WHAT A FREE LIBRARY DOES FOR A COUNTRY TOWN
1 It keeps boys at home in the evening by giving them well-written stories of adventure.
2 It gives teachers and pupils interesting books to aid their school work in history and geography, and makes better citizens of them by enlarging their knowledge of their country and its growth.
3 It provides books on the care of children and animals, cookery and housekeeping, building and gardening, and teaches young readers how to make simple dynamos, telephones and other machines.
4 It helps clubs that are studying history, literature or life in other countries, and throws light upon Sunday-school lessons.
5 It furnishes books of selections for reading aloud, suggestions for entertainments and home amusements, and hints on correct speech and good manners.
6 It teaches the names and habits of the plants, birds and insects of the neighborhood, and the differences in soil and rock.
7 It tells the story of the town from its settlement, and keeps a record of all important events in its history.
8 It offers pleasant and wholesome stories to readers of all ages.
CAROLINE M. HEWINS.
Let the boys find in the free library wholesome books of adventure, and tales such as a boy likes; let the girls find the stories which delight them and give their fancy and imagination exercise; let the tired housewife find the novels which will transport her to an ideal realm of love and happiness; let the hardworked man, instead of being expected always to read "improving" books of history or politics, choose that which will give him relaxation of mind and nerve—perhaps the "Innocents Abroad," or Josh Billings's "Allminax," or "Samanthy at Saratoga."
W. I. FLETCHER.