DUST OFF THE BOOKS

In thinking of the school s the great basis for national education we are too apt to forget its partner in this vital field, the public library. Adults are beyond the reach of the school but they may be within the reach of the libraries. Especially in the education of our foreign born population have they great possibilities.

The movement of American Library Association on this point deserves the co-operation of every educated man. The Association aims at "the expansion of the public library . . . and a plan of adult self-education." It is not primarily more books, nor even more libraries that America needs, but rather plans for making the libraries more universally used. There is no reason why most of the course offered by the various correspondence schools should not be offered in our public libraries. Carefully mapped plans of reading dealing with special subjects should be prepared, so that a citizen would feel that he or she is actually receiving an education. Finally and above all, the magic wand of publicity should be applied. Let the libraries advertise their books their new courses, let their splendid opportunities be known to everyone. The life of a democracy hangs on the education of its people.