CHAPTER 15 - Libraries for Children 1902–1919

Abstract

This chapter discusses the condition of libraries for children in England and Wales during 1902–1919. A great deal of information relating to libraries in schools during the 19th century was to be derived from the Minutes and Reports of the Committee of Council on Education, but after 1899 the annual reports of the Board of Education were far less exhaustive, and yielded little more than statistical tables. In 1902, there were 8504 libraries in 20,153 elementary schools, and in 1905, there were not more than 9000. Therefore, in the early years of the century approximately 45% of the elementary schools contained libraries. The Board of Education's Suggestions for Teachers advocated the use of school libraries by older pupils in their study of geography and history. In a joint report of librarians and educational authorities to the London County Council in 1907, it was acknowledged that the problem lay not so much in the provision of books but in the inculcation of a habit of reading in children from the age of seven, and they could only envisage a task of such magnitude being accomplished if it were entrusted to teachers. Many people believed that reading facilities for children of school age should be provided only in school libraries.