The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-08-09
THE APPRENTICES LIBRARY

or the many useful institutions OF instruction
which are daily frequented by the public few are
better known or more appreciated from the bene-
Acial influence 1t exerts among the youth OF this
city in the pursuit OF knowledge and In the cult
walton OF taste for literature than the Appren-
tices' Library 1t is controlled by committee OF
the General Society OF Mechanics and Tradesmen
OF New York. Since Its organization, fifty years
ago, up to the present time the gratuitous use Of
its volumes has been acceded to the apprentices of
all narionalities and compilations residing in this
city, and to others not coming under the range or
meaning OF the term apprentice by the payment
OF nominal sum. Under its present management
the books have increased from insgnincance to the
respectable number OF $4,000 volumes, comprising
the choicest works in fiction, voyages and travels,
science art and history. Some OF she contribu-
tons made while the institution was in its in
fancy remain well preserved in the alcoves, and 20
far to mark the tide OF progress which has led to
the present admirable position among similar in
situations OF the Apprentices Library. II has, in
fact, Kept growth with the growth OF the metrOpo-
lis.
General Society, has done much to advance the
prosperity OF the library, and his efforts have been
seconded by Messrs. John X. NOOrnis, Henry Slote,
brother OF Mark Twain's "compagnon de voyage
in his tour around the world; g. H. De Lamater,
the ship builder; Poillon whose yacht Sappho has
earned so much renown by her sailing qualities,
and S. 5. Chatterton, chairman OF the Library
Committee. Mr.. J. Swartz, Jr., the librarian, has
shown considerable judgment in the selection OF
books TO meet the requirements OF those Tor whom
the library was originally established.
The institution Is at Az Broadway, and is open
every day from eight A. M. to nine p. NJ Its bene-
hs are extended TO all apprentices until they reach
the age OF twenty-one the only condition being
that they present certificate from their employ
ers certifying to their honesty and sobrietv. Boys
and girls engaged at vacations where they are not
apprentced are also entitled. under similar condi.
lions, to take books from the library for certain
specified periods. In the same building and an ad-
Junct to the Apprentices is the Demilt Library,
where choice collection Of rare books are to be
found. II was establishe in conformity with the
will OF the late Benjamin Demt, who left Dequest
OF $1,000 the interest OF which is expended yearly
In purchasing new books to be added to the collec
ton. Both libraries are very handsomely ftted up
and are at present undergoing process OF renova-
ton and Improvement. The working boys and
girls OF the city enjoy solid benefit in the free
privilege granted them OF taking good and nstruc-
tive reading 10 their homes from the Apprentices,
Library. The benefits OF having this ready access
to healthy literature can be readily Imagined, and
1t is q satisfaction to note that the youth Oh the
city very generally avail themselves of the oppor-
tunity offered. II is also noted that a large num-
Der Of employers encourage their apprentices in
TINS respect. The young boys and girls treated
with attention and courtesy when they visit the
library, and all that Is required OF them is not TO
inJure the books lent and to return them at the
time agreed upon.