Page:The library a magazine of bibliography and library literature, Volume 6.djvu/181

The Public Library in Relation to Education. 169 Carlyle has also remarked in an address which he delivered to the students of Edinburgh University that it is a most useful and excellent plan to have a library of good books in con- nection with every university. If this is so, and here again I believe we shall agree, is it not equally important that there should be in connection with every large library, classes which may help diligent students to reach the university ? I feel convinced that if Carlyle were living to-day, and were asked to express an opinion with regard to the relationship of libraries and the teaching of secondary or technical education, he would unhesitatingly agree that a library connected with a technical school, or a " People's University," as Mr. Axon wisely calls the combined institution, is a most desirable and excellent consummation. In his recent paper, Mr. Axon asks, " What is the place of a public library in a well-organised system of public instruction, stretching from the elementary school to the university ?" The question has been brought forward at an opportune time, but I am inclined to think, with our esteemed secretary, that Mr. Axon's treatment of the subject is a little disappointing I say this with the greatest respect and scarcely deals with the points which we hoped he would have solved. Towards the close of his interesting paper a considerable portion of which refers to the " University of Harvard College" Mr. Axon tells us that "the English town libraries touch education at every point, and have a relation, more or less close, to primary, secondary, and higher instruction." Here we find an indefinite acknowledgment that a relationship exists, but what the relation is we are not able to discover from the paper in question. However, we are all greatly indebted to Mr. Axon for suggesting a consideration of this most important subject ; and if the present paper adds any interest to the points raised in his address, its author will be satisfied. At the outset, then, let us repeat the question, " What is the place of the library in its relation to elementary and higher education ?" To my mind, and I speak from practical experience, a public library should be, and is in some cases, the bridge by means of which an intelligent youth may pass, if desirous, from the elementary school to the university ; or, if intended for com- mercial pursuits, such an institution should " bridge over," to use the words of a recent report of the National Association, " the