The Camp Dix Library
The Camp Dix Library Building. Camp Dix Described and Photographed by Roger Batchelder, 1918, p. 31. GGA Image ID # 1ce9365f7f
The soldier at a draft cantonment has many hours of spare time during the week, which are not so numerous at any one moment that he can attend the theatre or go to town, but which nevertheless allow him to relax and amuse himself.
Rather than days of leave, these few hours are of the most importance concerning his morale. If he has nothing to do, he may become restless or discontented: and at these times, especially, he needs recreation.
The American Library Association has taken an essential step in solving this problem by instituting a camp library at each of the cantonments.
This institution, which is pictured on the opposite page, is completely equipped. Thousands of books accumulated through the book campaigns, or bought by the Association, are at the soldier's disposal.
If he wishes diversion solely, he may choose from the ample supply of books of fiction. Or if he wishes to study some military subject, he may find many technical and reference books.
The best books of fiction, history, biography, travel, science, languages, and military work are on hand. If the demand requires, fifteen or twenty copies of popular works are on the shelves.
Scene in a Typical Camp Library. Note the Open Shelves Filled with Attractive Books. Photo by Underwood & Underwood. The Outlook, 3 April 1918, p. 548. GGA Image ID # 1ce9d29d29
For the draft men of foreign birth, there are numerous volumes written in foreign languages.
The "war books" written by men who have seen active service in France are the most popular. The American soldier likes to read of such experiences, as they give him a better insight into the life he is about to enter.
Next in favor are the military manuals and textbooks and those handbooks devoted to French and German military terms. Volumes on gas engines, airplanes, and those of a technical character are also in great demand.
The librarian at Camp Dix has secured the cooperation of the Trenton Public Library. Any books which the soldier wants are forwarded from Trenton if they are not on hand at the camp.
Exterior View of the Camp Dix Library. Character Building, 1918, p. 11. GGA Image ID # 1cebd041af
Interior View of the Camp Dix Library. Character Building, 1918, p. 11. GGA Image ID # 1cec0a50ad
