Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-03-01
THE COLLEGE LIBRARY.
A Beautiful Building Opened with Pleas
ant Ceremonies.

Last Friday, February 22nd, will al
ways be IA memorable day in the lis
tory of Alma College, marking as it did,
an epoch in the existence of this young
and prosperous institution.
Last commencement, through the
strenuous efforts, and wit Of that
brilliant orator. the Rev. "A. +.
Bruske, of Saginaw, 1000 was pledged
by the friends of the College for the
purpose of erecting a commodious,
beautiful and lire-proof structure with
a capacity of Il 900 volumes.
The work was at once begun and
to-day there stands upon an eminence,
little back from the main building,
fully completed, as handsome and dur
able an edifice as beauties the grounds
of any college in the state. 1t is not so
large as some libraries but can easily
be arranged to give it capacity of
10000 volumes, which will be efficient
for years to come.
THE BUILDING
Is of red brick, finished and adorned
with Lake Superior sandstone. The
second floor is capacious hall, running
the entire length of the building, which
is now used for gymnasium purposes,
but later is to be fitted up for society
room. Entering the building through
a spacious hall, the ascent to this room
is made by a disconnected winding
stair. The lower room or, library prop
er, has in front large space for read
ing room, separated by wall, in the
center of which is a circular counter
desk, behind which the Librarian poses
at the Chief Executive At the right
as yoI enter the reading room is the
Librarians private office, beautifully
decorated with pictures, the gifts of
generous friends. On the opposite side
OF the reading apartment is coy fire.
place, which makes one feel quite at
home on winter 5 evening. The build
ing throughout.is heated by steam. All
the timber is oak, with the exception of
the floors, which are hard maple.
This beautiful and costly structure
was dedicated last Friday. The Secre-
tary's report showed that the total cost
was something over $1,000, leaving
about -, 600 yet to be raised. Rev. j.
Pierson, ID. d., of Ionia, who has pre-
scented the muniicent gift of his excel
lent and expensive library, said to be
one of the finest individual collections
in the state, delivered the dedicatory
address, 1t is impossible to give any
adequate conception of his discourse.
1t was marked by profound scholarship,
deep research and careful preparation.
To say that it was a powerful address,
calculated to do great good, imparts no
idea of it. The Rev. DR.. is a fine speak
er and great indifatigable reader.
His extensive library of choicest books,
in which he lives, has well qualified
him 10 give advice upon the subject
which was his theme, viz. Books. The
speech made such al impression upon
many present that they already have re-
solved to change their course ana quality
of reading. We are sorry that time
and space will not permit us to give
any of it here, but IL is to be hoped
that il may be published SO many may
enjoy the rare treat of its perusai, who
had not the privilege VI listening to 1t
on this occasion.
Mrs. l.. a. Sharp gave the audience
a rare treat by singing very fine solo.
She is very accomplished lady and
has powerful and excellent trained
voice. The College Quartet also show
ed marked improvement and gave IA
choice selection.
There are now in the Library about
2000 volumes, mostly the kind and gen
erous gift of Jas. O.. Inglis, of East
Saginaw. No College in the history of
Michigan has ever enjoyed such pros
perity that in little more than year
from its opening could point with justi-
fable pride to IA fire-proof Library with
capacity of 10000 volumes. The peo-
pie of Alma and the Saginaw Valley
in general feel justly proud of this
flourishiug christian institution.
With its godly men and women at
the head il is worthy the sympathy and
patronage of all benevolent and philan-
thropic persons. The good that it has
already accomplished is beyond esti-
mate.