At this session short informal speeches were made by W. H. Brett, W. H. Johnston, W. C. Lane, Henry J. Carr, C. G. Pearse, R. P. Hayes, Rev. Newton M. Mann, and Miss M. E. Ahern. These filled, altogether, less than an hour of time, and at the conclusion those present adjourned to the art gallery of the library, where a pleasant hour or so was spent in an informal reception. This gave an agreeable opportunity for social intercourse, and for the inspection of a rich collection of rare and illustrated books, lent for the purpose by citizens of Omaha. Of special note among these exhibits were those from Senator Manderson, Bishop Scannell, W.H. Wyman, Archibald Acheson, Mrs. Savage, Mrs. Keysor, Mrs. Underwood, and Creighton College Library. A picture exhibit from Charles Scribner's Sons was displayed on the walls of the gallery, as well as many carbon and copley prints from local art rooms; there were also trade exhibits of leathers and sample bindings, and of juvenile and other recent publications; and exhibits of bindings, library forms, etc., were made by the St. Joseph (Mo.) Public Library, the Pratt Institue Free Library, and the Pasadena (Cal.) Public Library.

At the session of Friday morning, Sept. 30, about half as many were present as on the evening preceding. Mr. Brett presided, and opened the actual business of the congress with a short address. He referred to the change that the spirit of the times had wrought in the work of the church and the school, in emphasizing the weight of social obligations and social duties, and spoke of this civic training as one of the first aims of the modern public library. "The salient fact in regard to the American library movement, and one which is apparent to the most casual observer, is its progressiveness. Surely an institution which has in a quarter of a century quadrupled its volumes and many times more than quadrupled the extent and value of its work, which has in the same time developed from nothing a body of library science and method which is quickly accepted, and which has established and maintains flourishing schools for teaching this, may be fairly regarded as progressive.

"It is a fact of no less interest and significance that libraries of all classes have substantially the same purpose in their work. The aim of the public library is clearly to help the citizen to perfect himself in his daily work, to inform him as to his civic duties, and to afford the means of higher development to the individual. The school library tends in the same way, and the library of the college shares in the work of the college in training more thoroughly and broadly cultured men who are fitted to fill honorable places as citizens, and to practice successfully their professions. There are also special libraries that work for some definite phase of the preparation for the life, and in thus specializing do more effectually part of the work which the general library is doing.

"It is to the general recognition by librarians of this substantial unity of purpose that the progress of the last 25 years is in a large measure due. Librarians of all classes have seen that each and every fellow-worker is striving toward the same end, and they have worked faithfully and harmoniously together, both in and out of the American Library Association, for the perfection of library plans and methods." In conclusion the speaker briefly outlined the scope of the program prepared, and expressed the hope that the meeting might serve to strengthen the claims of the library movement, and to increase library efficiency.

Upon the topic of "Library legislation and library commissions" the first paper was read by Rutherford P. Hayes, of Chicago, ex-commissioner Ohio State Library. Mr. Hayes briefly reviewed the general subject of library legislation, and made practical suggestions for the organization and management of library commissions, travelling libraries, etc. He said:

"The gradual change from merely permissive legislation, allowing communities to tax themselves for libraries, to compulsory legislation in which the tax is required, is an encouraging sign. It shows that more and more the library is following in the steps of the public school system, and becoming an integral part of the educational forces of our country.

"For proper growth and increase of libraries legislation should be carefully prepared, with a view to the best interests of the institutions. It should provide for the establishment and maintenance of a state library commission, a state library, county libraries, city libraries, village, township, and school district libraries; but provision should be made that no community shall be called upon to support two or more libraries.

"Library legislation for the state at large should provide for a library commission, under control of which commission should be placed the state library, travelling libraries, and the preparation and distribution of public documents.

"Laws relating to other library institutions of the state, their establishment, support, and protection, should be identical in provisions as to duties of the trustees, though differing in the number of trustees and method of appointment, to suit different conditions. The advantage of having trustees become acquainted with their duties makes it best to give them long terms, not less than five years being suggested.

"The close connection between public schools and libraries is so great that it seems natural the board of education should appoint the members of the library board, though not more than one should be at the same time a member of the school board. The library board should have no other duties committed to it than the affairs of the library. Effort should be made to choose those possessing special fitness, and who will be non-partisan in action; women should, of course, be eligible.

