Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-03-14
Augusta Literary and Library Association.

From the number of subscriptions already
obtained, and from the prospect disclosed by
careful canvass, this association has a rea-
sonable expectation Of obtaining fifty life
members at fifty dollars each, making in all,
two thousand five hundred dollars. An in
vestigaton of the book market shows that
with this sum, fifteen hundred standard vol
umes can be bought. The number of books
already offered as contributions to the libra
ry, make it certain that five hundred volumes
can be obtained from this source. Those
who are acquainted with the subjects of his
tory, philosophy, science, art, and general
literature, most desirable in library, devo-
ted to the use of general readers, know that
a we'll selected library of two thousand vol
umes, contains an amount of information
quite adequate for such purpose. Many Of
the newspapers and periodicals for the read
ing room have been offered gratutously by
the publishers, so that it is not necessary to
make that department very expensive by sub
scribing for others.
A careful estimate, based upon liabilities
already incurred, shows that the rent of
suitable room. female librarian to keep
record of books taken by members, lights and
fuel, need not exceed five hundred dollars
year; and this amount it is expected can be
raised without grea, difficulty, from the year
~ subscriptions. All funds that can be
obtained from the het sale of tickets to lee
lures and concerts, and from other sources,
than those already enumerated, will be de-
| voted to enlarging the library or establish
ing a permanent fund tor the use of the asso-
citation in defraying its current expenses.
This is the well digested, practicable plan, in
detail, of this association.
A library thus formed and thus administer
| ed, will exert wide influence in place no
| larger than Augusta, though it is not free.
When this plan is executed, two hundred
| families will have access to this library
through its members. An advocate of the
free library system, says there are many out
side of this association who would like to
| contribute to free library-of course he re-
ters to benevolent persons who desire to bene-
| fit the publc-let such persons contribute to
this association and we will gladly, in consid-
| Grafton for such contribution, give them the
privilege of appointing any poor or de-
serving person or persons to receive the BEN
| eft of their contributions. In addition to the
| large amount which we expect to raise in the
| manner described, the advocates of the free
| system ask us to raise five thousand dollars
more, for permanent fund, to make the libra
| ry free, and claim that it can be done easier
| than half that sum can be raised on our prn
| ciple. 1t is undoubtedly true that an indi-
vidual who would give a very large sum for
| the benefit of his fellow men, would insist
upon its being for the whole public. without
conditions and when any such person can be
found, this association will very gladly sub
| nit to such condition; but the majority of
| the small subscriptions upon which we must
rely, are made by persons who expect TO get
back a full value, in the use of the library
for themselves and families, and when they
are assured Of that, they will not hesitate
to give, because the library is not free.
| One opponent says the library should be
perfectly free to all, and then goes on to praise
the Gardiner library, where according to his
own statement, they pay one dollar per an
nun, which admits our principle. The same
opponent cites several failures to establish a
library, which he has been familiar with.
This argument of failure is one this associa-
ton does not appreciate. We admit without
argument, and derive encouragement from the
fact, that he may be more familiar with fail
ures than anything else.
What do the advocates Of free library
offer in place of our plan? Nothing but the
dreamy notion that there are number of en-
liehtened philanthropists in this city who de-
sire to give library to the public.
| ut Is contamination devoutly to be
wished;' but while wishes are often the
fathers of sublime thoughts, they are rarely
the progenitors of even moderate deeds.
One 'outsider" says this association stands
the way ola movement in the right direction.
Now it is fair to suppose that these persons
are personally, and from benevolent motives,
interested in getting up apublic libEary; or
they would not take the trouble Of discussing
the question publicly. OF course they have
confidence enough in their scheme to be will
ing to try it, and demonstrate it.
Therefore we make to them the following
proposition: That they go forth and raise
money on their plan and We will continue to
do so on ours. At the end of specified
time, those who have met with the poorest
success shall turn their funds over to be used