qualifications of librarians or individuals engaged in library work. The institute participant would be entitled to receive a stipend of $75 per week plus a $15 for each dependent for the duration of the institute. I believe that the value of institute training programs has been firmly established as a sound educational method. The institute training program has certainly been effectively promoted by the National Defense Education Act which was enacted by the 85th Congress. That same act, as you perhaps know, provided some assistance to libraries. However the assistance was restricted to an emphasis upon books and materials related to the study of science, mathematics, and modern foreign languages. I believe that the current Rural Library Services Act is the appropriate measure to incorporate the purposes embraced by my bill. I should like to conclude with these thoughts: Ours is a free society. Our children may read according to their own dictates and are limited only by their abilities. We hope that the exposures which books afford will broaden their perspectives and stimulate thought. We hope that they will read even those works with which we are not in agreement, for this is a part of the challenge of the quest for truth. We know that many societies are not free. The youth of one generation may well not know the events of yesterday or the thoughts of others if those ideas are not in keeping with the current "party line." All too often the records of the past are closed-thereby offering little guidance for a better tomorrow. Let us maintain our compassion for those who are not free and encourage them to seek liberty. Let us take care to guard our own freedoms and our democratic way of life. In so doing, let us promote the expansion of those institutions which are important parts of our free society-let us assist in the expansion of the scope and services of the library. STATEMENT OF HON. CHARLES MCC. MATHIAS, JR., A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF MARYLAND Mr. Chairman, this legislation is designed to extend the benefits of the Library Services Act to areas lacking public libraries or with inadequate public libraries, public elementary and secondary school libraries, and certain college and university libraries. In today's world, with a rapidly expanding body of knowledge, better libraries are necessary at all levels of education. Libraries act as pipelines, making the knowledge of the lengthening past available to the present. As the body of facts accumulated year by year increases in size, we must provide more adequate means for making this information available. This is required in order to provide maximum opportunity for study and research and to produce well-informed citizens who are capable of exercising sound judgment and engaging in profitable employment. Further, the present deficiencies of public libraries, school libraries, and college and university libraries are critical, and, therefore, a coordinated program of library development is needed in order to bring about maximum availability and utilization of library resources and services. The bill provides for a 5-year authorization of $310 million, an increase of $52.5 million per year over existing appropriations. Another major feature of the bill removes the present limitation which restricts aid to areas having a population of 10,000 or less. Funds would be used to assist State public libraries and the facilities of our educational institutions at all levels. A further aspect of the bill provides Federal money for the operation by higher educational institutions of institutes for the training of librarians. Programs would be administered by State and institutional bodies receiving matching Federal grants. I need not emphasize that communities in the Sixth Congressional District of Maryland would become eligible for some of the funds that would be allocated to Maryland each year. I believe that this program, if efficiently administered, will provide the proper national stimulus to revive our lagging library facilities. Hon. CLEVELAND M. BAILEY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Chairman, General Education Subcommittee, Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. MY DEAR MR. BAILEY: I am enclosing a letter which I recently received from Mr. Edwin Castagna, director of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore. In it, he refers to the library's interest in H.R. 11823, the Library Services Act which you introduced on May 21, 1962. I hope that you will be able to make this letter a part of the subcommittee's report. I want also to advise you of my very great interest in and support for this legislation. I hope the committee gives it quick approval. With kindest regards, I am, Sincerely yours, DANIEL B. BREWSTER, Member of Congress. ENOCH PRATT FREE LIBRARY, Hon. DANIEL BAUGH BREWSTER, DEAR SIR: May I urge you to support H.R. 11823 (and identical bills) to amend the Library Services Act? The Pratt Library is a major public library in a large metropolitan area, and of particular interest to this library are the provisions of title 1 of the proposed bill. Under these provisions the population limitation of 10,000 or less would be dropped from the qualifications for funds. And for the first time large public libraries could benefit from the Federal program. The intent of title 1 is to encourage the extension of public library services to areas without such services or with inadequate services. The Pratt Library is a well-established library system, but it is facing problems much publicized in the metropolitan areas throughout the country. Baltimore has the multiproblem, culturally disadvantaged, disorganized persons and families resulting from the inmigrant waves and the core of the lowest socioeconomic groups remaining within the city. Taken as a group these people are receiving inadequate library services; but the potential is tremendous for more effectual service. We have proposed new ways to encourage the use of the library among these problem people, but funds have not been available. Consider the impact of a program which would permit our staff to serve as visiting librarians (based in branches in depressed areas of the city) who would actively engage in seeking out the children, young adults, and adults who can benefit from our services. Low reading levels are repeatedly cited as one of the major handicaps in the advancement of the problem person. With sufficient funds the library could literally establish centers with easy reading materials