I have had a notice conspicuously posted for years, inviting alpersons needing assistance in pursuit of informal tion on any subject to apply to the Librarian or his assistants. Ordinarily I have not felt called upon to volunteer suggestions unasked, lest I might interfere with the province of parents or teachers, though I esteem it one of my pleasantest duties to render all the aid in my power when so desired. In addition to lists for juveniles in the classified index of the general library, certain books, appropriate for the young, are marked with a dagger."

WALTHAM. Miss S. Johnson, Libr.-"The teachers are allowed four books at a time, to be retained four weeks if so desired for school work. There is a separate bulletin board for juvenile books, and another on which are pasted the monthly accessions for them." A catalogue of books recommended for young people, prepared under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools, was issued in 1882.

WATERTOWN. Solon F. Whitney, Libr.-" We allow teachers' teacher's cards,' with the privilege to take ten books of use to children. I speak at teachers' meetings, and propose to visit schools to explain and strive for more active coöperation. We influence the young at the library by personal aid given by myself and my assistants; also by

public library to the public school is intimate and vital. Every year brings fuller recognition of this. The schools everywhere teach their pupils to read; but to learn how and what to read requires a library (it should be free to all), where the pupil may act upon the suggestions, or carry out the instructions of the wise teacher." From note of Librarian: "This library, formerly called the Public School Library, derives its chief support from and is governed by the Board of Public Schools. Though free for reference purposes, a membership fee of $2 is required for the privilege of taking books home, which for public-school pupils is reduced to $1 per year. Except a few of the popular books, such as Adams, Alger, Fosdick, et al. (and these in limited quantities), only the best books are bought for the juvenile collection. A graded list has been printed. Children applying for books receive personal advice, and when particular books are not called for the best are given them. High school classes are frequently brought to the library by their teachers, to look over books relating to subjects they are studying, especially illustrated works; and some visits have been made by classes of grammar school pupils. Recently fifty copies of a juvenile classic have been sent to each of four grammar schools, whose principals have shown marked interest in children's reading. These books will be interchanged, and if the experiment proves a success it will be extended next year to other schools."

NEBRASKA. OMAHA. Miss Jessie Allen, Libr. -"This library has no real connection with the public schools, being maintained by a district tax and having its own Board of Directors. We always signify our willingness to aid pupils, either in selecting books for school use, advising general reading, and showing how to use the reference books. Except in this personal way, and by publishing lists of new accessions, sometimes with and sometimes without comment, we have never been able to offer assistance."

NEW HAMPSHIRE. DOVER. Miss C. H. Garland, Libr.-"There is a corner of our deliveryroom, where the principal of the largest Grammar school occasionally brings part of a class to study up some one subject. We also keep a good variety of supplementary reading for the scholars of the Grammar schools. The library, however, is able to do more effectual work in coöperation with the High school teachers and scholars. . . There is a shelf in the reference-room for the books

which the teachers select and place there; and each afternoon these books are consulted by scholars who come to the reference-room for that purpose. The High school teachers are also allowed to have several books at a time to be used in school work. Much personal aid is also given to individual scholars, by the attendants. We print no list. Lack of funds cripples us here, as in many other directions."

NEW YORK. BUFFALO. J. N. Larned, Libr.— "A considerable number of library tickets are issued each year to pupils in the schools who are recommended by their teachers." An excellent classified list of books, which has been much appreciated and used by other librarians, was issued in 1881.

GLOVERSVILLE.

A. L. PECK, Libr.- Some of the special features of the work of this library were printed in the Library journal of 1880, since which time the work has been carried on in substantially the same manner as therein described. "During the last three years I formed every fall one or two reading circles among the school chil dren of the Grammar and High schools. Each child reads one book, sometimes a portion of a book only, and reports at certain times at the various meetings. During this winter the readingcircle of the pupils of the high school read Scott's 'Lady of the lake,' 'Marmion,' and 'The Lay of the last minstrel,' Gray's 'Elegy,' and Tennyson's 'Enoch Arden.' These reading circles met formerly in the schoolhouse, later on from house to house, but since the library moved into large and commodious quarters these meetings are held in the Librarian's office. While I am always ready to render assistance to any of the patrons, the children have always received my special care and attention. I completed four lists of 'Books for the Young;' three of these are already in use, and have proved to be very useful. The number of children taking books from the library is increasing, and the character of the reading has improved."

HORNELSVILLE. From R. N. Tuttle, Chairman of Managers." To pupils under the age of fifteen, books have been loaned from our scientific and historical departments (including travels and fiction appropriate to these subjects) free, but only on written recommendation of the teachers each time, stating name of pupil and name of book. Teachers have been quite successful