ot'i.s.u Evanston Public Library Coe Music Room as described by Karleton Hackett in the Chicago Evening Post THANKS TO THE generosity of a lover of music the Evanston Public Library was enabled to try an interesting experi- ment in establishing a circulating lib- rary of music, not merely books about music, but the actual printed notes. Five years ago George A. Coe, of the North- western University, endowed the music- room of the Evanston library in memory of Sadie Knowland Coe, and “designed to perpetuate the work of musical cul- ture carried on by her in Evanston for twelve years.” During these five years this music-room has ministered to a growing want in the city to the north, and the experimental part has ceased to be such, but has become a recognized factor in the library’s usefulness. Five years ago the mechanical piano- player was still considered an inter- loper of more than doubtful respecta- bility, and the plan to install one actu- ally within the precincts of a library, dedicated by immemorial usage to still- ness as of the tomb, caused much shak- ing of dubious heads. This trial of the practicability of the scheme at Evan- ston was the first in this part of the country, and unless we are mistaken the first in America in a public library. The idea is so everlastingly right that in course of time it will -become a very live topic in every library, as librarians will mournfully admit, while groaning aloud as to where the money is to come from. At Evanston they prepared a special room on the second floor, with walls as nearly soundproof as possible — although Miss Lindsay said that her secretary, whose room is directly underneath, never needs to be told when it is 4 o’- clock — and within were placed a piano, a pianola and something over 500 rolls. Daily from 12 to 1:30 and 4 to 6, and Monday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 9, the entire collection is at the dis- posal of all having regular library cards, but the pressure is so great that they have had to limit the time of each indi- vidual to twenty minutes. Also it is necessary to make application in ad- vance, sign a card, and receive a defi- nite appointment, or there is no chance for entrance during the afternoon hours. In the beginning there was consider- able doubt whether these rolls would stand the wear and tear of such usage as they would receive, but experience has shown that they suffer little, which is understandable when you stop to think that the paper is scarcely touched by hand at all. It goes without saying that the col- lection was made for educational pur- poses and that nothing is admitted to the room that has not musical value. Selections of the best in pianoforte lit- erature naturally form the bulk, but special effort has been made to provide arrangements for piano of the music played by the Thomas Orchestra and of the operas given by the Chicago Opera Company. There is a complete file of the Thomas Orchestra program books, as well as the advance announcements, so that the peo- ple can tell what has been played as well as what is to be played at the next con- cert and familiarize themselves with the standard works. Young and old go to the music-room, some for regular study, some merely for the pleasure of becoming acquainted with the music, and Miss Lindsay says that she can notice two distinct facts, that the grade of music desired by each individual shows a steady refinement of taste, and that this always awakens the desire for ownership. The library also contains over 1,300 books on music, 100 opera scores, and nearly 400 pieces of sheet music, includ- ing much for four hands, and many songs, while in the main library there are 500 more books on the subject. The library offers to the average student all that he is likely to need for a thorough knowledge of the theory and history, though for deep research it cannot yet compete with the older institution here in Chicago. But as a circulating lib- rary for the student and amateur it is admirably equipped. The present endowment is $5,000, the interest of which, after the upkeep of the room has been provided for, is ex- pended in the purchase of new music and equipment. Of course every resident of Evanston can obtain a card by the simple process of asking for one and having his appli- cation signed by somebody who lives in a house, but its use is not restricted to the Evanstonians, for any resident of the north shore can have all the priv- ileges by the payment of $2.50 a year, or 25 cents a month. You can go to the music-room, examine it all at your leis- ure, and on one card take home two works, no matter in how many volumes, and two rolls for the pianola; and if a piece comes in three rolls, it is counted for circulation purposes as one roll. The books you can keep two weeks, with privilege of renewal for the same period, but the rolls must be returned at the end of one week, without the chance to renew, which distinction tells an in- teresting tale. The next time you go by the gray stone building in Evanston take ten minutes to find out what an exceedingly lively department they have on the sec- ond floor. If you are interested in any branch of music, they will have some- thing that you would like to know about, and they will gladly show it to you, or let you browse around for your- self, which would be better. It is all there in one room right under your hand waiting for you. Karleton Hackett. ton M>e* INQIS, JANUARY 6, 1912 t school buildings ding was entirely Dewey and Cen- ^ pupils in several seu because those kept warm. Super- said the situation that only a small number of pupils T FINE. too Many Passen- ectric. i Clark street, was having too many - automobile, thus ol the operator. |G by Officer Aboi- ve warned a great M /as now a viola- MEULSClEimOOM Founded in Honor of Dr. Ed- ward H. Webster, Given to Library TRIBUTES PAID TO A MAN Loyal Friends Testify to Character, Ability and Heart of sons we have n a lithe of the f those to whose 1 been given and upon the roll of still open, howe^ ceived will be tu debtedness until : they will be add< The revenue fo of magazines anc present endowme $300 per year. The Evanston 1 this country fron votes part of its vice through at libraries. It has 1 ation now for son: library, I believe public library w stn rlir n 1 -r-r ^ e ssg j •S' B "iKKSKgp r t c 5 sT??i^ 2 N <rary stands alone in the fact that it de- space to public ser- east two subsidiary id in successful oper- time the first music ever installed in a h facilities for the lnJmast3rs of music WAS GOOD POLICE WORK Automobiles Regulated, Stolen Property Recovered and