heavily duplicated and personal attention given to individual problems. We are at present unable to provide adequately for the study materials essential in the upgrading skills and trades. The library can play a much greater role in the educational program of these people for their economic betterment and for that of the city as a whole, And we need a parallel program to keep the general citizens of Baltimore knowledgeable and interested in the problems of their neighbors and to elicit their support in helping tackle the problems. What better resource do we have than in a systemwide library program which serves all of Baltimore, but can adapt to immediate community needs through our branch libraries? We share with other city agencies, schools, welfare, police, etc., the common problems of human redevelopment. The library can play a unique role. The social worker, health officer reach people for brief periods at intervals, and, if successful, get them started. Reading is the means for a regular development over a long period. The Pratt Library might serve as the continuing agency in redevelopment, thereby correcting the shortcomings that many rehabilitation programs have exhibited-brief sporadic efforts that leave little effect. I have pointed out in some detail the practical applications which this library could foresee from the use of library services funds. These projected programs would offer a new scope to the dimensions of library service here on a scale which is not possible under our present program. ask that you give your active support to H.R. 11823 which would enable such programs to be undertaken and further includes provisions for the training of staff necessary to carry on such programs successfully. Sincerely yours, EDWIN CASTAGNA, Director. STATEMENT OF HON. AL ULLMAN, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF OREGON Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I request permission to include in the record of this hearing a letter I have received from Miss Eloise Ebert, the State librarian of Oregon. This letter is a succinct and well-written appeal for the enactment of legislation to amend the Rural Library Services Act. The new program would include public libraries, school libraries, libraries of institutions of higher education, and library training institutes, and would remove the present population limitation of 10,000 or less. I note with particular interest that her letter mentions the increased demands which the new era of space exploration and technology has made upon our institutions of higher education. As members of this committee know, I have long been concerned with the development of public community colleges to help meet the increasing needs for education beyond the high school. The idea of a community college is experiencing nationwide support and growth. Many junior and community colleges have been established within the past few years. These new young institutions, so vital to the total educational effort of this Nation, very much need the assistance for their libraries which an expanded program of Federal aid for library services would provide. In my opinion, these institutions are ideally situated to pass on to the local community the benefits of good libraries. It is my hope that this Congress will enact legislation to extend the Rural Library Services Act as provided in H.R. 11823 and the other bills before you. I feel sure you will find Miss Ebert's letter informative. OREGON STATE LIBRARY, Hon. AL ULLMAN, House of Representatives, DEAR MR. ULLMAN: Many thousands of individuals in Oregon would benefit immeasurably from an expanded program of library services which would result from the extension of the Library Services Act under the provisions of H.R. 11823. In the past 6 years, since the passage of the original rural library services bill, approximately 500,000 people out of a total State population of 1,768,687 are receiving better library service as a direct result of this legislation. Individuals have not only benefited personally, but citizens and public officials have had their needs dramatically publicized, which will steadily accrue increased public support for library services. The rural areas, however, represent only one area of the underprivileged library public. Population experts shock us with the information that 85 percent of the total national population growth of the last decade occurred in 212 standard metropolitan areas. In Oregon, this trend is reflected in lack of adequate facilities in the Portland metropolitan area, which cuts across the boundaries of several counties, and the Eugene-Springfield area is reaching out for a solution of their library needs. These two metropolitan areas alone constitute more than half of the total population of the State. Modern library standards are based on a cooperative system of libraries. Accelerated secondary educational programs and the "jet-propelled" community college program in Oregon have placed additional burdens on public libraries, and none are able to meet existing minimum national standards. The increased enrollments in institutions of higher learning are nationwide. The need for all citizens for an extended vocational, technical, and professional education has developed a dynamic need for library materials which existing agencies and jurisdictions find it difficult to meeting terms of constitutional and statutory limitations and economic potential. It is in the national interest, as well as the interest of the present and future needs of Oregon, for our citizens to be sufficiently well informed to cope not only with his individual needs but to prepare him as an intelligent citizen in our society. As the State librarian of Oregon, I am concerned with the total library needs of the State. The limitations of existing levels of library services in schools, public libraries, and colleges and universities are very well known to the State library as they make continuous and increasing demand for the materials which they cannot provide. The demand for service exists and assistance for today's needs cannot be postponed. One particular provision of H.R. 11823 deserves special mention the title for training institutes. There is a national shortage of qualified library personnel which has been mentioned so often it is like the constant sound of a rushing mountain stream. Library services will not improve until more and better training opportunities are provided. Short courses offered in Oregon institutions would help supply some of the needed personnel