"The general law should provide that a library be established on a vote of the people, with a minimum tax rate for its support, and that the rate may be increased on a vote of the people. Most communities have to be educated to the advantages of the library, so that a minimum tax is needed; but afterward it is comparatively easy to get an increase in the tax rate."

The work to be done by state library commissions, especially in aiding in the establishment of small free libraries, was outlined, and the speaker said that a study of the reports of the Massachusetts library commission had convinced him that every possible combination in the way of starting a library had been tired in Massachusetts, and that almost any community would find a parallel to its own case in that state.

A paper on the same topic by D. A. Campbell, state librarian of Nebraska, was next on the program. It was chiefly an attempt to point out how to secure legislation, why the desired progress has not been made, and what is necessary to success. Mr. Campbell said that while a committee of librarians might formulate a bill for legislation as nearly perfect as possible, and send a copy to each legislator, accompanied by a petition favoring its passage signed by every librarian in the state, the chances were as 100 to 1 that nothing would be done, and that the bill would be never heard of again. This was owing chiefly to the fact that sessions of legislatures are limited in duration; that a deluge of bills are introduced and their passage urged by the members responsible for them, and hence a bill that does not commend itself to personal interests has scant chance. In addition to official recommendation and endorsement there must be continued personal work and attention; then friendly committees and prompt reference and report must be secured, the bill being followed up through the entire course of action and approval. Without such systematic and continued efforts with the members of the legislature, while in session, little may be hoped for. It was also well, of course, to arouse the interest of members in advance of a session, as far as possible, as a preliminary to persistent and earnest efforts during the session. Therefore, in states needing library legislation the proper organizations should have bills formulated in advance by persons experienced in library control and management, and then see that their passage is persistently urged.

In a brief general debate that followed, Mr. F. A Hutchins, of Wisconsin, advised that library commissions should send out an active and capable person to assist and advise those wishing to start a library; that such work would prove much more effective than tons of literature alone. There should be a superintendent of libraries, supported by the state, with a capable representative, or more, to push the movement of library extension.

Johnson Brigham, state librarian of Iowa, objected to some features of the Ohio library law recommended by Mr. Hayes, and urged that the appointment of state librarian should be removed from politics and made independent of the commission, or, perhaps, placed more on a parity with the commission, and thus made equally a factor in its influence.

The next general topic on the program was "Library extension." Its Discussion was opened by a paper from J. I. Wyer, librarian of the State University of Nebraska, on "Travelling libraries," dealing especially with the New York state travelling library system. In the absence of Mr. Wyer, because of illness, his paper was read by Miss Nellie J. Compton, of Lincoln.

F. A. Hutchins opened discussion of the topic with an earnest and thoughtful address concerning travelling library work in Wisconsin. He displayed a number of illustrations showing the kind of places wherein the travelling libraries have been located and proven helpful, and described especially the efforts made for little towns, outlying hamlets, and sparsely settled communities; the aim being first to help people who are not able to help themselves; and, second, to make the work a missionary one, which should appeal to all the state.

Under the same general topic, Mrs. John C. McClintock, of Topeka, former president of the Kansas State Federation of Women'' Clubs, read a paper on ""he relation of women's clubs to the travelling library." This was followed by discussion on the part of Mrs. C. F. Stoutenborough, of Plattsmouth, president of the Nebraska State Federation of Women's Clubs; and Mrs. W. W. Keyser, of Omaha. The former described the work developed by the Nebraska clubs, and the latter emphasized the relation of travelling libraries to the clubs, considering it one of the absolute necessity if the clubs were to maintain their influence.

During the proceedings of the morning session a brief visit to the meeting was made by Archbishop Ireland, of St. Paul, in company with Bishops McGoldrick, of Duluth, and Scannell, of Omaha. The Archbishop was called to the platform and introduced to the audience. He spoke very happily in praise of the promotion of intelligence sure to accrue from a congress of librarians, adding that he considered libraries one of the best of modern inventions for the education of the multitude. Books are now very cheap and the question is how to put them into the hands of the millions. That question the librarians are solving by sending into all localities, even the most remote corners of the country, collections of the best literature of the present and the past. The circulation of books is required in order to continue the education of people throughout life, but to use well the great power of intelligence a moral education is no less needed, and libraries should strengthen moral influences as well as mental ones. Librarians should, therefore, see to it that the books circulated are pure, and speak virtue to the mind and heart.

