Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1871-11-25
OUR LIBRARIES.
What they Amount to and How they
are Growing.

Our prosperous city has not been, hitherto,
remarkable for extraordinary literary culture,
nor even for efforts towards the attainment of
1 hat end. At q time when $ sufficient num-
ber Of our prominent citizens had accumu-
lated means, and felt in a condition to turn
some Of their attention 70 such things, that
disturb snce occurred whose effects are yet felt
An the ordinary pursuits Of peace were absn-
doned; every thou ght that would have taken
the channel Of culture and refinement was di-
verted to other purposes, and thus we have re-
meined, up 10 this good hour, without an in
stitution that can justly lay claim TO the
honorable distinction Of library"
There were many earnest men, at different
times who turned their attention 70 the estab-
lishment Of such institutions, and some Of
them in a measure, succeeded. The Irish lit
ersry association, after a hard struggle, Is now
well established and appears destined TO
PROSPEROUS career. In the way OF public libra
riea, we have as yet, nothing 10 boast OF, but
We are happy 10 be able 10 announce that new
measures are on foot 10 establish library IN
Memphis that shall be worthy Of our growing
prosperity and Importance as great CONNER
THE MERCANTILE LIBRARY.
Owing 20 the persevering energy Of one of
our Oldest and most public-splritec merchants
Thomas d. Allen, and Of Captain Gilt, the
Mercantile Library association has been es-
tablisbed. A charter has been procured from
the first chancery court and the machinery
an Dut IN motion by which a splendid public
Institution viii be established. subscriptions
are being raised among the merchants, also
contributions OF valuable books and other OBJ
iects that go 70 make up an interesting libra
~ People who desire 10 help the institution
along Will please observe that II is worse than
colo neglect 70 send IN contributions Of trashy
literature Good, sound books, well bound
win be always acceptable, and thankfully re-
ceived.
by this Mercantile Library. We append one Of
4 number Of Letters which We have received
from ladies upon the question:
MEMPHIS, November Is, 1871.
E,5aors zppsal-I saw, few days ago, that .
library was 70 be raised here, but have heard
nothing since about Il. Are the ladies 20 have
anything 10 do with II, or Is II intended solely
Tor the use Of the "lords OF creatton?" In st.
Louis, New York, and other cities there are
elegant rooms set apart for the ladies, and
they are well represented every day ID the
assent blage around the clerks desk and paper
rest when We are uptown shopping or taking
our constitutional walk. Let US know
something about it-who Is getting IL up
where We can send subscriptions, etc.. In short
A LADY READER OF THE APPEAL.
LAW LIBRARY.
The young lawyers Of our city have been, FOL
some Time moving energeLcally toward the
establishment Of law library. They are sue
| ceeding, and have the hearty support and
| cooperation Of their elder brethren al the bar
/ There Is o better chance, perhaps, in this town
| Of getting up thorough law library than any
i other sort Of one, and without any trouble
our two hundred lawyers viii average a col
/ lection OF two hundred dollars each, some o
them very valuable That makes forty thou
Il sand books, principally upon law and kindres
i subjects that we are In possession OF VIII
an he culture, energy and taste that natural,
( appertains 70 two hundred gentlemen, mem
i befs Of q learned profession, Is guarantee o
success In the establishment OF their library
THK ODD FELLOWS LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
starts out with about two hundred volumes
| r9d q capital stock Of about one hundred an
/ fffv thoiisand dollars. Lectures from distin
| grished speakers, and other tntellectuai ar