Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1856-02-06
OBJ Anlp Spg.
n.hIic Library.


aens. So unassuming has been much of the work
done in the collection and arrangement of this
Library, that we doubt not we shall surprise many
of our readers when we say that we have now
open in the Library Room, in Bank Block,a Pub
lie Library of valuable books, second in number
to very few of the Libraries in the State, which
are open to all classes of subscribers, and selected
with more care, perhaps, than any Library in this
State. unless il be the new City Library in Bos-
ton.
We owe this very gratifying enlargement Of
the resources and attractions OF our city more to
the Iorethought and liberal public spirit OF our re-
spected friend, Dr. John Green, than to any other
single individual 1t was announced, a few months
since, that DIR. Green had generously offered to
the Library Association the generous offer to place
in their hands for several years come, his large
collection of books The Directors Of the Asse-
citation gladly accepted the offer. A handsome
additional gallery and alcoves have been erected
in their ha--the books have been promptly de-
livered, and have been carefully arranged by the
Librarian, with readiness and a brief space of
time, we may say in passing, which puts to the
blush the tedious arrangement of some institu-
tons which we have known elsewhere. We have
had opportunities of examining the collection,
while the arrangement going forward. We
venture the conjecture, that Dr. Green, in pur-
chasing it. had in prospect some such purpose as
that to which he has now devoted it.. Certain 1t
is that it is precisely adapted to the wants ofo1r
town. tits very rich in books of history, in par
ticular of English history-it illustrates fully the
masterpieces and standards of English literature,
and brings to the use of the public Large colec-
ton of works on natural history, the very de-
partment in which all our other collections of
books, public or private were especially deficient
A large proportion of the books are in the Eng
lish language, just as it should be for library
for general use-and the majority of them are in
handsome English editions. 1t is impossible
within the limits Of this article to go into detail
in speaking of the most valuable features an this
collection. We may say that there are complete
sets of all of Bohn's Libraries, complete set of
the Annual Register from the beginning, and
large series of works on the criticism of Shakes
peare. When wesay that most of the purchases
for the collection appear to vebeen made with
in a few years with special reference to such
use as it now subseryes, our readers will under
stand what we mean, in saying that this part of
system, 5.rhaps, than any of the long established
collections in this State. The collection,
arranged and ready for use, amounts to nearly
five thousand volumes. DR.. Green claims the
privilege of adding to tia privilege which he is
daily making use of-for we need scarcely say
that the Directors gladly extended to him thatin-
diligence.
The collection Of books to which this was add
ed already numbered about four thousand vol
umes. This was formed by the union of the Ii
braries of the Young Mems Library Association,
of the Worcester Lyceum, and Of the Rhetorical
Society The last of these was the smallest, but
pa ~ f6s aseasa msTs & GsE ~ o0ay
funds for it,-.and knew what young men wanted
to read. The library of the Lyeeum is the growth
Of nearly twenty years. Many of our most dis
tinguished citizens have served, in succession, on
the committees which made the annual purchases
for it. Many Others of our most distinguished
citizens have owed to what they took from it on
successive Saturdays, the opportunities for self
improvement which have made them what they
are. And we believe that, NOW, those who may
have complained, in old times, because the Lyce-
nm would not buy the ephemeral novels, will be
Il
lection of works of standard value, which it owes
to precisely that self denying ordinance. The
Lyceum collection numbers about two thousand
volumes
OF the care with which the Young Mems col
lection was made, we must speak particularly
also. Two gentlemen have acted as chairmen of
is Library Committee, who have been seconded
with spirit by the other members of that,commit-
tee, and have given their Skill learning, and time
to the selection of valuable basis of a public
library, without stint or measure. The Office is
responsible one, and public one, and we have
a right to name these gentlemen, therefore, as
persons 70 whom our whole community is ndebt-
ed for this serviee,-Rev. Messrs. Higgnson and
Bent. They have had the diligent &C. operation
of most efficient librarian, Mr.. John Gray. We
do not hesitate to say that the list of books which
these committees have purchased for the founda-
ton of this library, would be, if published wide
ly, avery valuable addition 10 the photographed
science If the d,-so we'll does it describe what
a collection for a large popular constituency
should be- To this collection, from time to time,
valuable donations have been made by indyidu-
ais
administration, in one hall, conveniently arranged
and open at all hours, gives to our citizens-men,
women, and children, tho opportunity to use
public library Of nearly ten thousand volumes,
selected with unusual care, mostly within few
years past. There is not, to our knowledge, an
institution in the State out Of Boston, which Of
fers equal advantages with the same liberality.-
We have, heretofore, urged our friends to join
the Library Association, that they might help it
forward. We urge them now to do SO on their
account,--ior we do not hesitate to say,-that
nobody in Worcester can afford to do without the
assistance Of this admirable collection. When
we add that the members Of the Association have
the use Of its large and literally supplied Reading
Room,--that the Rhetorical Society connected
with it keeps up its meetings with great spirit,
and to the manifest advantage of its members,--
that once a fortnight its Natural History Depart
ment calls together ladies and 'gentlemen inter.
ested IN the fascinating studies Of natural sci
ence and that the Of its winter lectures is
offering twice month to our citizens the best
words Of our best public speakers, we have shown,
in brief, that the united Library Association
and Lyceum" Is making good, by vigorous sd-
ministration, the best purposes for which il was
founded. We trust we may soon have to record
q large accession to the list Of its members, aud
corresponding enlargement Of its means and
usefulness.