The third session was held Friday evening, Sept. 30, with Mr. William C. Lane, president of the A. L. A., in the chair, and with an audience of 85 or more persons.

"The value of the library to the community" was the general topic of the evening. This was considered under the different heads of Material, Social and Political, Educational, and Spiritual value. The first paper was by Henry J. Carr, of the Scranton (Pa.) Public Library, on the "Material value of the library," and was a concise summary of the practical return received from the library by the community. He thought that there was no expenditure of public money which brought such an immediate and extraordinary return as that invested in libraries. They are less expensive than prisons and reformatories and a great deal more effective. The first material value of a library was naturally in the tangible worth of the volumes and other property attached to it. A more presumptive but none the less real value was in the feeling of ownership taken in it by citizens, thus stimulating pride in their community. Its value to workingmen in their pursuits was pointed out, as well as to the unemployed tradesman who is in need of a wholesome distraction.

Upon the social and political value, C. R. Dudley, librarian of the Denver City Library, was the first speaker. He said that our government was run on the theory that every citizen was a political expert. No physician would be allowed to practise and no lawyer would be called to a case without specialized knowledge along his line, and the American citizen should similarly learn of the science of government from authoritative sources. Preparation to hold public office should be made a matter of the most thorough study, and the library should be able to take up a large share of this burden and offer material more trustworthy than hearsay or newspapers.

The discussion was continued by C. G. Pearse, superintendent of the Omaha schools, in some thoughts drawn from his own experience with school children, showing the good brought to them by the public library.

Upon the value of education to the individual, the leading contribution was a paper by Miss M. E. Ahern, of Chicago, editor of Public Libraries. She remarked upon the unsuitable reading which had formerly been offered to children in public schools when they had grown up in the narrow and unfruitful atmosphere of McGuffey's readers. Only 10 per cent. Of the students who entered public schools ever reach the high school, the majority falling out either from the necessity of earning a livelihood or through the poor judgment of their parents. To such as these the library offers a boundless field of self-culture and gives them refuge in a realm as unrestricted as the world's history, where they may commune with the greatest minds that have come to earth.

A short discussion followed, opened by Mr. Brigham, who presented the view rather of a taxpayer who saw the necessity of the distribution of clean and elevating literature among his neighbors. W. P. Payne, president of the Public Library, Nevada, Ia., also spoke briefly.

The concluding paper on the Spiritual value of the library was by Rev. Mary A. Safford, of Sioux City, Ia. It was an earnest address, pointing out that the library was a blessing not only to those who read but to all who even indirectly felt its influence. The debt of religion to the library is far greater than is usually realized, for religion not grounded in intelligence is nothing higher than superstition. Religion cannot rise above the level of the popular intelligence; it is not enough to mean well - good intentions must be wedded to right thinking. So much of wrong-doing and suffering is brought about simply by ignorance that the library becomes a most important factor in the uplifting of our nation's life. The palliative measures of penal institutions are valuable because they are necessary, but they are not so important as those which are preventive. The speaker did not deplore that a lare amount of the present reading is fiction, for she said that in this commercial age such stimulus was helpful to the imagination and broadening in its tendency.

The fourth and final session, heald Saturday morning, Oct. 1, was no less interesting than those of the previous day, and equally well attended. Mr. H. J. Carr, secretary of the A. J. A., presided.

"Special training for library work" was the opening topic, presented in a paper read by Miss Electra C. Dor4en, librarian of the Dayton (O.) Public Library. Miss Doren laid special stress upon the difficulty met with by librarians in finding the right assistant for the right place, and urged the necessity of some form of training, outlining the methods to be followed in classes conducted for assistants by the librarian of a medium-sized library. The same topic was also discussed in a brief paper read by W. R. Watson, assistant librarian of the Carnegie Library, Pittsburgh, Pa.

