Another untried scheme that might be suggested is a series of readings. The wealth of English poetry commends that form of literature as well suited to this purpose, though of course there is no dearth of material along many lines from which to choose. The theory of this method is the same as that of the story-hour for children, and the same question would present itself—whether the auditor would merely enjoy the entertainment or whether sufficient interest would be awakened to induce him to pursue the subject farther. Most libraries have small lecture rooms, and this plan has the recommendation that it can be tried at slight expense.
But after everything possible has been said for schemes of one kind and another, we shall come back in the end to the supreme importance of personality. No amount of advertising, no number of lists and special collections can ever take the place of the cultivated and enthusiastic book-lover in promoting the reading of the best books.
The PRESIDENT: It all pretty nearly amounts to saying that our public are our friends, our books are our friends, and we wish to help the friends of the first part to the pleasure of knowing the friends of the second part.
The next order of business is the report of the Executive board and the report of the Council, which the secretary will read.
The SECRETARY: There have been two meetings of the Executive board, and two meetings of the Council, during this conference.
EXECUTIVE BOARD
At the first meeting of the Executive board ordinary routine business was first transacted, and, later, Mr. Henry E. Legler, as chairman of the committee appointed to draft a by-law stating definitely what person or persons are entitled to cast votes for institutional members, reported that the committee recommended that the by-laws be amended by adding the following section:
Sec. 11. The vote of institutional members shall be cast by the duly designated representative whose credentials are filed with the secretary. In the absence of such designation or of such delegate the vote may be cast by the chief librarian or ranking executive officer in attendance at the meeting.
Consideration was given to the recommendations adopted by the Council from the Committee on relation of the A. L. A. and State library associations and on motion of Dr. Andrews, it was voted to recommend to the association that Section 14 of the Constitution be amended by inserting the following clause, after the words "and twenty-five by the Council itself;"
"and one member from each state, provincial and territorial library association (or any association covering two or more such geographical divisions) which complies with the conditions for such representation set forth in the by-laws."