USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1912 > Part 11
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10. Number of hydrants (public and private) now in use, 190.
11. Number of stop gates added during year, 4.
12. Number of stop gates now in use, 292.
13. Number of stop gates smaller than 4 inch, 0.
14. Number of blow-offs, 14.
15. Range of pressure on mains, 45 lbs. to 90 lbs.
253 -
SERVICES
16. Kind of pipe, cast iron, lead and cement lined.
17. Sizes, 3-4 to 6 inches.
18. Extended, 6796.7 feet.
19. Discontinued, 218.7 feet.
20 Total now in use. 21.9389 miles.
21. Number of service taps added during year, 55.
22. Number now in use, 1,505.
23. Average length of service. 123.5 feet.
Average cost of service for the year, $49.97.
25. Number of meters added. 57.
26. Number now in use 1,390.
27. Percentage of services metered. . 92.
28. Percentage of receipts from metered water (B divided by C)
29. Number of motors and elevators added, 0.
30. Number now in use, 0.
LEWIS M. BANCROFT,
Superintendent.
Eighteenth Annual Report
-OF THE -
Electric Light Commissioners
For the Year Ending December 31 1912
OFFICERS OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER DEPARTMENT
Commissioners
ELMER H. ROBINSON, Chairman Term expires 1913 CARL M. SPENCER, Secretary Term expires 1914
GEORGE L. FLINT
Term expires 1915
Manager ARTHUR G. SIAS
OFFICE Room 9, Masonic Block
257
REPORT OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHT AND POWER DEPARTMENT
The Municipal Light Board of the Town of Reading herewith submit their annual report, together with the re- port of the Manager, and summaries of accounts and statis- tics taken from the records of the Department.
We believe that by them the plant is shown to be in a prosperous condition, that it is a profitable enterprise for the Town, and that the continuance of a satisfactory growth, and corresponding increase in profits, is indicated. We would urge a careful study of the data submitted, comparing it with former reports, and call particular attention to the recommendations of the Manager, which have the hearty endorsement of the Board.
Comparison of the tables showing the connected load in the towns outside of Reading where we are doing business, with the previous annual report, show a good gain in cus- tomers. The business indicated in Wilmington is, of course, all new, and we are gratified to report that 68 of the 100 takers promised were connected before December 31st, in spite of the fact that the construction work in that town did not cover the lines originally planned until well through the summer. The greater part of these lines are owned jointly with the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company which has materially reduced the cost of construction and will have a like effect upon the cost of maintenance. Their bill for the work done by them has not yet been rendered and will be an addition to the investment reported in the table.
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The greatest gain of the year, however, has been in the local territory. There have been installed 102 new services in Reading out of an entire gain of 190, and a gain of 3,379 in number of lamps is shown out of a total increase of 4,833. The construction called for by new business accounts for a large part of the unpaid construction bills shown in the re- port and, as the new building in town indicates a similar condition in the future, we earnestly recommend that the Manager's estimate of the appropriation required for the coming year be strictly adhered to.
During the year the rebuilding of the line on North Main street made convenient a change in the lighting of the street from arc to incandescent lamps with results satisfac- tory to everyone familiar with previous conditions. In addition to whatever improvements may seem wise in the numerous places about town to which our attention has been called and for which appropriations may be asked in the annual town meeting, we recommend that incandescent lamps be installed on Haverhill street to replace the few arc lamps now located there at long intervals. This will save an expense in trimming, and no rebuilding of the line will be necessary.
The contract for current with Wakefield expires next July. In our opinion the amount of income from this source, $4,140.59 for last year, includes a substantial profit to our plant. With the present apparatus at the station it cannot be extended for any length of time, for in the near future the growing demand locally promises to tax the capacity of the plant on the peak load. We favor the employment of a competent engineer to make a thorough examination of our equipment and needs, with the idea of submitting a com- prehensive plan of such extension and improvements to the station equipment as may be advisable. The Board has been in correspondence with several engineers qualified for this work.