to meet present staff shortages. Sincerely, ELOISE EBERT, State Librarian. LIBRARY EXTENSION DIVISION, Hon. CARL D. PERKINS, U.S. House of Representatives, DEAR MR. PERKINS: I thought you might be interested to know how the Library Services Act has influenced the attitude of the State government toward library and bookmobile service in Kentucky. I sincerely hope that you will place our testimonial in the Congressional Record as a part of the hearings on the Library Services Act. When the Library Services Act passed-in 1956-57, the State was providing only $176,000 annually for the extension of library and bookmobile service to Kentuckians. In 1960-61, however, the impact of the Library Service Act was beginning to be felt-to the extent that the State began to accept the responsibility for developing new regional library systems with State funds, and for bolstering already developing library regions with new, larger bookmobiles, more books for bookmobiles, and more State aid. Here are the figures: 1955-56 1960-61 1961-62_ State $176, 000 1962-63. State appropriation $578, 000 613, 000 In 1960-61, the State provided $45,000 specifically to start the development of two new library regions. Funds for bookmobile books were increased from $60,000 to $100,000, and State aid was increased from $50,000 to $100,00. Funds for nine new bookmobiles were provided. In 1961-62, the State has provided $90,000 to help in the development of new and already established library regions. Increases for bookmobile books and State aid are being maintained, and funds for 15 new bookmobiles have been provided. In 1962-63, the State will provide $122,000 for help in developing one new library region, and already established library regions-funds to supplement the $205,000 from the Federal Government. Funds for bookmobile books will be increased, $17,000, State aid will be maintained at the increased level, and 15 new bookmobiles will be purchased. In 1963-64, the State will provide $154,000 for help in developing an additional library region and for maintaining already established regions-to supplement the static Federal grant of $205,000. Funds for bookmobile books and State aid will be maintained at the 1962-63 level, and an additional 15 new bookmobiles will be purchased. These increases are not sensational, but they are considerable when it is realized that the budgets of many State agencies in Kentucky are to be cut in 1962-64, due to an anticipated reduction in State revenue. One of the goals of Kentucky calls for a vote by the people in each county for a local tax for library and bookmobile service. Enabling legislation for such a vote was passed in 1960, and passage would have been impossible if counties had not begun to see for themselves, through partial improvement by funds from the Library Services Act, that more local support is needed. Because the tax base of most counties in Kentucky is low, a local tax is not the whole answer, however. Kentucky's planning calls for continued permanent development of at least 20 library regions with State funds, plus permanent helf from the Federal Government to the extent of 30 cents per capita. To reach the standards set by the American Library Association of annual support for libraries and bookmobiles to the extent of $3 per capita, it is estimated that the Federal Government needs to provide approximately $1 million annually, the State $2 million annually and the local governments $6 million annually. At present (1961-62) the Federal Government is providing $205,000 annually, the State $517,000, and local governments almost $2 million annually. Ten library regions, including 51 counties, are being developed at present. Ultimately a total of 20 library regions need to be developed-through the cooperative efforts of local, State, and Federal governments. Without permanent help from all three types of government, Kentucky will never reach the standards needed for effective, well-organized service for everyone in the State. One of the most wonderful results of participation in this program by the Federal Government is that formerly primitive libraries, run by donated funds, are now becoming legally established and well organized, with duly appointed library boards, and aided by help from trained State personnel. Kentucky still has a long, long way to go before library and bookmobile service can be said to be good, but it is now ready for sound improvement, which would have been impossible 5 years ago. It takes time for a sound legal base to be established for public library service. Use of improved library programs has increased sensationally, as evidenced by the increase of circulation from 2,874,000 in 1953-54, to 8,257,000 in 1960-61. Five counties voted for a local tax for library service in 1960 and 1961. Such a tax was unheard of previous to 1960. Six counties have voted for support of library and bookmobile programs within the county general fund-as a result of regional development. Ten counties will place the question on the ballot for a vote for an extra tax for library service in November 1962. The actual income from these votes, however, will still be low in many counties, due to their low tax base. A successful vote, however, will greatly improve the present program in all instances. There has been, and still is, a tremendous gap between what exists in library and bookmobile service and what is actually needed. Previous to the Library Services Act, counties themselves did not see the difference. They were quite satisfied with programs, if you can call them that, which were practically nonexistent. The outstanding attitude was one of lethargy, indfference, and selfsatisfaction. Only when these people have seen the difference between a dead or dying program and one which is now active, growing, exciting, and full of promise, do they begin to see the real potential ahead, which is intellectual and cultural aid and stimulation for all citizens of all ages in all areas. Most sincerely, MARGARET WILLIS. STATE OF NEW JERSEY, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, Trenton, June 1, 1962. Hon. FRANK THOMPSON, Jr., Member, Congress of the United States, DEAR FRANK: I am delighted to learn that Representative Bailey, of West Virginia, has introduced a bill (H.R. 11823) to broaden the Library Services Act by amending it to include other public libraries, public elementary and secondary school libraries, and certain college and university libraries. Inasmuch as you are a member of the important Education and Labor Com 88630-62-15 |