The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1886-12-29
THE MAN ABOUT TOWN.


subscription to the Stryker Library for
one year, or an ordinary present that all
would otherwise receive. Out of the
number on that list, eighteen chose the
free use of the Library. This was show
ing very good taste amongst the laooring
class for the pursuit of knowledge as
found in reading The cultivation Of
desire to read in the general public is
work that all who appreciate the welfare
of the young, especially, should engage
in. 1t was long while after the late
Samuel d. Stryker willed certain amount
for the establishment of Public Library,
before the provisions could be carried out.
After time there were those of our citi-
zens, who realized the importance of the
ed the formation of the Library. We
have been informed that as financial un-
dertaking it has not been complete sue
cess, and an effort will be made to create
stronger interest on the part of the pub
lie. A series of entertainments is con-
templated, by which sufficient amount
may be realized to defray current ex-
penses. No father, mother or guardian,
can spend to better advantage the price
of subscription for one year 1.-TWO dollars)
for the benefit of their children or those
under their charge: II the children have
the selection of the books, it generally
shows on what particular line Of reading
their minds are bent, and this affords an
opportunity to cater to their liking, or to
correct any tendencies that may lead to
Improbable reading. As public enter
prise, every citizen should manifest an
interest in it. We have only to look for
good results to those communities where
public libraries have been in operation for
years. The moral and intellectual tone
of the citizens, is elevated just In pro-
portion as the books In the libraries are
read, provided the selections are Of such
nature as to give out good results
From the character of the men selected
by the Trustees, as officers, we feel sure
that nothing Of an injurious nature would
be allowed in the Library. We should
judge that the gentlemen In charge,
President, Griffith Williams; Vice Presi-
dent, j A. Anderson; Treasurer, Joseph
Smith; Secretary, Warren A. Greene;
in connection with the Library Commit
tee, Joseph Smith, James s. Studdiford,
"A. d. Anderson and s. W. Cochran,
would make such selections as should suit
all classes of readers who care to peruse
works of AIT and fiction, that might prove
beneficial Children will become inter-
ested If parents only try 10 assist little.
Let them become interested themselves
for the chiidren's sake; have them read
aloud chapter or two, or read aloud to
them as often as time and opportunity
presents itself. As far as possible per-
suade them from reading the too common
dime novels, which nearly every boy and
girl are apt to get hold of aud steal off by
themselves to read, Well read persons
are apt to keep up with those who have
There is no better theme for those who
have the moral and particularly religious
training, of men, women aud children, to
talk upon, than that Of the Importance of
reading pure literature. They should
satisfy themselves if the works on the
shelves of the public library are of such a
nature, aud II so, recommend It. II
public library Is to be of use in q CON-
munity, Il must be patronized by large
number, otherwise 1t falls short of its
purpose. Many interesting AZ .icles were
written in favor Of library long before
the birth Of the present one, yet with II
all there does not seem to be the interest
taken, that those in charge would wish.
With the renewed effort on the part of
the Trustees, let each and every one who
has tho welfare OF the city at heart, lend
a willing hand and speak an encouraging
word and the future prosperity Of the
Stryker Library will be assured. We
have had some experience with public IL
braries, especially the Burlington Libra
ry, the venerable institution founded 10
1858, which is credited by good authority,
as the Oldest public library in this coun-
try II has been in existence ever since
and is one Of the leading institutions of
that old city. During the month Of
November, 1857, a century and quarter
ago, Several inhabitants Gas the minutes
read) of New Jersey, thinking that q IL
brary company 10 the city OF Burlington,
would be of great benefit to the members
as we'll as the public in general, did speak
to the number Of sixty, who formed them
selves into q company and agreed to pay
ten shillings per annum, 10 support Of the
library" It has ever been the pride OF
its citizens and no estimate of the good
accomplished can ever be made. In con-
nection with the books, are curiosities
aud relics of the past, worth the inspec-
tion and contemplation of any son of
New Jersey. 1t would be grand thing
II the Hunterdon County Historical So
ciety could 80 unite with the Stryker Ii
brary Company, as to build suitable
structure where both organizations could
have permanent homo and thus pre-
serve, for future generations, the gifts of
valuable papers and relics. which might
be collected.
From the numerous turkeys distributed
by manufacturers and merchants, we
should judge that there were few, II any,
who were destitute of Christmas dinner.
The growing custom Of employers, pre-
senting their employees on Christmas with
some suitable present, as proof Of their
esteem and respect, is one which will
have tendency to bring both parties
closer together and is deserving of the
highest commentator.
"The Man About Town." was remem-
bered on Christmas by one of our public
/ .,s,.4 .fttuo.. NJ.