The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1856-12-19
A Free Library and Reading Room.

A Free Library and Reading Room.
We have recently received the Catalogue of the
Library of the Young Mems Christian Association
of this city, to which, well as to the Association
itsef, We would specially invite the attention OF
our readers.
The object Of this c0mmendable institution is the
promotion of the intellectual. moral and spiritua
improvement of young men, both within and with
out Its organization, with especial reference to the
welfare of those who may come to the city, either
as visitors or seeking employment and residence
hero, leaving behind them all the benign and
sacred Influences Of home and encounteripg here
AL the temptations and allurements to evil assoca
lions and habits which beset the stranger youth in
every city. For this purpose the organization OF
this association seems complete, and by judcious
sub division aud allotment of duties to appropriate
committees, who have it in special charge, among
other things, to seek cut such strangers and sid
them In procuring suitable employment and board
Ing houses, aud in enjoying proper society, eff.
sient.
A. 4 part of their plan the association have
rented and fitted up in q neat and tasteful style
In Goddin's Hall hall for their meetings, over
forty feet square; . reading room, furnished with
the principal newspapers, secular and religious OF
the chief cities of this country, and a library con
tanning, at present, over 1000 volumes, to which
considerable additions will be continually made
from time to time, besides many of the most popu-
lar reviews, periodicals. and magazines. A more
valuable and interesting collection of books for its
number or one composed of books 10 readable can
rarely, il ever, be found. And when it is consid.
cred that the unlimited use and enjoyment of al
these can be had Tor the annual subscription of
emily two dollars, with the assurance that every
such contribution win be Immediately expended
In farther additions to the library it must be
seded that never were equal advantages here pre-
sented to young men at SO small a cost.
In this connection 1t may be mentioned, that in
the event Of the proposed sale Of the Athenaum
building, and the consequent necessity for remov-
ing tbs City Library 3 better disposition OF that
Library cannot proba bly, be made than to commit
its custody this Association which by the act of
the last session of the Legislature was duly incor
porated, and whose spacious and pleasant rooms
In so central and accessible locality will probably
greatly difSuse and extend the usefulness of the
two combined Libraries beyond that heretofore
attained by either For, it is well worthy of no.
tice and remembrance, that although the privilege
sftaking books from the Library of the Association
is confined to members and other subscribers, yet
the daily use Of both the Library and Reading
Room and of their contents, from 10 A. M to l
o'clock P. NJ, and from to 10 P. III is cordially
offered free Of any charge to every one who will
avail themselves Of the privilege. There are very
few places In any city SO pleasantly situated or
more comfortable, where one can spend an hour or
TWO more pleasantly or proftably, than At these
rooms. Central In their location and convenient
to the busiest parts Of the city and the hotels yet
entirely free from ali noise and dust, overlooking
the prettiest part Of our beautiful Capitol Square,
cool and airy in summer, and in winter thoroughly
warmed and ventilated, NO pains are or will be
spared make them most attractive resort for all
who desire to enjoy the pleasures and advantages OF
intellectual and moral culture and of soc. inter.
course. And in aid Of these purposes, besides the
Library and Reading Room in the hall, Literary
Society, in which essays are read and discussions
had, Is numerously attended every Saturday eve
ming; whilst conversational talent, and more i'm
1ortaut still, mutual intimate acquaintance and
sympathy among members is promoted and cult.
waited by sccial and informal Assembly for con.
vsrsation or social reading every Friday evening
In the same room. d
In the same hall, Bible classes and Devotional
meetings are At other times held the merits of which
can be moro appropriately presented from the
pulpit. = =. - - (
ltisa fact little known, but especially worthy
the attention Of our merchants and others employ
Ing young men. 10 whose interest, benevolence and
support every department of this Association ap.
peais withpeeniiar force that there is kept at its
rooms registry Of the names OF deserving young
men seeking employment, which it's the duty of
committee 70 aid them In procuring, after due in
vesusson Of their qualifications. Besides all these
Benevolent plans for the public benefit, is the an
susi course Of public lectures, which il about to
IN werd, we speak but the experience OF many
v.n.", when we say, that no one who will give
uen psuoaN attention 10 the plans and operation,
w ,hn Assoeation can fail to be deeply impressed
-mm men vslue and Importance and fesi their
ps'n's' Strongly eniisssd IN their sncesss.
,a1 shuE RIDGE Tunnel This great work
20 ~ ne W Central Ralsroad. WIN b completed or
49, 1910 4hAsdAy-Aosday wssh.lh,s been
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