to the municipality. The next two papers are early
discussions of some of these alternatives.

IF NOT A TAX-SUPPORTED LIBRARY, WHAT?

The following paper contributed anonymously to _The Iowa
Library Quarterly_ (Des Moines, April, 1903) tells how local
library associations have been formed in that state, in
small towns where public support, for the moment, has been
deemed impossible or inadvisable.

The fact that a majority of the states of the Union have by legal
enactment provided for free public libraries supported by tax indicates
the general acceptance of the belief that such an institution is for the
public good and its support as an educational institution is as
desirable as the support of the public schools.

More and more has it come to be recognized that if the ideals and
aspirations of youth are to be aroused and directed early in life by the
reading of inspiring books, the state may well foster this institution
which provides such literature.

The Code of Iowa provides that towns and cities shall have power to
provide for the foundation and maintenance of a free public library by
voting upon the question, "Shall a free public library be established"
at a general or special election, and further providing that a tax not
exceeding two mills on the dollar of the taxable valuation of such city
or town may be levied for its support. This places the library on a firm
footing as a public educational institution, even though its income from
the tax may be small.

There are, however, some towns in the state that find it impossible or
unwise at present to secure this support of the library by a tax and
hence they ask, "If not a free public library supported by tax, what
shall we attempt?" This inquiry is practical. The desire is earnest in
many places to support a library by some other means than a tax until
such time as sentiment will be strong enough to vote favorably upon it,
hence the best method of conducting it needs to be considered.

The beginning of such a work must be made by a few, earnest people who
thoroughly believe in the need of a public collection of books, not
alone for the value it will be to them personally, but what it may do
for the many who are unable to own books for themselves. Club women are
often the most active factors in inaugurating such a movement and
sometimes the Woman's Club alone espouses the cause of the library and
provides for the purchas