library service that really reaches rural districts will both spread the benefits that come from the habit of reading and raise the intellectual level of reading and consequently of living." Those in our State who have access to library service are anxious to see the program improved and expanded to reach more people with more and better service. The money that will be made available to our State through the Library Services Act will serve as a further stimulus to better State and local financial support for library service. We observe a striking resemblance in the provisions of the Federal Library Services Act to the regulations under which the library State-aid program operates in Georgia. Both require the development of a plan for the extension and improvement of library service to rural areas, both clearly place responsi bility for the employment of personnel and the selection of materials in the hands of the local county or regional library in the case of Georgia and in the hands of the respective States in the case of the Federal funds. This is as it should be State funds with local control, Federal funds with State and local control. Without this provision we would not be interested in the passage of this legislation. In Georgia no library can qualify for State funds if local tax funds for library service are reduced. We note with approval that, similarly, Federal funds under the act cannot take the place of State funds for library support and a State continue to qualify for Federal funds. We, in Georgia, can actively endorse and support the Library Services Act because we feel that it is a sound and good bill. We are confident that it can and will 1. Stimulate but not interfere with State and local initiative and responsibility in the conduct of public library service. 2. Provide opportunities at relatively small cost, nationwise, for millions of rural people to learn for the first time what good library service is. 3. Help to convince many people that the Congress is interested in the establishment of educational services to enrich the lives of rural citizens and raise the standards of living in the rural sections of the Nation. Mr. GWINN. Mr. Chairman, I am submitting now a letter I addressed to a number of State officials, seeking information. It would seem proper that the letter sent them and their replies be made a part of the printed record, and I so request. Mr. LANDRUM. If there are no objections, it is so ordered. (Mr. Gwinn's letter and the replies received thereto follow :) CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, DEAR SIR: The Committee on Education and Labor is conducting hearings on legislation which is known as the Library Services Act. This legislation provides for the annual expenditure of $7.5 millions of Federal moneys each year for 5 fiscal years beginning with fiscal year 1956, in order to "promote the further extension by the several States of public library services to rural areas without such services or with inadequate services." No Federal money could be used for the purchase or construction of any building or the purchase of land. Allotments to the States would be authorized by the United States Commissioner of Education after certification by him of State plans required by the act. Each State would receive a minimum of $40,000, plus an additional amount based upon the ratio of the rural population in each State to the rural population of the United States. State matching of Federal funds would be required, varying inversely with the per capita income of each State, the Federal share never exceeding 66 percent nor less than 33 percent. The contribution of your State would be $ of the program in your State. or percent of the cost In order for the Committee on Education and Labor to legislate intelligently in this matter, it needs certain information which you, in your position as the chief of State fiscal officer, are able, we hope, to supply. 1. Is the rural population of your State inadequately or not at all served with public library facilities? 2. If the answer to question 1 is "yes," is the State financially able to provide the necessary facilities without Federal assistance? 3. Is the State's budget capable of incorporating the figure above indicated as your State's share of the cost, for each of the next 5 fiscal years? 4. When will your late legislature next meet so that it may consider the desirability or need of participating in such a program? In other words, how long would it be before your State could qualify, assuming favorable legislative action, for participation in such a plan? 5. Are there any groups or organizations in your State, other than professional library and education groups which support the legislation, that could give testimony as to the need or desirability of such a program? Sincerely yours, RALPH W. GWINN, M. C. COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY, Hon. RALPH W. GWINN, House of Representatives, Washington, D. C. In DEAR SIR: Thank you for your interest in library service for rural areas. answer to your recent inquiry concerning Kentucky's rural library problems, it is hoped that the following information will be of value to you and your committee in the preparation of suitable legislative proposals on the subject. The questions in your letter of May 25, 1955, are discussed below in the order listed in that letter. "1. Is the rural population of your State inadequately or not at all served with public library services?" Answer: Rural areas in Kentucky definitely are inadequately served. This is true in spite of a tremendous campaign sponsored by the Kentucky bookmobile project, a private group, which promoted gifts from private sources during the last 2 years. As a result of this private campaign to extend library services, there are 101 bookmobiles now providing library services, mainly in rural areas. Over 90 percent of these bookmobiles were purchased from private donations. Even now, bookmobile service to rural areas is available in only 96 of Kentucky's 120 countries. A total of $396,000 has been appropriated by the legislature for the 