The conception of the library's scope and functions has broadened rapidly in recent years. The original library might he used by a privileged few. Then those who paid a fee might use it. Finally it was made free to all for reference. The thought of taking any book from the older libraries was as preposterous as that of borrow ing specimens or pictures from a museum. Then the favored few might borrow, then all who paid a fee, and finally came the broad plan of lending free to all. Then the library became aggressive, and reached out to secure readers as earnestly as a merchant to secure patrons. When New York established its Public Libraries Department, there were 40 public libraries in the State and 40,000 licensed saloons, with chances a thousand to one that a boy at leisure would find the open door and cordial welcome of a saloon. instead of opportunity to read the best books. In compet ing with these rivals, branch libraries were established. But these did not get close enough te the homes in all cases, and deliveries were added. The express, mail, and telephone were used to make the best books more accessible. One or more books were lent to readers at a distance: then home libraries were sent out to local centres for groups of a dozen children. Traveling libraries of 50 or 100 volumes of the choicest books were sent to every community wishing them. The idea spread rapidly. The need of reaching rural homes too scattered for the larger collections led New York, in 1903, to offer the house library of 10 volumes. Book wagons and ears with traveling librarians are now planned. Perhaps the must significant fea tures of late years are the development of ref erence librarians to answer questions; of the children's room and librarians devoted wholly to the needs of little people; of free access to open shelves so that all readers may have the ad vantages of actually handling the books; pro vision for those who cannot come to the library, by means of branches and traveling libraries; and the appraisement or evaluation of books by disinterested authorities. so that a reader may
have a trustworthy guide in selecting from the millions of books in existence the one best adapt ed to his needs.
Librarians largely agree that the best name for local tax-supported libraries is 'public library,' preceded by the name of the city or town.. The word 'free' is objectionable as sug gesting charity, and 'circulating' is unnecessary, for all libraries are understood to he for lending unless called 'reference.' The library has three functions: (1) As a storehouse; (2) as a labora tory for study and serious work; (3) as affording sane entertainment. Every complete library must have a reference and a lending department and general reading-rooms for periodicals. It should work in close touch with the schools, hut under independent trustees. Efficiency and economy make it the natural home for collections in sci ence, art. or history; for lectures, meetings of clubs, and all interests outside the schools which help on education and culture. Many Sunday schools find it wiser to turn their books over to the public library, where Sunday-school teachers may meet during the week, with access to hooks, pictures, and all facilities for study. The library field is being rapidly enlarged in various direc tions.
Legislation aims to make it easy to establish and difficult to abolish libraries, to encourage gifts, to grant State aid to communities willing to help themselves, to collect the results of ex perience and make them available in print and by personal expert advice, to protect library property by stringent laws. and to recognize in every direction the library as on the same plane with the school.