The Emporia weekly news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1881-1889, 1883-11-29
rHE PUBLIC LIssARY.

EDITORS NEws:-As public sentiment
Is, in great measure. dependent on the
public press, we hope you may grant us
q little space for few points in connec-
ton with the efforts of the ladies who
have been so kindly and assiduously en-
gagged IN arranging for public library.
That We need and ought TO havae good
library admits of no reasonable objec-
tion. much less denial Our people
often feel burdened with eanui for want
OF good reading matter. And many of
our young men, for the same reason.
spend their evenings in places not pro-
motive of moral or intellectual eleva-
ton When. therefore, the mayor and
council passed the motion granting $3.50
towards a library. We felt delighted,
and were full of hopes because of the
good results such an institution would
be certain e produce. Our delight.
however. was but short lived, tor, on the
following meeting. reconsideration
quashed the whole matter. This was q
drawback which brought its own gloom
and cur regret. But. when it was un-
deFstood that the council exceeded their
legal powers, and tor this reason con-
sideTed themselves obliged TO undo their
good work, then, Of course, We under
stood the Brightness of their action, sup
posing thai their action was illegal.
But we will return 10 this in
a moment Further, We regretted
tho withdrawal, because EmpOria needs
n library, and Onght To have one as soon
as possible. Our object now, sir. is to
say We are anthorafively Informed that
the ladies interested in providing Ii
brary for the people never contemplated
making it a private society affair Their
purpose has been to get library estab-
lIshed 81 rs To commence the issuing of
books, and then To give money, books,
papers, &C.. and whatever they might
procure. over 10 the council to which,
certainly. there can be no legal obstacle,
for, in the general laws of the state OF
Kansas. page 17G, section 81. the statute
reads thus: "The council may estab-
lish and maintain public Libraries and
reading rooms at the expense of the
city" This provides that the council
may create and maintain public librs.
rles. This is undeniable. Now then, if
the council can build, furnish. buy
books, distribute them, keep up the
building, &C.. why may il not delegate
part OF thIs function to a person or
persons authogized by them, as was the
original idea? But We may not argue
the question. For. by virtue of our
state laws We have the right. in and
through our council TO supply the needs
OF the people as contemplated by the
aforementioned statute. And it may al
SO Dc seen that our Legislators were
conscious of the need and advantages
of d public library when they made
this law. We, therefore, hope that
the council may undertake the whole
matter, and also, accept the generous
help and laiIors of those ladies who, al
ready. have done much towards supply
ing this want. We need not say that en-.
lightment, progress, advancement IN the
arts. polite and useful. largely depend
on books. The supplemented powers
of a library no mind can estimate. A
visit to New England would convince
any right-minded citizen of the great
value of public libraries. And NO grant
is more willingly agreed 10 by New
Englandsrs than An appropriation for
the library. We. therefore, hope that
the council will, at the next meeting.
talk up the subject anew and show the
people that they cannot afford 70 neglect
the wishes as well as the wants of En-
pOrians. And. for our part. and We may
add, on behalf if the ladies. we promise
to do what we can TO aid in furnishing
the library. The ladies have nearly tWO
hundred. books promised already, and
il the cOnncil will hut pass an ordinance
co supply convenient room for n II.
braty and furnish It with hooks, hun
dreda Of volumes will bs donated 10 the
city. On behalf of many citizens.
a@r HI. MAcKAY