Library Management, continued Note: Library of Congress Catalogue Cards. Shelf List Registration of Readers Fines. Charging System (a) Borrower's Card (b) Book Card. (c) Registration Book Two Book System Suggested Rules for Small Libraries Librarian's Monthly Report Rooms, Buildings and Fixtures Fittings and Supplies . Library Schools. Summer Library Schools . American Library Association (A. L. A.) Traveling Libraries Rules for Lending Traveling Libraries Circular Letter to Librarians of Traveling Libraries Aids and Guides in Library Work Library Periodicals Books on Classification and Cataloguing Aids in Selecting Books Periodicals. Periodical Subscription Agencies Fittings and Supplies Additional Useful Addresses Penalty for Injuring Library Property Synopsis of Library Law Relating to District Free Public Libraries 83-88 Library Law of 1903 Errata . 89-100 ΙΟΙ Consider what you have in the smallest well chosen library. A company of the wisest, wittiest men picked out of all civil countries, in a thousand years, have set in best order the results of their learning and wisdom. EMERSON. FREE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. The initiative in all library movements must come from individuals and communities, but the State Library Commission of Delaware stands ready to render all possible assistance to the end that the libraries of Delaware may be raised to a higher rank and that the citizens of the State may be happier and better fitted for citizenship by reason of their acquaintance with "the literature of power which inspires and builds character, and of the literature of knowledge which informs and builds prosperity." The compilation of this Handbook has been very materially aided by the kindness and generosity of the older State Library Commissions, and contains so much that will aid our various school districts in their efforts to avail themselves of the opportunities opened to them by the passage of the new Library Law of March 31, 1903, that it is hoped that the little book may be read with attention by those into whose hands it falls. The purposes for which this Commission was created were to promote the establishment and efficiency of Free Public Libraries. Can it serve your community in either of these respects by co-operating with any local movement in these directions? Do you desire more information on library subjects? Many inquiries regarding the organization of libraries, procuring a competent librarian, the selection of books, library supplies, classification, cataloguing, etc., are answered in this book, but should further information be desired, every effort will be made to give it, and a personal visit will be made if deemed necessary, without expense to the local library whenever possible. All correspondence relating to the work of the Commission should be addressed to The State Library Commission, Dover, Delaware. Ignorance is a prolific mother of vice and crime, and whatever tends to destroy ignorance aims a blow also at the existence of crime. ANON. HOW TO START A FREE PUBLIC The first step must be to arouse public sentiment in its favor. A few earnest people realizing the need of a Library, must determine that the people of their community shall have the benefit of free books, and must plan and work and agitate until every one is aroused to the fact that this opportunity is for them and for their children if they will but take it. They should hold a small meeting of influential workers for the measure, and decide upon a definite plan of action. As it is essential that the provisions of the law should be fully understood by the active spirits engaged in the work of awakening public sentiment upon this subject, the law should be carefully read and considered, and for its full comprehension no better help could be desired than will be found in the admirably clear and simple explanation of it written by Henry Ridgely, Jr. Esq., of Dover, for the sixth annual meeting of the Delaware State Federation of Women's Clubs, held in May 1903, which follows this ar ticle on p. 16. A synopsis of the amended Library Law will precede its full text, and may also be found helpful to a proper understanding of it. Both the synopsis and the Law will be found at the end of the Handbook, on pages 83-100. When the attention of the public is thoroughly aroused, the time will have come to present the petition of the necessary number of qualified electors to the School Board, or Committee, that the question of whether or not they will have a Free Public Library should be submitted to the voters on the next day after the regular school election. The following is a good form for such a petition : FORM FOR A PETITION OF QUALIFIED ELECTORS TO A We, the undersigned qualified electors in said district, respectfully request the Board of Education, or School Committee, to submit the question as to the establishment of a Free Public Library in said district to the qualified electors thereof, at a special election to be held on the day next following the next town election, not being Sunday or a legal holiday. Signatures: On receiving such a petition, duly signed, at least thirty days before the regular school elections, it is the duty of the Board of Education, or School Committee, to give the notices required by law, but if for any reason they neglect their duty, any qualified elector-man or woman-may give the notices and they will be equally effectual. The following is a good form for such notices, and its statements can be readily altered to suit the facts in the case. A FORM FOR A NOTICE TO QUALIFIED ELECTORS. NOTICE! WHEREAS, A Petition has been presented to the Board of Education, or School Committee, of School District, No. of County by at least qualified electors in said District thirty days at least before the next succeeding regular school election, praying that the Board of Education, or School Committee, submit the question as to the establishment of a Free Public Library in said district to the qualified electors thereof, at a special election to be held on the day next following the ensuing regular school election. Now, THEREFORE, In pursuance of said petition and by virtue of the power and authority contained in Chapter 362, Vol. 22, Laws of Delaware, entitled, "An Act providing for the Establishment and Maintenance of Free Public Libraries," the Board of Education, or School Committee, of District No. hereby gives notice that on Monday, the day of June, 190—, (it being the day next following the ensuing regular town election, not Sunday or a legal holiday), a special election will be held for the pur |