Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1870-04-07

THE PUBLIC LIBRARIES OF BOSTON.
PocToN Marnh 90

THE PUBLIC LIBRARIES OF BOSTON.
Boston, March 20.
Editor Rutland Herald OF the differ
emit libraries and associations of that
character in this city, the Mercantile
Association has held place in the front
rank. This association, which was
founded in 1920, has recently held its
semi-centennial celebration, by. proper ex-
ercises, in the Music Hall. Addresses
were made by the Governor of the State,
who is merchant the Mayor of the city,
who is self-made man, physician, and
other prominent men. Music was fur
nished by the Handel and Hayden Soci-
ETY. and individual singers.
The history of this association would
form a good model for all similar ones to
copy, az regards perseverance in growing
amidst alternate neglect and enthusiastic
support. II has been moved about from
place to place in the city, never possess
ing a permanent abiding place or build
ing of its own. 1t has had its auniversa-
ries and resuscitations, often, in which
prominent citizens have taken part.
Some years ago this association surpassed
most others in the number of its volumes
of books. in It's reading rooms of periodi-
Gals, and its newspapers; also In the
number and quality of its public popular
lectures given each winter. But of late
it seems to be under an eclipse in all
these respects. The number and variety
of its books is greatly surpassed by the
Public Library, its variety of periodicals
as well; other reading-rooms furnish
papers. aud other associations surpass it
in the number and variety of its lectures
This il one of the periods in its history
when, relative to other interests, it seems
to be under cloud. 1t is probable that
it will tsoon come out in glory again, and
possibly have a building of its own, judic-
iously located for future convenience and
use. 81
The mention of this association leads to
that of the Public Library. This is a
very large affair of very recent growth.
There is no parallel to it in the country.
New York has its Astor Library, which
is nominally freq, but virtually closed to
those who do business as it is opened at
late hour in the morning, and closed
before evening. The Cooper Institute
has no library, though it has a large read
ing room, and very large assortment of
periodicals and papers, and the room is
open evenings, and is we'll patronized by
the class for which il was intended. The
mercantile libraries of New York and
Philadelphia are both very hourishing,
but are not free, and are partial in their
accommodation of the whole public. But
our Public Library is more liberal in ac.
commodating its hours to those who labor
for living. But this is democratic in
stitution that costs the city dearly for
annual expenses, as the number or Its
employees are very numerous, and its work
complex. AS by far the largest part OF
the books borrowed are of very super.
fetal character, novels of the most hashy
and sensational kinds,-it is not clear that
it is the best possible way that many
thousand dollars each year could be in
vested. But the city is committed to its
support 1t is part of the machinery Of
modern society. 1t cannot look back, but
must meet these yearly expenses, which
are rapidly increasing, as the number o.
books rapidly accumulate. Where t.
nut this ever increasing supply is a seri
Gus question already. But little mor'
room is left in the present building. Th'
adjoining real estate is exorbitantly high
discouraging liberal and proper additions
II sublibraries are established in distan
parts of the city, relief can be fonnd a
to room, but only by additional expense
Is to rent and salaries. al
This library has recently been the re
cipient Of large collection of engrav
ings; but only very small portion o.