The matter in a reading-room should be fresh, interesting, and adapted to the mental condition of those for whom it is provided; otherwise it cannot be either profitable or inspiring. The newspapers must contain current news. The magazines must be adapted to the pupil’s stage of development, which is, so far as reading is concerned, usually the juvenile stage. Freedmen’s children are not yet ready, to any considerable extent, for philosophy or high art.
The books—for there should be books as well as papers in our reading-rooms—should be fresh, well printed, and, above all, illustrated. Good pictures, such as are found in the recent publications of the Harpers and Scribner, illuminate the words of the book for these young people as nothing else can. And a book closely printed, on poor paper, without illustration, is a tax on any reader but the confirmed book-worm. The books should relate, largely, to the world in its external aspects and to human achievement—books of travel and adventure, of history in its romantic phases, the great deeds of great men, whether knights of war or labor.
To be specific, such books as Knox’s Boy Traveler series, Coffin’s Histories, Butterworth’s Zizzag Journeys, Swiss Family Robinson, and even the productions of Jules Verne, placed within the easy and constant reach of our pupils, would be the most effective means imaginable for securing the valuable result desired.
Were they well printed and illustrated, I would add to the above list the old-time “Rollo Books.” Indeed, the list given is but a fragment of that which might now be made up. Among the periodicals, Wide Awake, St. Nicholas, and Harper’s Young People should have a prominent place alongside the Century and Harper’s Weekly and Monthly.
I have not time to dwell upon the moral results, even more important than the intellectual ones, sure to come from the employment of the means herein imperfectly indicated; but I am sure that reading-rooms such as I have in mind can be made a most valuable auxiliary of our work in its best and highest purposes.
If any persons chancing to read this, desire fuller information with a view to co-operation in a good work, I shall be happy to receive communications from them at any time.
A GENEROUS WORD FROM THE SOUTH.
FROM THE MEMPHIS APPEAL.