knowing for farm people, leave that sort of thing to the long-hairs and maybe the teachers, the lawyers, and clergy. If there are some things farmers do not know, remember ignorance is bliss. So, why a library?"

The use of that sort of logic is not far-fetched or rare. I have been appalled by the number of people, both in and out of agriculture, who have that kind of viewpoint and philosophy. And, I have even asked myself, "Maybe they are right? Maybe you are wrong in thinking otherwise?" I have learned to concede that I may be wrong in the various conclusions I seem to come up with. But then one starts thinking about many things:

1. One of the musts in agriculture today is keeping up with the march of technology. Agricultural production is being revolutionized from one decade to the next. The farm press has done much in this regard; the extension service is largely concerned with this. Then there is the power of example-a few pioneers setting the pace for the rest to follow. Farm operators owe to consumers the responsibility of adopting the best methods of technology as their practicality is unfolded and developed. Libraries can and should supplement all these other aids with the benefits of research and conjecture through books, pamphlets, bulletins, films, for the benefit of the many, not just a few.

2. Whether in town or country, there is the boy or girl, maybe even grownups, whom the Creator seems to have endowed with the yearn to read-read anything and everything. In the farm home, without access to library service, there is hardly ever enough for them to read. Surely such potential intellect should have the benefit of sound reading guidance and then opportunity to follow it. Anyone soon learns it is impossible to get very far in trying to read everything in the eternity of the printed page in these days.

3. There is the responsibility to society as a whole for the kind of citizens farm people export. For over half of our boys and girls leave the farm-mostly to urban life. Education and knowing how to acquire knowledge is an invaluable asset in the competition of the urban economy. Early access to library service can well be a future lifetime stabilizer.

4. Then there are the really large numbers of rural folks who manage to find some time for extra reading, at least in certain seasons of the year, but lack the availability of balanced reading. To my mind, that should be one of the fundamentals of library service-make both pros and cons available on every subject-yes, even make sure to keep fiction on a semblance of balance. Otherwise, the free, inquiring, democratic mind could well become the narrow, chained, straitjacketed mind of authoritarianism and be unable to pass judgment on right or wrong. It works both ways.

5. Every rural community needs the inspiration of discussion; group discussion is probably best. One of the defects of most groups in the discussion field is that usually those participating are already of the same view and mind. Consequently, they too often fail to receive the prod of the dissident-those who may not fully agree. We even seem prone to cultivate a spirit of intolerance with anyone who may not see eye-to-eye, rather than seek to achieve understanding of what may be the cause of difference of opinion. The real danger for democracy does not lie in differences, but in failing to understand, know and discuss same, and then have a willingness to attempt to resolve them. There is perhaps no better incentive to the thirst for knowledge than to realize that one may not have all the answers-at least to the point of being able to present them convincingly to someone who may have different ideas. In a discussion group, the informed reader usually spurs others to check, accept or disprove. That is where comprehensive library service really becomes desirable. It is one of the services which it would seem should be greatly expanded and developed. Furthermore, discussions' contribution, not only to agriculture but also to democracy and a free world, can be immeasurable in its value.

6. Farm people, as well as urban-both young and old-studious and those less so inclined should have opportunity to avail themselves of the manifold library services of today-the good books of past and present (not just the trash that seems easiest to get) research and reference services for those who want thatyes, and access to some of the many other services that go with libraries today and tomorrow-film, recordings, photograph and visual aids, as well as print, reading guidance and aids-ad infinitum. All these go hand in hand to appreciation of the arts and culture of past, present, and for the future.

Can these be secured for farm families? Yes, they can. But, it will require planning, cooperation and integration. It will always be under handicap because of population density to try to match local rural facilities with those of our cities. But, why not develop plans and techniques to both enlarge existing facili

ties and spread these to rural areas also? Could not this be done with county libraries supported by areawide tax support, integrated and cooperating with State and large regional, city, college, school, and private libraries? And augment all these existent and to-be developed services with bookmobiles reaching every community and perhaps every rural home?

We have laws on We have 2 county Some other States

My own State has a long ways to go in this field. A beginning has been made. We have a State library commission to serve as a nucleus. the statute books that authorize some of these things now. libraries already established with bookmobile service from 1. have made much more progress in serving rural needs. All have a long way to go to match the needs and put farm families on a par with urban. It will require further exploring in the field of cooperation with the educational system, with clergy perhaps, with farm and labor organization, civic groups, and of course, with various Government units at all levels.

In conclusion, maybe the problems involved in implementing and achieving such comprehensive service may seem too huge-too complicated, too difficult for the sake of agricultural equality.

