APPRENTICE CLASS. The library conducts annually an apprentice class for those who desire to enter library service. An examination is held in June to enter a class which begins work in September. In preparing for service apprentices are given three months’ work under the direction of the branch librarian, heads of departments and chief librarian. The course has been taken by twelve persons, four of whom came from other cities, Houston, Evansville, Memphis and Cincinnati, preparing for service in colored branches in these cities. Arrangements are being made to admit three young women from other cities to take the apprentice work with this year’s class. EDUCATIONAL CENTER. Close co-operation with teachers is sought in work with the schools. The libraries not only help pupils during the school life but enable them to continue studies after leaving school. [Illustration: Story Hour] SOCIAL CENTER. Aside from circulating books and doing reference work, the libraries encourage and assist in all efforts to the advancement of our citizens to a social betterment. The people are made to feel that the libraries belong to them and that they may be used for anything that makes for the public welfare. During a single month forty meetings have been held in the buildings. The following clubs and reading circles meet regularly: Artisan’s Club Banneker Reading Circle Bena Mowya Club Big Sisters’ Committee Douglass Debating Club Douglass Glee Club Fisk Club Girls’ Club Girls’ Gymnastic Club I. K. B. Club Jefferson County Teachers’ Institute Mu-So-Lit Reading Club Normal Alumni Normal School Gymnastic Class Parent Teachers’ Association Story Hour Sunday School Training Class Wilberforce Club Y. W. C. A. [Illustration: Douglass Debating Club] MEETINGS IN THE LIBRARIES. The Story Hour is the children’s delight and is held weekly under the direction of a trained storyteller. In addition to the pleasure that the stories give, new experiences are brought to the children, their imagination is enlarged and an interest is created in books and reading. A story telling contest is held annually and prizes are given to the children who can best reproduce a story told during the year. The Douglass Debating Club is composed of high school boys and meets weekly under the direction of the branch librarian. The purpose of the club is to acquaint its members with parliamentary usages, to keep before them the great current questions and to train them to speak in public. Public debates are given occasionally and a prize contest is held annually. Following are some of the subjects debated: “That the right of suffrage should be extended to women.” “That the influence of women has contributed more to civilization than that of men.” “That the North American Indian has had greater opportunity for development than the Afro-American.” “That Lincoln was a greater American than Washington.”