OUR FIRST CIRCULATING LIBRARY.
Brother W. G. Nethery and his brother, who reside in Buffalo County, Neb., on a large fine-blooded stock farm, have been much concerned in regard to the importance of the circulation of our literature, realizing its value, and the influence of the silent messenger of truth as a means of bringing before the people the Third Angel's Message. But owing to the fact that their farm and business demanded their personal attention, it was impossible for them to engage in house-to-house canvassing, thus carrying our good books to the people; so they conceived the idea of starting a Circulating Library, and have accordingly placed their order for the first installment of books to be used in this way, and have made the following choice selection for a beginning: 49 “Desire of Ages,” 50 “Steps to Christ,” and 25 copies of that most important book, “The Peril of the Republic,” making, in all, 124 volumes. Their plan will be to loan these books to their neighbors and friends for three months, perhaps charging a small rent for their use, sufficient to cover the wear. Those borrowing and paying a rental can have the privilege of applying the money thus paid on the purchase price of the book, if they wish to retain it for their private library. This is the first Circulating Library of our literature that has ever been started by our people, so far as we know. However, many of our brethren who are situated very similarly to the Brothers Nethery, whose home duties demand their personal attention, could start a small Circulating Library, perhaps of one hundred or one hundred and fifty volumes, of our various publications treating on the phases of the Third Angel's Message; and as time and occasion may require, the number and assortment may be increased. A letter addressed to the Missionary Department of the Review and Herald Publishing Company, Battle Creek, Mich., will bring you an outline of the plan for the distribution and the collection of the books, and the most suitable selection of books for use in this work. Who will be the next to start a Circulating Library? We shall be pleased to hear from you.