Then one ponders again on the other unsolved problems of the time we are living in. How do we manage an economy of abundance-even though we have learned much about producing one? Must agriculture flaunt Providence and resort to the methods and results of an economy of scarcity in order to survive? Will that safeguard and bring about decent living standards for agriculture? Will that assure the rest of society sustained stabilized ample supplies of nutritious food for the long pull at a fair exchange level? How do we avoid second and third-rate citizens developing in America? Are we good stewards in using and conserving the great resources, including the arts and cultures, entrusted to mankind? Are we making the best contribution in that stewardship that can be made to bring about peace in the world?

Might the hopes, dreams, wisdom, experience, knowledge of the ages, stored in the printed word in granaries (libraries) serve as inspiration or bring vision to someone, or the many, with which to solve these challenges? Should not agriculture, the people on the land, the cradle of freedom and liberty through the ages should they not have equal opportunity to supplement their information and knowledge with other segments of society that so far have not solved these problems? Might that help someone guiding the tractor plow or milking the cows for our Nation's food supply find the answers our economists, social scientists, genius of business, statesmen, scholars and technicians have not yet put together in an acceptable practical working plan? Is it worthwhile that our libraries be used and developed to help?

To me, all these things and many more seem cogs and bearings in the role of libraries and agriculture.

Mr. HUSSEY. There also is a letter from Hon. Frances P. Bolton, a Member of Congress from the 22d District of Ohio, requesting that her statement appear in the record.

Mr. LANDRUM. Without objection, that may be inserted. (The statement referred to follows:)

STATEMENT BY HON. FRANCES P. BOLTON, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF OHIO

Mr. Chairman, my constituents in Ohio's 22d District are extremely fortunate in that they have outstandingly good library facilities, and they make good use of them.

The shelves of Cleveland Public Library hold 2,781,107 books, constituting the second largest public collection in the United States. Last year these books were checked out almost 6 million times, giving us a per capita circulation of 6.52— larger than any other major city in the United States.

I can testify to the contribution that adequate library services make toward the cultural life of a community-in furthering good citizenship, encouraging people to continue their education, in contributing to their daily work and in providing sound material for mental stimulation and relaxation.

But Ohio is also an agricultural State, with 85 percent of its area devoted to farming, and library services in many rural areas are sadly inadequate. For example:

Libraries in 15 counties in Ohio received less than 50 cents per capita to operate their service in 1954.

Libraries in 29 counties received between 50 cents and 99 cents for service in the same year.

Thus exactly half of Ohio's 88 counties are getting less-and many much lessthan a dollar per capita for library service. The amount of money required for minimum library service has been established by the American Library Association as $1.50 per capita.

Ninety-nine of the 271 public libraries in Ohio received less than $7,000 as an operating budget in 1954. That amount is not enough to hire one librarian, rent space, pay for heat and light, and have money left over to buy an adequate supply of books.

A survey by the Ohio State Library showed 850,000 residents of the State with inadequate service.

Mr. Chairman, libraries in my district will receive none of this money, since the program is limited to communities with less than 10,000 population. But I have introduced this legislation (H. R. 2817) in the interest of hundreds of thousands of citizens of my State, in addition to 26 million people throughout this country, who are without access to modern library services.

I urge the distinguished members of this committee to take favorable action on this library services bill.

Mr. HUSSEY. I have, for the record, a statement from Dr. Edgar Fuller, who was to appear today but had a previous appointment and who would like to have his statement submitted for the record.

Mr. LANDRUM. Without objection, that may be inserted in the record.

(The statement referred to follows:)

STATEMENT Of Dr. Edgar FULLER, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, COUNCIL OF CHIEF STATE SCHOOL OFFICERS

Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, I am Edgar Fuller, executive secretary of the Council of Chief State School Officers, on whose behalf today in support of the library services bill.

appear

The members of the council are the State superintendents and commissioners of education in States, Territories, and island dependencies. They are perhaps as well acquainted as anyone with the educational conditions in the rural areas of their respective States. They often have special obligations for rural education, and in that connection, they know at first hand how seriously deficient library service is in any rural areas.

In fact, Mr. Chairman, library service is merely another of many cultural and educational areas in which our rural populations are underprivileged. Rural people continue to get slower and less adequate service in mass media such as newspapers, periodicals, movies, and AM radio; FM radio and television are often still not available to them. The schools and other cultural institutions remain seriously inadequate in many rural areas; among these both school and public library resources are almost always inferior to similar services in large towns and cities. Yet there are disproportionately large numbers of children, major adult education problems, and some of the Nation's least enviable social conditions which can be improved only on the basis of widespread education.

The proposals before you, Mr. Chairman, provide for Federal administration through the United States Office of Education and for State administration by the State library agency. We approve of these administrative arrangements. The provisions for development of State plan for rural library services will simulate local and State library service quite apart from the Federal assistance provided.

