Ypsilanti Sentinel

From the Detroit Advertiser.

SCHOOL LIBRARIES.—The Legislature of Michigan having made provision for the establishment of a School Library, at least in every organized township in the State, it is to be hoped that the people will see that this noble project is fully carried out, and a well selected library of books placed within the reach of every inhabitant of the State. In order to effect this, and to place the library system on a firm and healthy footing, it is all important that the people should avail themselves at once of that provision in the new school law which authorizes the raising of an additional sum of money by a vote of the inhabitants at their annual town elections. The time being near at hand, the writer of this would respectfully call the attention of the people to this subject, and would recommend that in every town throughout the State, the additional sum of fifty dollars be raised for the purchase of library books. If this policy be pursued for two or three years, a substantial library can be formed in every school district in the state. The tax will be so trifling as not to be felt, and should never be mentioned in comparison to the amount of good it will be the means of bestowing upon the youths of Michigan. It is hoped that editors will promptly bring this subject before their readers.

TRY IT.

We cut the above from the Detroit Advertiser, and heartily concur in the recommendation contained in it. Ypsilanti has already availed herself of the provisions of the law on the subject, and is now enjoying its benefits. At the last annual township meeting, $50 were raised by vote of the individuals, which in addition to the sum of $25 raised by the supervisor, has been expended in the purchase of books, that are now in the hands of the children of the Township. Ypsilanti has 844 children between the ages of 4 and 18, and about 2,500 inhabitants. The amount of money raised last year and expended for books was three cents for each inhabitant. The Library now contains 240 vols., including about 40 vol. given by individuals. The liberality of our citizens is so well established, and they are so far pledged to the system that they will not hesitate to vote the sum of $50, at the ensuing Township meeting.

We hope every man interested in the subject will attend, and vote either for or against the measure.