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We have experienced difficulty in securing suitable office and display room for the Department. We are in ac- cord with the Manager's statement that a change should be made at once, for present conditions in the office are detri- mental to the health of those employed in it as well as their comfort and efficiency. The situation demands prompt relief.
A reduction in power rates in line with that made in lighting rates a year ago is effective as of February 1, 1913.
ELMER H. ROBINSON, CARL M. SPENCER, GEORGE L. FLINT,
Municipal Light Board.
MANAGER'S REPORT
TO THE MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD, READING, MASS. :
Gentlemen-I respectfully submit herewith my report of the operations of the Electric Light and Power Depart- ment for the year ending Dec. 31, 1912.
The number of kilowatt hours generated at the station has been about 19% more than in 1911, and the sales have increased approximately 16%, while the percentage of cur- rent lost or unaccounted for has increased about 1% over last year. The operating expenses have increased consider- ably over last year, principally on account of higher priced fuel, extensive repairs to steam plant and increase in wages at station.
A regular system of patrol of the street light circuits has been maintained throughout the year, and there has been a marked decrease in the number of complaints received of lights not burning.
The work of renewing defective poles and wires has been continued during this year, and I recommend that, if possi- ble, during the coming year considerable more of this work be done, so that the pole and wire lines that have practically outlived their usefulness may be renewed as soon as possible and this item of expense reduced.
The work of systematically testing and repairing the meters, which was commenced last spring, should be com- pleted this coming year in order that the old type, inefficient
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meters may be removed from service and all meters brought up to the standard of accuracy required by law.
Plans were made during the summer for the re-building of the entire pole line on Lowell street, and the material for this work was purchased, but owing to the possible re-loca- tion of the street railway tracks, and the building of a State road, this work has been deferred. I recommend that this work be done as early as possible next year, as the present pole and wire system on this street is in poor condition. The plans as contemplated will eliminate one pole line for the entire distance.
A total of 99 60-candle power Tungsten street lamps have been installed during the year and 25 arc lamps have been removed. The lamps asked for on Forest street and on Franklin street will be installed as soon as satisfactory arrangements can be made for the use of the present poles on these streets.
The reduction in the lighting rate which went into effect at the beginning of the year has meant a saving to the cus- tomers of approximately $5,200 and a corresponding loss in revenue to the department, as there was no increase in the appropriation from the tax lery.
The street light circuit in the center of the town, which burns all night and every night, now has 17 are lights, 12 100-candle power and 60 60-candle power Tungstens and has burned a total of 3,778 hours during the year. The remain- ing circuits, which have 79 arcs and 148 60-candle power Tungstens, have burned a total of 3,023 hours. This service, if purchased from a private company, would cost the Town between eleven and twelve thousand dollars annually.
The total amount appropriated last year from the tax levy for maintenance was $5,000.
During the past year we have connected to the service the following cooking and heating appliances : 5 ranges, 35 toasters and small stoves, 87 flatirons, 10 radiators, 5 heating pads, and several other small heating and cooking appliances.
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I would recommend that better facilities for coal storage be provided at the plant at the earliest possible date in order that we may take advantage of the market and put in a supply of coal when the price is low. Now that more land is available a new trestle might be built which would give us the needed room.
It seems imperative that new and larger office quarters should be procured at once in order that our increasing busi- ness can be properly transacted and a suitable space obtained for the display of the appliances which we have for sale and the storage of lamps, etc.
We have during the past year completed the work of marking and numbering our poles and have a record of their location on file at the office.
In our annual return to the State Board of Gas and Electric Light Commissioners we are required to furnish data on the number of carbon and Tungsten lamps installed in the premises of the customers. As it is several years since any attempt has been made to verify our office records, I recommend that the above data be obtained prior to June 30, 1913, so that we can furnish the correct information on our next State Report.