We hope there will be adequate limitations on Federal administrative discretion written into the legislation to insure State autonomy. In that connection, Mr. Chairman, may I state that our organization has had a great deal of experience concerning Federal control of education. For instance, our members in the States administer vocational rehabilitation and deal with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. They administer vocational education and deal with the Office of Education in regard to that. They administer the school lunch program in the States, which is a tremendous program, as you know, and deal with the United States Department of Agriculture in regard to that. They deal with

the Treasury Department on school bonds and savings; with the Department of Defense on veterans' education. Most of the educational programs which originate at the Federal level come through our members in the States as the State officials for education. For these reasons, the Chief State school officers understand perhaps as well as any other group what is a Federal control and what is not. This proposed legislation is in accord with the principles which would make Federal control of library service as unlikely as in any bill that could be drawn. It has our complete approval in that way.

This legislation takes into account both the geographical area of the States and the economic ability of the people, as well as the number of people to be served. The $40,000 minimum annual aid to each State, matching provisions to produce a 66-33 range of equalization and the proposed total appropriation of $7,500,000 each year for 5 years are all fully defensible in view of the circumstances. The sums are almost picayune and the beneficial results prospectively very large.

Mr. Chairman, we hope your committee will favorably report this bill and that the Congress will enact it into law.

Mr. LANDRUM. The committee will next hear testimony from Congresswoman Martha W. Griffiths of Michigan.

Congresswoman Griffiths, will you have a seat, please, and proceed with any statement you desire to make.

STATEMENT OF HON. MARTHA W. GRIFFITHS, A REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN

Mrs. GRIFFITHS. Mr. Chairman and members of this committee, I want to tell you how much I appreciate the opportunity to appear before you, and to thank you for the opportunity to appear in support of my bill, 3012, and the other bills of a similar nature.

These bills, designed to promote the expansion of free public library service to the rural areas of America, should be viewed with the same seriousness and given equal importance as our consideration of legislation to aid local school construction.

Our devotion to public library facilities should be on a par with our dedication to an ever-expanding free system of,eaducation. I am proud to note that my State, Michigan, was the first in the Union to incorporate provisions for free public libraries into its constitution. Nowhere else in the world do so many people have access to library facilities, but we are not yet at the point where we can sit back and applaud with the feeling that there is nothing more to do.

There are approximately 27 million Americans without access to library service, and another 53 million for whom service is inadequate. In Michigan we have 835,000 residents who do not have library facilities. Four Michigan counties-Arenac, Keweenaw, Luce, and Montmorency-have no library service.

At this point I should like to introduce in the record a statement and map submitted by Mrs. Ethel Yabroff, president of the Michigan Library Association. The map clearly shows the need for expanded facilities throughout Michigan.

(The statement and map referred to follow :)

STATEMENT BY ETHEL YABROFF, PRESIDENT, MICHIGAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION Before we can discuss what the Library Services Act can mean to Michigan let us look at a map of Michigan and see which counties have no local library service. Those counties having county libraries, which give service throughout the county, are marked with a large C. In some counties you will note that the

only persons having local library service are those living in the larger cities, that is Pontiac, Royal Oak, and Ferndale in Oakland County is an example. I have indicated on the map the total number of people in each county without service at this time.

In Michigan at present we have 835,000 persons who are without public-library service.

Many communities that have public libraries are receiving substandard service: 40 percent of the Michigan public libraries have less than 6,000 volumes; 20 percent of our libraries buy less than 100 titles a year; 45 percent have annual operating budgets of less than $5,000 a year; 36 percent are open less than 16 hours a week.

Michigan has had State aid to libraries since 1937. Much has been done during the past 18 years but with the growth in population and education, the problem of how to give an equal opportunity of books to everyone in the State continues unsolved.

In order to determine what the Library Services Act will mean to Michigan we have attempted to approximate what we would receive and to indicate how the money would be used.

In April of this year Michigan established its first regional library in the Iosco-Arenac area. We are also attempting at this time to develop a 5 county regional library in Grand Traverse, Benzie, Antrim, Leelanau,. and Kalkaska Counties serving over 90,000 people. The figures which we have used in this statement, as to costs, are based on the actual costs for establishing library service in Michigan.

We estimate that we will receive about $220,000 each year for 5 years under the Library Services Act. To establish library service for 10,000 persons in an unserved area it costs $53,000 including administrative, capital, and operating costs. At this rate we estimate that each year that the act is in effect we could establish 1 regional library to serve 50,000 people. This added to the State program for 5 years would greatly reduce the number of people without local public library service and would demonstrate how large unit libraries can operate under local units of government.

From our experience in establishing library service in an area not having local service or having inadequate service it is necessary for the State library to set up a demonstration of what adequate service is like and can mean to a community. When this is done the people locally are unwilling to have the library service withdrawn at the end of the demonstration and will vote to tax themselves to support the library.