1954-56 biennium. For the 1954-55 fiscal year, a total of $246,000, including $13,000 from the emergency fund, has been appropriated. Of this amount, $120,000 was spent for books in the new bookmobiles. Only $40,000 was earmarked for this purpose for 1955-56. It is impossible at the moment to arrive at total expenditures for library services. This is true because many counties, school districts, and private groups are providing personal services, physical facilities, and some operating costs in kind as well as in dollars. For example, in most cases, rental on buildings housing bookmobile collections is donated by governmental units or sometimes by private owners. Some service stations provide fuels and service for the bookmobiles without charge. Some school officials perform library services which are not reflected in either school or county government budgets. "2. Is the State financially able to provide necessary facilities without Federal assistance?" Answer: No. Of course, this answer is based upon a flexible interpretation of the word "necessary." As in most other States, the demands for governmental services have strained the budgets of all governmental units almost beyond the breaking point. In the absence of substantial revenues for library services in the next few years, the bookmobile extension program must be drastically reduced. For example, Wolfe County, Ky., has a total budget of only $12,000 from all tax sources, which must be spread over all of that county's services. In view of demands upon State appropriations, it is not feasible to assume that legislative appropriations will exceed $150,000 per year for library extension services. Kentucky is one of the minority of States in which the rural population substantially exceeds the urban population. Kentucky per capita income is now around $1,100, while the national average is over $1,600. "3. Is the State's budget capable of incorporating the figure above indicated ($114,261) as your State's share of the cost for each of the next 5 fiscal years?" Answer: Even though the appropriation for this purpose was doubled for the 1954-56 biennium over any prior biennium, it is reasonable to assume that future budgets can handle the $114,261 amount. Best judgment, however, is an informed guess. There can be no legal guaranty at this time that any specific amount will be appropriated by the legislature. There are substantial indications that the legislature will not appropriate less than the support figure indicated in your letter. "4. How long would it be before your State could qualify, assuming favorable legislative action, for participation in such a plan?" Answer: The Kentucky Legislature will convene in January 1956. It is feasible to predict that Kentucky could qualify for participation in the proposed plan no later than July 1, 1956. "5. Are there any groups or organizations in your State other than professional library and education groups which support the legislation that could give testimony as to the need or desirability of such a program?" Answer: Based upon evidence in the private campaign for bookmobile funds, many private groups indicated support for the extension of library services. Many individuals in the Kentucky Farm Bureau Federation supported the project. I cannot be certain, however, that this organization as a group would give testimony. Again, many individuals in the Kentucky League of Women Voters supported the project. I do not believe, however, that the organization as such has given a formal endorsement. This is true because of restrictions in that organization's own constitution. It is believed that the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce would give testimony concerning the desirability of library services. While much of the enthusiasm for the project was engendered by professional library and education groups. It is certain that the project enjoyed the support of many other groups. The names of those persons who sponsored the project read like a Who's Who in Kentucky. There was definitely widespread public support. A copy of a feature new story concerning the bookmobile project, which appeared in the Louisville Courier-Journal on May 22, 1955, is enclosed. This news story contains accurate and valuable information bearing upon most of the questions in your letter. If I can be of further service to you in this matter, please do not hesitate to call upon me. Sincerely yours, L. FELIX JOYNER, Deputy Commissioner. (The article referred to was filed, but is not printed.) STATE OF NEW YORK, Hon. RALPH W. GWINN, House Office Building, Washington, D. C. DEAR MR. GWINN: This is in reply to your letter of May 25, 1955, relative to the proposed Federal Library Services Act. I have not had an opportunity to study this piece of pending legislation, and am not prepared to indicate either approval or disapproval of it. However, I think I can answer your specific questions. 1 and 2. Six upstate New York counties (Chemung, Clinton, Erie, Essex, Monroe, and Schenectady) have county library systems under which complete library service is made available to all residents. Elsewhere in the State most residents of rural areas receive library service only as a courtesy from libraries in nearby urban communities. Under legislation enacted in 1950, the State provides financial assistance to county library systems which provide library service to all their residents. The six upstate county systems listed above are operating under plans acceptable under the provisions of this statute, and other counties are in the process of organizing such systems. This State aid is available to every county electing to participate in the program. While the program has been expanding steadily, progress has not been as rapid as had been hoped, and additional Federal funds might stimulate a more rapid development for the benefit of rural areas. 3. I am informed that the present program of State aid to public libraries would enable this State to receive its entire share of the proposed Federal grant without increasing its expenditures. If this is not the case, any additional State appropriations required would be made available only after a detailed study of the Federal program. 