NORTH READING EXTENSION
Total number of customers Dec. 31. 1912 53
Number of commercial lamps connected 1289
Number of 32 candle street lamps connected 170
Horse power in motors . 11 1-2
Total investment to Dec. 31, 1912 $20.558 00
Total earnings for the year . 3.492 58
LYNNFIELD EXTENSION
Total number of customers Dec. 31. 1912 46
Number of commercial lamps connected 1289
Horse power in motors . 7 1-2
Total investment to Dec. 31, 1912
$4,368 12
Total earnings for the year
1.055 47
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WILMINGTON EXTENSION
Total number of customers Dec. 31, 1912 68
Number of commercial lamps connected 1142
Number of 32 candle power street lamps connected 200
Horse power in motors . S 1-6
Total investment to Dec. 31, 1912 $16,829 53
Total earnings for the year.
1,905 11
The following tables show data from the records of the plant :
Kilowatt hours manufactured 919,282
Kilowatt hours used on street lights 242,033
Kilowatt hours sold to Wakefield plant 160,241 .
Kilowatt hours sold to Reading consumers . .
274.296
Kilowatt hours sold to North Reading consumers 27,670
Kilowatt hours sold to Lynnfield consumers 7.796
Kilowatt hours sold to Wilmington consumers
11,798
Kilowatt hours used at station and office
13,307
Kilowatt hours unaccounted for
182,141
Coal used, tons
2,007.9
Average cost of coal per ton
$4.19
Carbons used
4,976
Globes used
249
Incandescent lamps renewed free
3.062
60-candle power Tungsten street lamps installed
99
32-candle power Tungsten street lamps installed 242
Arc lamps removed
25
New poles added
1,017
Old poles renewed
113
Feet of wire added
401,785
Feet of wire renewed
36,943
Incandescent lamps connected
4,833
Motors connected .
10
New services installed .
190
265
CONNECTED LOAD DECEMBER 31, 1912
Total number of customers .
1,078
Total number of incandescent lamps (approx.) 24,700
Total horse power in motors . 242 1-4
Total number of arc street lamps
96
Total number of Tungsten street lamps
602
The following table shows the earnings of light and power for five years :
LIGHTS
Total
1908 $19,917 21 2,602 77
1909 $21,217 40
1910 $23,876 50
1911 $30,217 13 4,190 06
1912 $31,437 47
Discount
2,863 45
3,174 25
2,861 18
Net
$17,314 44
$18,353 95
$20,702 25
$26,027 07
$28,576 29
POWER
1912
Total
1908 $2,051 39
1909 $3,730 84
1910 $4,984 78
1911 $5,312 91
$8,260 45
Discount
14 50
15 63
18 16
22 58
60 91
Net
$2,036 89
$3,715 21
$4,966 62
$5,290 33
$8,199 54
NET TOTAL LIGHT AND POWER
1908
1909
1910
1911
1912
$19,351 33
$22,069 16
$25,668 87
$31,317 40
$36,775 83
CASH ACCOUNT, 1912
DR.
Jan. 1, 1912, to balance $128 70
To appropriation for bond payments 5,000 00
Appropriation for construction . 4,000 00 Appropriation for new St. lights 1,500 00
Proceeds of Wilmington con- struction bonds . 16,000 00
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Receipts from customers
$40,561 02 Receipts from N. E. T. & T. Co., poles and labor 570 37
Receipts from sale of poles . 37 61
Receipts from reels returned 180 84
· Receipts from sale of scrap 340 21
Sundry receipts 83 86
Interest received on deposits 50 23
Accrued interest on bonds . 113 56
Petty cash
100 00
$68,666 40
CR.
By cash paid for the following accounts :
Electric plant
$95 61
Lines
777 53
Incandescent street lamps 6 67
Meters .
1,517 83
Transformers
726 26
Lynnfield Extension
177 07
North Reading Extension
3,408 40
Wilmington Extension
9,699 21
Fuel
7,168 54
Oil and waste
218 29
Water .
76 10
Station wages
6,554 17
Repair of real estate
137 74
Repair of steam plant
1,102 20
Repair of electric plant 98 03
Station tools and appliances
168 25
Care of lights and meters
597 90
Repair of lines and lamps
2,985 89
Carbons 87 09
Incandescent lamps
2,084 73
Globes .
25 88
Reading meters 313 25
Distribution tools and appliances 148 86
267
General salaries . . $2,512 95
Board expenses .
98 42
General office expenses
805 44
Advertising and printing 137 67
Rent of office 162 50
Taxes .
