Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-02-09
THE PROPOSED PUEBLO LIBRARY.

Representative Hsmphin r.ihs - . "ssar''
Reporter Of Its OBJECTS and Prsspects.
Mr.. Hemphill had the honor 10 introduce in
the House tho bill providing for the much
needed public library in this city. Today 70 q
for Washington has been discussed and
thought about by number of pub
Lie spirited citizens Of the District, and
the bill which I introduced short
time ago il the result Of this
agitation. The bill was introduced at this time
not 90 much with the hope Of having il passed
this session, but for the purpose Of getting the
idea to the notice Of Congress and Of the people
Of the District. By introducing the bin now,
even at the close Of the session, an oppor-
tunity Ii given for persons interested in
such An institution 70 come forward and
express their interest, and also for
suggestions Of improvement in the plan to be
made. After the first step has been taken in
the foundation of such an institution it be-
comes also nm easier matter to interest persons.
OBJECT OF THE NEW LIBRARY.
washington is one of the few cities of its
size which does not already possess library Of
this character. As I understand it the Con-
gressional Library is the only public library Of
any magnitude in the District. The new l.
brary is intended to meet the needs Of a very
large ciass ot Persons wno py tner Mtuntion
and position are not able to make use
Of the Congressional Library. The Con-
gressional Library not being open at
night debars a large class from its privileges,
1t Is only fair that in this city. as in other cities
Of the country, free public library,
reasonable hours should be established.
Especially should this be done, with little
expense the nucleus of such library can
be found here in this city. The several
departmental libraries could furnish a large
number of books to such an institution with
out in any way. crippling the usefulness
Of the especial library Of reference books
needed at each department. This plan
would work no injustice to the clerks in the
department, as only few Of the departments
have libraries Of any extent and with the sys-
tenn proposed of allowing clerks to send for
by the government than lost 1t
is also certain that a very large number of
books could be obtained for the institution
from the Congressional library. Not only of
duplicate copies but Of volumes which would
be OF more use in such a public library
than on the shelves at the Capitol. by the
means mentioned a very handsome nucleus
could be obtained for library, but. of course,
some money would have to be spent in
filling out and completing the collection. Then
again have every reliance on the generosity
of the citizens of Washington in aiding materi-
ally by donations to an institution 30 much
needed as public library.
AGENERAL FEELING IN FAVOR OF THE BILL.
II have found in discussing the matter with
members that there is a very general feeling in
favor of the measure. In fact, have found no
opposition and only the lateness of the session
and the increased difficulty of obtaining time
for the District will prevent the passage of the
bill before adjournment
1.-The establishment of this library is matter
of great importance to the District, and hope
sincerely the agitation will be kept up in favor
of the proposal"