4. I am informed that no legislative action would be required by this State to enable it to qualify for the Federal grant. The next session of the legislature at which any changes that might be necessary could be considered will commence in January 1956. 5. I have no information as to what groups or organizations within the State either support or oppose the legislation. It is possible that testimony might be obtained from some of the various civic groups, chambers of commerce, and taxpayers' organizations within the State. Sincerely yours, PAUL H. APPLEBY, Director. Hon. RALPH W. GWINN, House Office Building, Washington, D. C. STATE OF OHIO, DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE, Columbus, June 8, 1955. DEAR CONGRESSMAN GWINN: Your recent letter in respect to libraries in the rural areas of Ohio has been received. I shall endeavor to answer your questions by the same number as shown in your letter. 1. I am told that in southeastern Ohio there are some rural areas that do not have adequate public library facilities. 2. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that the State may provide the necessary financial help to assist these areas. 3. Under the provisions of the Federal bill, we believe that Ohio can qualify for as little or as much between the limitations as it desires to do. 4. The State legislature, in respect to appropriating money will meet in January 1957. 5. I am told that there are women's organizations and, also, labor organizations, who would support the need and desirability of a rural library service program. I trust the above answers your questions. Sincerely, JOHN M. WILCOXON, COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, Hon. RALPH W. GWINN, House Office Building, Washington, D. C. DEAR MR. GWINN: As Mr. J. H. Bradford, State budget director, is out of the city, I am replying to your inquiry of May 25. We are advised by the State librarian that 33 of Virginia's 98 counties have public-library facilities. In the absence of some legislative expression of policy on the question, it does not seem possible to provide reliable information as to the State's financial ability to provide library services now or in the next 5 fiscal years. The next regular biennial session of the State legislature will meet in January 1956. If action were taken at that time, it would be July 1, 1956, before the State normally could qualify for participation in any new program requiring appropriation of funds. I regret that we do not have any information concerning the existence of groups, other than educational, that are interested in or qualified to give testimony concerning library needs. Sincerely yours, Hon. RALPH W. GWINN, M. M. SUTHERLAND, Assistant Director of the Budget. STATE OF IDAHO, Budget Bureau, Boise, Idaho, June 1, 1955. House Office Building, Washington, D. C. DEAR SIR: In reply to your letter of May 25, 1955, I may explain that the State of Idaho has a library commission. It receives an appropriation from State funds for supporting a traveling library program. The last legislature passed a bill authorizing the organization of library districts of one or more counties. These districts are permitted to levy, not exceeding 2 mills, on property within the districts, with powers "to establish and locate conveniently a sufficient number of libraries, branch libraries or stations to serve the library districts." This last program has not had time to get into effect. The above explanation should answer your questions 1, 2, and 3. Under 4, the next regular session of the legislature will be in January 1957. Under question 5, we have the usual organizations such as Parent-Teachers Association and Women's Clubs. However you may be already classifying them as "professional and education groups." There was a very active group during the last legislature sponsoring this library program. Mrs. Mabel Baker, care of Boise Public Library, was the legislative secretary. I have also been informed that the Congressman representing this district, the Honorable Hamer Budge, is supporting the proposed Library Services Act in the House. By calling the Honorable Hamer Budge I am sure you could secure more information in regard to Idaho's interest in this matter. DEAR SIR: Thank you for your letter of May 25 with information about the Library Services Act. Taking your questions in order: 1. There are 4,300 people living in New Hampshire towns without any public library. Approximately 200,000 are receiving substandard service from use of local funds because libraries are open only a few hours a week and book funds are very limited. 2. If you mean could the State institute a program such as would be possible with the help of funds proposed by this act, then the answer is no. 3. Yes. 4. There is existing legislation now that would enable the State to qualify for participation. House Office Building, Washington, D. C. DEAR MR. GWINN: I have your request of May 25 for information regarding public library services in the State of Louisiana to be used in connection with hearings on legislation known as the Library Service Act. I am pleased to furnish this information as accurately as possible in the order requested : 1. Is the rural population of your State inadequately or not at all served with public library facilities? Forty-one of the State's 64 parishes (counties) have parishwide library services, although not of the quality which the library commission feels they should have. 2. If the answer to question 1 is "Yes", is the State financially able to provide the necessary facilities without Federal assistance? The State is now providing the library commission with an appropriation of $267,000 annually, approximately one-half of which is expended in servicing the parish libraries and establishing demonstration libraries in parishes which have voted a special library millage to maintain libraries. The appropriation permits the establishment of only about two new demonstration libraries each year. It is felt that the State |