Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1850-09-26
Long Evenings.


Long Evenings.
We have hoped that before the present autumn
had come round, with its shortening days and length
ening nights, that we should have seen some of the
results Of the efforts which were put forward with 50
much enthusiasm last spring, for the establishment
ola Public Library, or at least reading room in our
city. limo city is there greater need Of some qui-
pie be brought together, it were, face to
face than is convenient while pursuing usual bu-
siness avocations, and where the fullest reports Of
what is going on in the world, can be accessible to
all. We think that there very few, ifany cities,
fthe size of Worcester, that deficient in the
means of intellectual culture are, and we are
quite certain, that such deficiency is not the result of
any want appreciation, on the part of that numer
Gus class our population, which would be the recip-
lent of the advantages to be derived from such ins
tutons as we have named
The population of Worcester is composed, in
great part, of young men, whose parents do not re-
side in the city, in its immediate vicinity. They
come here, strangers, for the purpose of learning
trades employing their industry in our work shops
and stores to the best advantage, and upon their
characters for intelligence and morality will depend
in great degree in after years, the character OF
city; and it is therefore of the highest importance
that should furnish facilities for their improve
ment and culture equal those which are furnished
elsewhere.
We know that the tendency to witness the cir
cuses and extravagancies that occasionally play
ed off here are matters of serious complaint in many
families, but, before we severely censure this era
wing of the young mind for amusement and change,
by which to relieve tseffom the dull routine ofdaiIy
toll should ask ourselves if this evil does noarse in
great measure from the want of somethng better and
more refining.
Let any one place himself in the position Of hun
dreds OF young men among us, who have been accus-
toned to the enoyments and comforts of we'll ed
homes in the places Of their birth. Where shall they
so to unbend their overweight faculties and limts?-
To what fountains of instruction or improvement car
they resort for the information and knowledge which
an active mind always Graves? Where can the,
meet and enjoy the pleasures of social intercourse
with friends and companions of their own age, in
clnations, and tastes. We blush to write it, that il
this prosperous, thriving city of nearly twenty thou
sand people, there is not place of public resort ex
cept the bar rooms, cellars, billiard rooms, and bow
ling alleys. 1t is tue that there Isl small brar,
connected with the Lyceum and another with tn
Mechanics Association; but both of these united
are hardly worthy of being counted when we consid
er the great number of people in proportion to tn
books, and BESIDES they are only available once i
a week. The Antiquarian library, as far as fire.
use by the public, by the working men, is concern
ed. is sealed book-and throughout the CITY Their
place that partakes either of the name or char
acter of Reading Room.
This ought not to be; and it seems to us that nov
Is the time to act, in the formation and establishment
of an instlt tor, comprising good library and read
ing-room, which shall be worthy of the city and ina
reputation for intelligence and liLerality which il
population not undeseryedly enjoys. The ne,
buildings now in course of erection at the corners
Front and Main Streets will afford most desirable ia
cies for central location, and we trust that som
public spirited individual will be found. who. NOT dis
heartened by the i'll success of former efforts of
like nature, can put his shoulder to an euterpr;se
such vast utility and Importance Then by securing tn
aid and cooperation Of others, we could have in OF
midst, before another year rolls by, one OF the bes
most thriving, and useful Literary Institutes to
found In the country. Citizens Of Worcester.-sha
we have Public Reading Room Yea or Nav !,