62 70
Insurance
1,437 29
Repair of meters
427 61
Interest
2,957 47
Bonds .
5,000 00
Notes .
2,200 00
Stable expenses .
1,200 55
Line and jobbing material
2,777 27 .
Stock
9,153 40
Commissioners' salaries
225 00
Petty cash
100 00
Law expense
3 00
$67.436 87
Balance December 31, 1912
1,229 53
$68,666 40
SUMMARY OF CASH RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES FOR THE YEAR
DR.
Balance December 31, 1911 .
$128 70
Appropriation for bond payments 5,000 00
Appropriation for new street lights 1,500 00 Appropriation for new construction 4,000 00
Receipts from customers . 40,561 02
Interest received
163 79
Sundry receipts
1,312 89
Proceeds Wilmington construction . 16,000 00
bonds .
$68,666 40
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OR.
Cash paid for construction . $23,553 50
Cash paid for bonds
5,000 00
Cash paid for notes
. 2,200 00
Cash paid for interest 2,957 47
Cash paid for Commissioners' salaries 225 00
Cash paid for maintenance accounts . 32,000 91
Cash paid for insurance
1,437 29
Cash paid for taxes
62 70
Balance Dec. 31, 1912 .
$67,436 87 1,229 53
$68,666 40
OPERATIONS FOR TWELVE MONTHS ENDING DEC. 31, 1912
EXPENSE
Manufacture :
Fuel
. $8,430 67
Oil and waste
404 34
Water .
137 50
Station wages
6,554 17
Repair of real estate
147 15
Repair of steam plant
1,393 74
Repair of electric plant
190 67
Station tools and appliances
288 63
$17,546 87
Distribution :
Care of lights and meters
$285 40
Repair of lines and lamps
2,339 25
Carbons
91 80
Incandescent lamps
1,679 94
Globes .
44 76
Distribution tools, appliances
111 12
Repair of meters .
446 59
Reading meters
.
· 306 55
5,605 41
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Miscellaneous Expenses :
General salaries . . $2,512 95
Board expenses . 98 42
Commissioners' salaries
225 00
General office expenses
863 51
Rent of office
150 00
Advertising and printing 124 67
Stable expenses .
479 57
Insurance
1,085 36
Taxes .
62 70
Law expense
3 00
5,605 18
$28,757 46
Gain in operating
8,414 47
$37,171 93
INCOME
Commercial light, less discounts . $7,536 90
Domestic lights, less discounts . . 17,356 71
Commercial power, less discounts 3,738 86
Power sold to Water Works 381 00
Power sold to Wakefield
4,140 59
Lighting municipal buildings 440 39
Street lighting, North Reading . 2,163 63
Street lighting, Wilmington
1,413 85
$37,171 93
PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT, DEC. 31, 1912
DR.
Deficit Jan. 1, 1912
. $32,580 33
Interest paid
. 3,018 21
Depreciation
4,143 80
Note paid from earnings
· 2,200 00
$41,942 34
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CR.
Jobbing income .
$288 30
Rent of poles
260 54
Interest on bank balances .
50 23
Gain in operating
8,414 47
$9,013 54
Deficit Dec. 31, 1912
. 32,928 SO
41,942 34
STATEMENT, DECEMBER 31, 1912
ASSETS
Real estate
. $11,526 59
Steam plant
. 10,332 61
Electric plant
. 12,973 10
Lines . .
. 54,800 40
Incandescent street lights .
. 3,913 33
Are lamps .
.
4,238 25
Meters
. 12,313 43
Transformers
7,831 28
INVENTORY :
Fuel
2,066 88
Station tools and appliances
778 84
Oil and waste
37 50
Jobbing supplies .
2,280 08
Line material
2,980 98
Globes .
27 72
Incandescent lamps
704 64
Carbons
21 48
Repairs, steam plant
139 40
Repairs, electric plant
100 10
Horse, wagons, etc.
