The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1873-02-21
Grand National Library Building


Mr.. Spoffsrd, the accomplished Librarian
of Congress, states, in bis last annual re-
port, that on the first OF December last
the number OF books in the Congressional
Library was 246, S45, together with $4,000
pamphlets. The law books amount 10
2s, 573, and the increase during the past
year amolated to 9499 volumes.
The closing pages of his report are de-
voted to the discussion OF various matters
OF accommodating the large accession OF
books, great now and destined to be much
greater each succeeding year. Suggestions
are made as to the best mode OF retaining
the library where it is at present-in the Capt.
tol building. This retention, however, can
last at furthest only twelve or fifteen years.
After that time an entirely separate build
ing will be indispensable. The requisite
enoco for tho huildines has boon already 90
cured by the purchase last session by Con-
gress OF two squares OF ground adjoining the
Capitol.
In proof OF the need Of such an edihce,
Mr.. Spotford cites the fact that the library
under his charge has twice doubled within
twelve years. In 1860 there were $4,000
volumes; in 1866 there were 100, 900 VOL
umes and in 1872 there were 246, 900 volumes.
At the present rate OF Increase there will be
ZOO, 900 volumes in 1900, million and a
quarter by 1925, 1,75O,OO by 1850, and
$500, 600 volumes by 1875, century hence.
There is at present no library in the world
OF this magnitude-the largest, the Biolto-
theque Rationale in Paris, having 400, 600,
and the next largest, That OF the British Mu-
scum, having nearly million OF volumes.
10 accommodate the two and bali mil
lions OF books which the congressional IL
brary will possibly contain hundred years
hence, Mr.. Spoford proposes circular
marble building on the site heretofore men,
toned. According to the estimates OF the
architect OF the Capitol extension, this build
ing would cost million OF dollars. 1t is
possible, Mr.. 8. says, to get along with the
library and the copyright business In their
present positions for two or three years
supposing no change to be made in the inte-
rior Of the Capitol-but all Of that Time, and
more, will be required for the proper con-
struction OF the new ediace. He, therefore,
| recommends suitable appropriation for it's
immediate commencement When built, a
working library OF 10000 volumes is to be
left In the Capitol for the use OF members
OF the two Houses, the Supreme Court, &c.
A copyright record room, map room OF
spacious dimensions, and department for
engravings, chromos, photographs, &C., o
periodical room and a packing room, in
which the mechanical operations OF the Ii
| brary can be performed, will be included in
the new structure. That its exterior shall
be circular, Mr.. Spofford does not insist, but
for the interior he considers the circular
form the best, and, indeed, the only admls-
sable one for the proper accommodation OF
the yearly additions. The building will, OF
course, be fre-prooi, the light will be admit
ted from lofty dome, and every convenience
for the present, and every facility for the
future, will be amply provided for.
Here, then, is apother grand edifice to be
reared in the City OF Washington. 1t is but
one OF many more 10 be added as the years
roll on. The new State department will not
be completed before the new library and a
| new White House will be begun. What
scenes OF maguiicence await the eyes OF
those whose privilege 1t will one day be to
look upon an American library containing
upwards OF two millions Of volumes. And
where will then be the man to exclaim as
the English did o few years ago, "Who
reads an American book 7"