Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-06
my27-7 Chief OF Dept of Public We

No. ILL.,
A N ORDINANCE - PROVIDING FOR
n the acceptance from Andrew Carnegie Of
free libraries
WHEREAS. Andrew Carnegie has generous
ly offered to the city of Pittsburg gift of free
libraries, as set forth IN the following commu-
nications:
PITTsBURG. Pa, February 6, 1890.
To the Mayor and Councils Of Pittsburg:
GENTLEMEN-Some years ago L had the
pleasure OF offering to expend upon free
library for the city Of Pittsburg the sum Of
two hundred and fifty Thousand dollars The
finances of the city were not then in condition
to permit of its acceptance. Having expended
more than that sum in eur sister city of Allie
gheny, subsequently intimated that l was
prepared TO expend not less than half million
for Pittsburg; such, however, has been the re-
cent growth of the city, such are its prospects
for the future that careful consideration has
led me to the conclusion that, in order to pro-
vide such libraries as Pittsburg should have,
will require even a larger suIn.
think that Pittsburg requires a central
building containing reference and circulat-
ing library; also suitable accommodations for
works of art, which believe its citizens would
soon provide; that there should also be added
rooms for the meeting of the various learned
societies Of the city. The experience OF New
York, Baltimore and other large cities has
proved that a central library should be supple
mented by branch libraries. The Free Circu-
lating Library, of New York, has now four of
these; the city of Baltimore has nve. They are
not extensive structures, but each contains
small supply of the books most in demand and
a reading room, and is operated in connection
with the central library. Such branches
think, should be established in the various dis
tricts of the city, probably one in Birmingham.
another in Temperanceville, another in East
Liberty a fourth in Lawrenceville, perhaps a
fifth in the older part of the city. All of these
should be thoroughly fire proof. monumental
in character and creditable to the city.
To provide these buildings with suitable
books etc., offer to expend not less than
one million Of dollars. 1 propose that their To-
canon, erection and management shall be en-
trusted to board of trustees composed ex-
officio of the Mayor, the Presidents Of Select
and Common Councils, the President of the
Central Board of Education, and a library
committee of five appointed By the councils,
such as you have done me the honor to appoint
to confer with me. To these L would add the
names of IL well-known citizens of Allegheny
county, who should have the power as body
to provide for the reelection of its members at
stated times. and also to I'LL vacancies in their
number.
The libraries to be formally handed over to
the city upon their completion, free from lien,
in trust for the purposes specified. The city to
agree to receive aud support same at Its own
proper cost, under the management of the
trustees. as above provided.
The city OF Baltimore pays S50.000 per annum
for the support OF its public libraries, estab-
lished by Mr.. EuOch Pratt, who gave 81, 900, OO0
for the purpose, but believe that $4,000 per
annum would be sufficient to maintain those of
Pittsburg; and not less than rnis sum per an
mum require the city Of Pittsburg to agree to