Page:Bird-lore Vol 08.djvu/302

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252 • Bird -Lore increase in membership as we should like, but we know that a great deal of intelligent work for bird protection is being done among the schools, and among members of our foreign population, where it is so greatly needed." — Helen W. Glover, Secretary. Library Report. — " From September, 1905, to June, 1906, maybe called the banner year for the Audubon libraries, for their circulation has been larger than during any previous year. The total circulation of books has been 3,279. Library 39 had the largest circulation. It was sent out twice and had a circulation of 337. Library 13 was second, sent out once and had a circulation of 311. Each of five other libraries had a circulation of over one hundred, going out once. "A personal request that the teachers of the various schools should send us their opinions of the books has brought us so many interesting letters that a library report would hardly be complete without some extracts from them. From New Haven, Miss Briggs writes, ' The library and charts have helped to secure thirty-one bird lovers and bird protectors, — my entire class. One boy can identify sixty different birds, and all the children in the school know at least twenty-five of our common birds. The boys who used to delight to use air-guns and sling-shots now prefer to use their eyes and opera-glasses.' "From Meriden the teacher, Mrs. Welch, writes, 'Words would -fail one to express the delight and enjoyment these books have given us. There were not enough of them, and we have not kept them half long enough, is the sentiment of the children. I believe the good they have done is incal- culable in the love for birds, flowers and animals which has been created or developed, and for the love of good books and the care of them.' ' From Redding comes the report : The books have been read and enjoyed in many homes, some cultivated and others but scantily furnished with books, and they have proved exceedingly helpful and stimulating, and I believe it is not possible to estimate their influence and value.' Miss Scott, of Morris Cove, says: 'We have been using the Audubon Library at our school, together with the bird charts, for three months; and not only in the school children but also in their parents and friends there has been aroused a great interest in birds, one of the mothers having read every book aloud to her children.' The portfolios of pictures have been greatly appreciated, as the teachers use them for decorating the school-room. Miss Beam, of Greenwich, writes: 'We have just fairly reveled in your pictures, and all the children were sorry to see them go.' "When it is considered that many of the children at these schools are of foreign birth, the interest they take in nature work seems most sur- prising. Many similar letters show that much has been accomplished by the