ry commission has proved to be a useful agency wherever tried,
and the plan seems likely to spread throughout the country. In Wyoming
the income from 30,000 acres of state land forms a library fund. It
would seem probable that other states will adopt this plan. By far the
most complete and successful state system that has yet been organized
is that of New York, where all centers in the state library at Albany
as headquarters.

Reading matter on library legislation

The report of the United States commissioner of education for 1895-96
contains a compilation of the library laws of all the states. Every
year new laws and amendments are enacted in several of the states,
and the advance is very marked. The laws of New York, Massachusetts,
Wisconsin, and Illinois are among the best.

Essentials of a good law

The three most essential things to be provided for in a good state
library law are:

1 A sure and steady revenue.

2 Careful and consecutive management.

3 A central library authority.

In attempting to alter or make new laws, these essentials should be
kept clearly in mind, but special conditions peculiar to each state
dictate modifications of any general plan. Anyone interested in
the matter could read the general articles upon the subject and the
various state laws, and then, with the assistance of the best legal
talent to be obtained, frame an act appropriate to the conditions of
his state.

CHAPTER XLV

A.L.A. and other library associations and clubs

The American Library Association was organized in 1876. It holds
annual meetings. It publishes its proceedings in volumes, of which
those now in print may be purchased of the A.L.A. Publishing section,
10-1/2 Beacon st., Boston, or of the secretary. It seeks in every
practicable way to develop and strengthen the public library as
an essential part of the American educational system. It therefore
strives by individual effort of members, and where practicable by
local organization, to stimulate public interest in establishing or
improving libraries, and thus to bring the best reading within reach
of all.

Librarians, trustees, and persons interested may become members;
the annual fee is $2. Membership entitles one to a copy of the
proceedings; it has now about 800 members.

Every person actively engaged in library work owes it to herself, as
well as to her profession, to join the American Library Association.
If the association is large, if