Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3.

‘[p. 87] any other manner, during the time in which such library or reading-room is open to the public, shall be punished by imprisonment in the jail not exceeding thirty days, or by a fine not exceeding $50.’ In the majority of instances, of course, this lawlessness arises from an overflow of animal spirits, and not from a wilful desire to disturb others, a few moments of personal enjoyment being of more importance in their minds than the discomfort of many others. A wholesome restraint is considered an act of oppression. A few lessons in altruism would not be amiss. There should be one room, at least, which studious people can have free from unnecessary interruptions.

It is interesting to note that the modern library movement began in 1876, the centennial year of our existence as a nation, a fitting time for the inauguration of a new era in the educational history of our country. In September of that year a comparatively small number of prominent librarians met in the old city of Philadelphia to discuss library methods, and as a result of their deliberations was formed the American Library Association, whose avowed purpose is ‘the promoting the library interests of the country, and of increasing reciprocity of intelligence and good — will among librarians and all interested in library economy and bibliographical studies.’ It adopted the ‘Library Journal,’ the first number of which had already appeared, as its official organ, and a perusal of its pages will bear testimony to the work it has sought to accomplish.

It is worthy of note that the new association, like all other educational associations, has never for a moment proposed to itself as an object the obtaining of higher salaries for its members, or the passage of any ten or eight hour law, but has devoted itself to finding out how it could best benefit the public, by enlarging their privileges, by securing the best trained assistants, and by cooperation with the public schools. For the school and the library, according to our modern ideas, are but