The second general subject for consideration was the "Relation of the library to other formal educational work." Its relation to the public school was treated in a paper by Purd B. Wright, librarian St. Joseph (Mo.) Public Library, who said that for an "ideal" relation the library should be to the public school what the most complete mechanical warehouse possible, in charge of one who knows its contents and their uses, would be to the expert mechanic. The person in control, interested in his work, would be able not only to supply any special tool asked for, but might suggest, perhaps, other and better tools for the particular work. Applying this to the library staff and the teachers, presupposes that the former know the books in the library as they should be known, and that the teachers know what books they want and the correct use of them after having been obtained. An absolute essential, too, is earnest, intelligent co-operation between the library staff and the teachers. The teacher may come to know the mental capacity of the pupils, and what is required to help in their studies and the gradual expansion of their minds. Meet this with a like knowledge of the books at command, and the union may become almost perfect. From this point the relation between these education factors is a matter of simple detail.

Miss Kate A. McHugh, assistant principal of the Omaha High School, spoke instructively upon the same subject. She suggested as means of strengthening co-operation between libraries and schools: 1. Duplication of the best books of reference most frequently call for by the work in the schools. 2. Establishment of delivery stations in the schools. In the high scho9ols, especially, this would be of great help, in addition to the extra cards given to teachers and the books drawn for school use. #. Calling attention of teachers to the best new books, as published, or when received at the library. 4. Children need to be taught how to look for themselves, and to be shown the short cuts to information rather than given the direct answers to their queries. In that way, too, they are developed in self-reliance. 5. Teachers should also aim to instruct the pupils about the library and how to use it. Likewise how to use the tables of contents and indexes in textbooks and in reference books, and other sources of information. 6. Teachers giving instructions in various subjects should also name the best books on each subject, as well as explain the use of the cyclopedias and dictionaries. When so taught, the pupils learn, which books to consult at the library in seeking added information on various topics. 7. The teachers, by showing the pupils how to use the library, willin that way attain educational growth equally with them. 8. Intelligent guidance is necessary and good; but turning the children loose in the library with direct access to the books is frequently no less effective.

Miss Virginia Dodge, librarian of the Cedar Rapids (Ia.) Public Library, followed with an account of local work done in schools, beginning with primary classes and working up to the older grades.

"The relation of the library to the college" was considered by W. C. Lane in a complete and practical paper, the principal one of the session. Briefly, he said that the public library has three main functions - the provision of entertainment, information, and inspiration. The duties of the college library lie in the same three directions, but the function of providing entertainment sinks into comparative unimportance, because the college librarian can take it for granted that the love of learning is already planted and it is his duty, in co-operation with the professors, to direct and encourage this. The chief value of a library to a college is that it provides the means of forming a habit of independent judgment, and the formation of such a habit should be the principal aim of college training.

Simple study of text-books requires little aid from the library and has little educational value; the true college method of study should be to send the student to various sources of information and opinion and require him under guidance to draw his own conclusions. For this the co-operation of the library is essential.

The subjects of classification, catalogs, loan system, selection of books were briefly touched on, and finally the use of a college library by men of learning coming from any part of the country was spoken of as its highest field of usefulness in which it contributes to the real advancement of learning. The use justifies the enormous expense at which a great college library (such as that of Harvard University) is carried on, and for this reason Harvard and other colleges always give an eager welcome to scholars coming from a distance to make use of their treasures.

"The relation of the library and the club" (women's clubs in particular) was treated of by Mrs. T. K. Sudborough, of Omaha, whose paper aroused an animated discussion between those who thought that a woman's club should have a library complete for the purposes of the club, and others who expressed the opinion that very little more than a dictionary and light literature were essential to such an organization. The idea was expressed that everything that could should be done to make the public library the one great source of information to the public, and if possible, lesser libraries should be more or less discouraged, and that no effort should be made by women's clubs in the direction of a collection of literature that might in any way detract from the value of the public library.

Resolutions of appreciation for the hospitality tendered by the city of Omaha were adopted, and Victor Rosewater and Miss Edith Tobitt made fitting responses. Mr. Rosewater's remarks emphasized the interest that had been taken in the congress by out-of-town librarians. Of the states represented in addition to Nebraska there had been Colorado, South Dakota, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, not counting the special guests from points in the farther east.

Invitations were extended to attend the meeting of the Iowa State Library Association at Cedar Rapids and the convention of the American Library Association at Atlanta next summer, and the congress was then declared adjourned.