Smyrna times., 1857-09-09
Public Library.

We have several times urged the necessity
of Town Library for the benefit of our citi
zens. particularly the rising generation. The
frequent and sometimes severe remarks of visi
t'rs, on the Indifference and negligence of oul
citizens in regard to this important addition and
deslderatHm to every town, has with the mos
of us been a matter of chagrin. Nor is it to be
wondered at, that we have such expressions Of
reproach. In the New England States, town
the size of Smyrna without q public library
would be considered an anomaly; and in that
country, not only the towns, but every village
and hamlet boasts of its Library, its Debating
Society, and its Lyceum. To what else NAV
we attribute their superiority in all matters Of
education, but their early attention to these
means of instruction. The youth are early
tughI to love the library and iyceum. The
same may he said of most of the towns in the
Middle States we'll as many in our own
Nor do we think that the absence of a library
III Smyr is so much the result of indifference
as the need Of some one to take the lead in go
Important all enterprise. An energetic spirit
would soon carry the matter to successful
issue. The following communication, by one
OF our citizens, clearly cts forth It's practical
bIlity:
In COMMUNITY like ours, where there are
so many who have time for mental culture, and
would be glad to have the privilege of access
10 a well selected Library, it seems to ne tha
this is one OF the things needed in our idst. |
shall not burden you or your readers in dwell |
ing upon The advantages Of such an institution
IN Our towns-they are apparent to every re-
tecIIng mInd but 1 will confne myself to the
question OF us practicabiIity, nor does it seem
nure necessary to dwell upon this-tor | am
FULLY convinced that the matter needs only
little ggltutlUn and some one 10 start in il, to
have good Library in Smyrna among the fixed
tac's The object will commend itself am
persuaded, to every good citizen. Is there
parent or guardian in town, who would not pre-
Ter 10 have his or ward spend part OF his lei
sure time IN peruslng the books of good libra.
ry, 10 lettering about the corners in idle and
often pernlcIUus Versation Is there an
employer III town, whether he be mechanic or
PFenices or clerks spending their evenings IN
the reading ROOM of wel.-organized Library,
t. have them visit places of resort where neither
intellect, morality refinement are cultivated
III there good citizen who feels any interest
whatever in welfare of community, or a pbilan-
'l'ropst who rcjoices in The good of his fellow
ssings, who would not give his moral influence
ald material aid for The establishment of such ,
al institution among Us Not one. Through :
tie medium of your paper, then, Mr.. Editor,
and through your influence, may we not soon
hive set on foot such plan as WILL in a short
time, secure this much to be desired Object .
H'li not some of your readers come forward ,
and propose plan Of operation at once! Be.
ing fully convinced of the utility OF something i.
OF the kind, throw out these hints, hoping
they will be responded TO by some of our ener-
geiic and worthy citizens. ALPHA,