The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1859-05-04

To the Public.

To the Public.
The great Importance Of Public Library
in city like ours, " suppose every one will
readily admit. Suoh N institution, managed
with ordinary care and intelligence, will ool-
loot not only suoh books - the popular taste
demands, but such other works Of rare value
and interest as are seldom found together in
any private collection, and indeed - can
seldom DO collected from all the private Ii
brariss Of any town Of ordinary sise. Such
An institution Is We ought to have in K eokuk,
would furnish to the man OF science, the
mechanic and tho artist, the readiest and
often the only means Of obtaining useful in
formation, and would be the source Of equal
interest and importance to persons. seeking
Improvement in literary knowledge and ~
tainments alike valuable to allIwho read for
profit or for pleasure. To young men, espe-
cially, Of oil classes, it would prove power
ful and peculiar adjuvant to other influences
in the formation Of good habits and inolina-
tions, and aid in tho elevation Of the public
standard OF taste and morals. The want OF
such an institution is often expressed, and
oftener felt. Several attempts have been
made to supply this want, but they have 80
far failed. The subscribers, however, have
resolved to make ono MORE attempt. They
have formed themselves into . corporation
under the laws Of the State, and have fully
determined to make . resoluts and persistent
effort to accomplish their undertaking. But
in order to be successful, they must have the
assistance Of the public, for whose advantage
the institution 10 designed. Our purpose in
this communication is to inform you Of our
organization, to ask that you would bear 10
mind our objects and respond to such reason
able appeals as We may make TO you for as
sistanoe. In any proper and unexceptionable
manner that may be suggested, but perhaps
chiefly through the. fundamentally Of leo.
lures, whenever they oan be made profitable
to the institution and useful to the public, we
shall seek the requirement Of means to pur.
chase books and accomplish the purposes We
have in view. Special undertakings for the
benefit of the institution will be made known
as they are determined upon, and the cheerful
and substantial concurrence Of the public So
licited and confidently anticipated.
Our. articles Of incorporation are Of record,
and may be examined by any person desirous
Of doing 30. At the first official meeting Of
the Directors, VIM. Leighton was elected
President. Additions can be made to the
members Of our incorporation by subscribing
to it's stock, which is held in shares OF $15
each. Those willing to divide with Us the
early labor Of the undertaking, or to assist
US by their substance, are requested 10 be-
come shareholders. And those having books,
maps or prints that they are willing TO CON-
tribute, may place them in the hands OF either
OF us, with the assurance that they will be
thankfully received, and marked with the
donors name and. carefully preserved for the
objects We have in view.
Respectfully,
VIM. LEIGHTON,
b. REDDINGTON,
j. M. HIATT,
J. Nj. LOVE,
J. R. BRIGGS, Jr.
KEoKuK AnriI % 1880