1,179 90
Distribution tools and appliances 490 18
Office supplies 153 11
Office furniture
504 73
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Unexpired insurance $317 00
Cash in Town Treasury
1,229 53
Cash in Mechanics' Savings Bank (customers' deposits) . 1,189 08
Accounts receivable (manufacturing) 7,796 76
Sundry accounts receivable
1,735 67
$141,662 57
Profit and loss deficit
. 32,928 80
$174,591 37
LIABILITIES
Bonds outstanding . $59,000 00
Appropriations for bond payments . 33,000 00
Appropriations for note payments . 23,200 00
Appropriations for, construction . 27,415 04
Notes payable . 13,800 00
Overdraft for construction
3,211 64
Customers' deposits
1,189 08
Interest accrued, not due .
886 91
Accounts payable, construction
.
4,824 40
Accounts payable, maintenance
. 8,064 30
$174,591 37
CONSTRUCTION ACCOUNT
DR.
Cost of plant as shown in Town Re-
port December 31, 1911
$144,714 06
Electric plant
$722 79
Lines . 21,555 61
Incandescent street lights 2,215 23
Meters
2,165 08
Transformers
1,719 19
28,377 90
Cost of plant December 31, 1912
$173,091 96
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CONSTRUCTION CASH ACCOUNT
DR.
Balance appropriation for new street lights, 1911 . . To appropriation for new street lights $1,500 00 Appropriation for construction . 4,000 00 Proceeds Wilmington construc- tion bonds . 16,000 00 Depreciation cash used for con- struction 3,020 53
$31 18
24,520 53
$24,551 71
OR.
By amount paid for electric plant $722 79
Amount paid for lines . 18,527 83 Amount paid for incandescent street lights . 2,215 23
Amount paid for meters 842 93
Amount paid for transformers
1,244 72
$23,553 50
Balance December 31, 1912 998 21
$24,551 71
WILMINGTON EXTENSION CASH ACCOUNT
Bond issue for Wilmington Extension $20,000 00 Bonds not sold . $4,000 00
Expended
15,403 72
19,403 72
Balance December 31, 1912 $596 28 . NOTE. - There are bills to be rendered by the N. E. Tel. & Tel. Co. on account of joint pole lines which are not included in the above amount.
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ADDITIONAL TUNGSTEN STREET LIGHTS
Balance January 1, 1912
$31 18
Appropriation
. $1,500 Q0
Expended
1,129 25
370 75
Balance
$401 93
DEPRECIATION CASH ACCOUNT
Appropriation from earnings
$4,143 80
Amount used for construction account $3,020 53
Amount used for renewal of meters . 282 46
Amount used for renewal of lines 840 81
4,143 80
NORTH READING EXTENSION
TOTAL INVESTMENT TO DEC. 31, 1912 :
Electric plant · $440 12
Lines . . 17,280 45
Incandescent street lights 1,390 99
Meters
828 53
Transformers
617 91
$20,558 00
LYNNFIELD EXTENSION
TOTAL INVESTMENT TO DEC. 31, 1912 :
Lines . . $3,310 48
Incandescent street lights 139 18
Meters
635 79
Transformers
282 67
$4,368 12
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WILMINGTON EXTENSION
TOTAL INVESTMENT TO DEC. 31, 1912 :
Electric plant $627 18
Lines
. 13,435 96
Incandescent street lights
1,368 80
Meters .
618 25
Transformers
779 34
$16,829 53
In accordance with the law I submit herewith my esti- mates for the year beginning Jan. 1, 1913 :
EXPENDITURES :
Operation, maintenance and repairs $30,000 00
Interest on bonds and notes 2,981 00
Depreciation (3% on $159,626.68)
4,788 80
Note payments
1,800 00
Bond payments
5,000 00
Loss in preceding year
348 47
Total
$44,918 27
RECEIPTS :
Estimated income from consumers
38,918 27
Balance
6,000 00
New construction
4,000 00
$10,000 00
Due for construction Dec. 31, 1912
3,826 19
Total
$13,826 19
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR G. SIAS,
Manager.
REPORT OF PUBLIC LIBRARY
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Appropriation
$1,225 00
Balance of appropriation for 1911, re-appropriated 374 45
Received, dog tax
702 47
From fines, etc. .
