[puRPEE] MODERN PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND THEIR METHODS 19 
tier of cases covering the floor of each room, with room for readers’ 
tables. 
Space will not permit me to describe the many other prominent 
libraries of the United States, such as the Chicago Public Library, 
San Francisco Public, the popular and exceedingly energetic library at 
Denver, the Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, the Peabody Institute at Bal- 
timore, etc. 
From a report issued by the United States Bureau of Education, 
it appears that in 1900 there were 5,383 public, society and school 
libraries in the United States having one thousand volumes or over. 
These libraries contained altogether 44,591,851 volumes and 7,503,588 
pamphlets. The number of manuscripts is not stated, but outside of 
a few of the largest libraries they would be insignificant. Of the 
individual states, New York ranks first, with 718 libraries, containing 
7,490,509 volumes and 1,803,828 pamphlets. Massachusetts comes 
second, with 571 libraries, 6,633,285 volumes, and 1,150,277 pamphlets. 
Pennsylvania is third, with 401 libraries, 3,974,577 volumes, and 
538,819 pamphlets. Illinois follows next, with 309 libraries; then 
Ohio, with 266; and California, with 212. Eleven other States have 
between 100 and 200 libraries each. The remainder run from 96 in 
Vermont down to Arizona and the Indian Territory, which possess 5 
and 3 libraries respectively. 
I will venture to sum up this hasty sketch of United States 
libraries by quoting from an address delivered by Mr. Melvil Dewey 
at Convocation of the University of the State of New York, 1888. 
Mr. Dewey said, speaking of the progress of libraries and librarianship 
in the United States: — 
We date active progress from 1876, when, after a four days’ successful 
conference in Philadelphia, the American Library Association was organized. 
It holds annual meetings, marked among conventions by their practical 
work and enthusiasm. The same year we started an official monthly organ, 
the Library Journal (now, 1902, in its 27th year). Shortly after followed that 
most important practical factor in library work, the Library Bureau of 
Boston, which undertakes to do for libraries such work as is not practicable 
for the association or magazine. It equips large or small libraries with 
everything needed (except books and periodicals) of the best patterns devised 
by or known to the officers and committees of the association, of which it 
is the tangible representative for manufacturing and distributing improved 
appliances and supplies. Ten years after the Journal, which, because of its 
limited circulation, barely pays expenses at $5 a year, came its co-labourer, 
Library Notes, a quarterly magazine of librarianship, specially devoted to the 
modern methods and spirit, and circulated widely because of its low price. 
Last of the great steps came the school for training librarians and cata- 
loguers, which two years ago (1887) was opened at Columbia College, through 
the same influence which had before started the Association, Journal, Bureau 
and Notes. You who appreciate what Normial Schools are doing to improve 
