Thibodaux minerva. [volume] (Thibodaux, La.) 18??-1858, 1856-03-29
Public Library.

SOOu citlLeiis VI AnlOodux w ME tue spirit Vi
improvement 81 is abroad" we would call attention
to want of our city, which seems to have been
entirely overlooked-a well selected Public Library
Aside from the many important reasons that are
commonly adduced for public library, there are
some Of commercial Or monetary character not
so generally thought Of, which seem to US of i'm.
portance, and which We will briefly mention. Any
thing that is at al calculated to attract good
citizens and men of means or enterprise to a
town, of course will increase its population, its
wealth, and its business. The number of inhabi-
tants and the amount of wealth are not the only
elements that constitute the real prosperity of the
place. but the character of the inhabitants for in
teligence and good morals, who are the owners
and directors Of this capital, has much to do with
the permanent results. A vicious and ignorant
population would soon become bankrupt, and bring
into decay any town or city, however advantaged
at the start in commercial point of view; while
on the other hand, virtuous and intelligent popu-
ation will invariably attract attention, business,
friends, confidence, and commerce about them.
w IHcfCIoiC, VIII dtsI0Ck vi uGSCtop III u
place the right sort of population, will have an
important bearing upon the prosperity and com,
mercial success of that place.
Now, we assert that the existence of q good
public library viii always have an important ndu-
ence in bringing about such result 1t may seem
little strange to some that library of fine books
should be advocated as means of making money
for merchants, mechanics etc. Some old antede-
luvian will most likely say it will be the Of
seducing many from strict and constant attention
to their labos and business which is always neces-
sary to make money, yet it seems to US that little
reflection will satisfy any Of the correctness OF
our proposition. What does every right-thinking
and right-feeIng man look to when he is seeking
out for himself new home, place to invest his
means, and new community in which to rear up
and educate his children?
A fertile and productive soil is not all he wants
in country. Splendid stores, magnificent and
costly mansions, and richly clothed and luxu-
rantly fed people, are not the things that he in
quires for particularly in town. But he will in
qure into the state Of the society," the character of
the people, etc, rather than how their merely ami
NAL wants and tastes are gratifed and cared for.
For while it is true, as general thing, that all in
telligent and vrtuous people are dccenty hahited,
it is not always true that all decenty habited people
are intelligent and vrtuous But how is the stranger
and observer to judge Of the character of COM
munity from external appearances? Most surely
he will tood after the means they have provided
for intellectual and moral improvement If he sees
commodous and tasteful school-houses, and intelli
gent well paid teachers employed in them; if he
sees well built churches, and cultivated, liberal
ministers and devoted clergymen ministering in
them. with decent salaries to support them. these
things will have favorable impression on him.
But he inquiries stil further, and finds established
in the midst of that community peoples univer-
sity in the form of first rate public library, he will
at once conclude there is need to inquire further
for good society. He Is satisfied He sees that
some practical results. Here he sees the evidence
conclusive of highly developed and truly cult
waited society in the concentrated means of promo
ting Development and cultivation. What, then, is
the effect of thiss Most certainly it will be to at
tract more Of the better class Of people to seek
residence in that community, to enhance the value
Of property, and to buihup its prosperity and in
crease its social happiness The most Of our citi-
zens have number of excellent books-books that
are stacked away ON shelves, food for moths. Why
not collect these together and deposit them in the
hands of library committee, for the use Of our
poorer class of citizens who are not pecuniarily
able to enjoy the luxury Of reading. Much can be
done in this way towards collecting library; but
it cannot be expected to build up well selected
and useful miscellaneous library without money.
This must be obtained by voluntary contributions
by membership, quarterly dues, etc. BY all these
means, all may contribute little to permanent
object and at the same time receive the full value
Of their outlay in immediate profitable qualification.
These ideas, hastily thrown out, are mere sug-
gestions which we might extend and illustrate
almost indefinitely. We, however, leave the sub
ject with our citizens, convinced that their good
Judgment viii declare public library necessary,
and that their contributions Of books and dollars
will be liberal in behalf Of its permanent organi-
zation. s~as .. f.
e-oot heart c,,sh ia th;a from the non of