Very often the whole family read the books.One boy waited till nearly noon on Library day for his father to finish the "Boys of '76."Another said he wished he might take three books,because there were four boys at home,and he would like to have enough "to pretty near go 'round."In another family three of the children were drawing books.Still the older sister had to come down to get a book for herself,saying the others never gave her a chance to read theirs.
In these miniature libraries not only do the children become familiar with library regulations,but more judicious and intelligent in the selection of books.At first they choose a book because it has an attractive cover,large print,"lots of talk"(conversation),or because it is small and soon read."Itell you,them skinny books are the daisies,"said one,while the opinion of another was,"These ain't so bad if they'd only put more pictures in to tell what they're about."Later they select a book because the title tells of interesting subject matter,or because a playmate has recommended it as "grand,""dandy,"or "a peach."A popular book often has as high as ten or fifteen reserves on it,the Librarian being greeted in the morning with a chorus of,"Teacher please save me"--this or that book.So,from having no idea of choice,the children finally have such a definite idea of what they want,and why they want it,that,unless the particular book is forthcoming,they "guess they don't want any book to-day."One small girl took out "Little Women,"and wanted "Little Men"on the same card.When she understood that only one book of fiction could be taken on one card,she inveigled her little sister into taking it on her card.Then she tucked the books under her arm,remarking,with a sigh of satisfaction,"Now,we'll have 'em both in our family."In striking contrast to the excitement attending the selection of books is the lull that follows.Here and there are interested groups looking at the pictures--delightful foretaste of what is to follow in the text--or comparing the merits of the different books.Some have already made an absorbed beginning in the story which will be finished at home,on the door step,or by the evening lamp,when the more active games of the day are over.Nor are these absorbing books always fiction.The statistics show that stories of travel,lives of great men,and books on natural history were fully as popular as the fiction.The fiction per cent of last year was reduced from 60per cent to 52per cent this year.
And so the work for the season has closed,leaving many a young reader not only trained but enthusiastic to enjoy regular library privileges.The general verdict of the children was that they were "Sorry it was over."Four lads from the South Side begged that they might get books from the Main Library,and one boy presented his card the very day after the playground closed.
Nearly all the branches have gained new adherents from their respective districts.
On the whole we feel well pleased with the season's work,although,as is natural,the work done by the two new Branches was not so successful as that elsewhere owing to the fact that the work was new to the district.When compared with that done in the districts where it has been carried on for three years,it gives a striking example of the growth and development which has taken place since the beginning.As a result of the work,at the West End Branch alone,fifty-two children from the Riverside playground have taken out library cards.The children are better trained in library usages,and more intelligent as to what they want,often counting from one year to the next upon getting a certain book.Out of this enthusiasm there naturally result the Home Library groups and clubs which furnish books during the winter.One notable outgrowth of last summer's playground was the Duquesne School Club,whereby the children of the Point were enabled to get books through the winter.This has since been superseded by the introduction of the School-Duplicates,and now the children hold elections for their various officers,while the wide-awake principal has gotten out a neat little catalogue of the books in their collection.
Unemployed and uninterested children are fallow ground for the seeds of mischief and crime.The half-day playgrounds do wonders toward solving the problem of the vacation child.Do not the interesting,wholesome,juvenile books made so accessible to the children also play a large part in this good work?