124 00
Refund of bill paid twice
3 60
$2,429 52
EXPENDED
SALARIES AND WAGES :
Bertha L. Brown
$322 63
Grace J. Abbott
63 00
Chas. H. Stinchfield
125 78
$511 41
Books and periodicals
673 37
Binding
29 44
Fuel and light .
186 01
Rent
625 00
Taxes (as past rent) paid
to Treasury
214 50
Other expenses
176 55
2,416 28
Unexpended
$13 24
The reported expenditure for books and periodicals covers, in part, unpaid bills for books added to the library in the year 1911, met by a re-appropriation of a balance re- maining unexpended, Jan 1, 1912, of the appropriation for 1911.
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THE NEED OF A NEW BUILDING
The library is still housed in the building formerly oc- cupied by the Young Men's Christian Association, to which we moved early in the year. A proposition for the erection of a library building is not yet in form to be presented to the Town. The delivery of books for home use is fairly well accomplished at this place, but it cannot be considered more than a temporary provision for library purposes in a town like ours.
Ten years ago (Report for 1902) the Trustees said :
"Since January 1st Mr. Andrew Carnegie has notified the Chairman of the Trustees that he will, if the proposition is accepted by the Town, provide $12,500 for the erection of a public library building, upon the sole condition that a suit- able site shall be provided by the Town, and an agreement made to maintain the library by an annual appropriation of $1,250., As this sum is well within the amount which has been appropriated by the Town for several years, and since at least as much as this would have to be expended if a library is to be maintained at all, the stipulation to raise it annually can hardly be considered a burdensome condition. The pro- vision of a site is practically the only contributory expendi- ture the Town would be required to make.
"The Trustees are strongly of the opinion that, if pos- sible, such action should be taken by the Town as will result in the provision of a suitable building for the library. Such a building ought to contain ample accommodations for a reading room, as well as provide for the expansion of the library as the town increases in population."
Circumstances which need not be enlarged upon here made it inadvisable, at that time or since, for the Town to formally consider the offered gift. Two years the Board said (Report for 1910) :
277
" The activities of the library could be much extended and its usefulness enlarged if we had here a modern, well- equipped library building with separate reading rooms for adults and children."
Three members of the Board which submitted the first report quoted have died since it was written. A fire has caused material changes in the operation of the library. The provision of a new building cannot be delayed much longer, if the library is worth maintaining ; and we shall, at an early day, bring this subject directly before the Town for its serious consideration, and, we trust, for such favorable action as the case merits. Meantime we may point out that our present rent amounts to about 4% on the principal sum of $21,000, an amount that aside from any possible gift would offset a considerable part of the required cost of a new building.
We take it that today no argument need be presented for the existence of a public library. Like the public schools, or any other institution which promotes intelligence, the value of every man's property here is increased by the fact that such a library is maintained in Reading. This puts its support on the lowest ground - that of sordid self-inter- est. We are aware, of course, that many persons never directly use the library at all. Fortunately many in our community have the means to buy such books as they want. Others prefer to get them at a circulating library. Others still, have no desire to read anything but stories. But, as the Board remarked some years ago :
" The time has passed when the public library which fills its place in any community can confine its work to the distribution of fiction or books intended merely for recrea- tion. This is but one phase of its usefulness. It should take a leading position as an educational institution, sup- plementing the public schools and having functions which the limitations of the public schools prevent them from exercising. The artisan or mechanic should find among its
278
books those which will enable him to increase his efficiency and add to his income. The tradesman sometimes has prob- lems that may be solved through books; he should find such books in the public library. The farmer should find there the latest information which has appeared in print upon soils or cultural processes. Questions are constantly arising about current events, or the past history of our country, or the numerous topics which interest those who read the daily papers. Every citizen ought to feel that in the public library are books of reference or other works which throw light upon these questions. The relation of the public library to young readers who are just entering upon the active duties of life and who may be led into friendly companionship with books and thus made to rely upon their help, needs only to be sug- gested to impress us with its importance. There are other directions in which the activities of the library may be profitably extended, but we need not enlarge upon them."
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