The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1859-06-30
The Library Association.

AmOngthe institutions which reflect cred
it upon our city, no one is more the object
of pride TO the citizens than our public Lii
brary and Reading Room. No other city in
the State can boast of one 20 compare with
it. In cultivating taste for reading and
stimulating a thirst for knowledge by. the
dissemination OF good books, and by insti-
tuting annually course of scientific lee
lures, it has had an important influence in
forming the intellectual character of the
city; and if maintained and cherished in the
future, as in the past, its increasing re-
sources viii enable it to have wider and
more powerful influence in elevating and
purifying the public mind and tastes Of the
city. 1t should be an object of deep inter-
est to every citizen. Its success depends
upon the public spirit and devotion to its
interests by the Board of Managers. 1t will
be seen that new election of officers is at
hand, and a meeting of stockholders is CALI
ed this evening TO form ticket to be sup
ported at the approaching election. 1t is
very much to be desired that every stock
holder in the city be present. The most
discouraging circumstance the directors en-
counter in the discharge of their gratuitous
and rather onerous duties, is the apparent
apathy and inattention of the stockholders
themselves to the Library. They should
visit it more frequently-attcnd its public
meetings and manifest more lively inter-
est in its affair. When men labor honestly
aud well for the public, they like to see
some manifestation of an appreciation of
their services by those whom they serve.
The Board Of Directors will make a re-
port, at the meeting, of their doings the last
year, and of the present state Of the Libra
r. and its funds, which viii reflect the high
est credit upon the present Board OF Mana
gers, and will show a most gratifying state
Of its affairs to the stockholders. The in
stitution has, during the last year, been
cleared of its debts-has made a respectable
addition to its catalogue of valuable works
has added forty new stockholders, and
has a surplus Of about SlOO in its treasury,
10 be handed over to the new Board. It is
estimated that from the revenue of the next
year, five hundred dollars can be spared for
the purchase of new books Is the Libra
ry increases its catalogue, the stock becomes
more valuable, and the attractions ofthe Lii
brary are increased; every new stakeholder
multiplies the inducements for others 70 Join.
With our rapidly increasing population, 4
hundred new stockholders ought to be adj
ded the next year, which would double the
book fund
We learn that there is desire on the part
of some of the Directors TO decline re-elec-
tion. We think the Board, that have shown
themselves SO capable and efficient, should l.,
compelled, by the public voice, to serve at
least a year more. The President is a very lazy
nan when he IS permitted TO slip out of the
harness, but as long rs he can be kept H. be
works with energy and spirit, and impart
his own efficiency TO the excellent team
working with him. He ought not TO be al
lowed to take his neck out Of the collar yet