Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-21

of central Office with reference to circu-
lating libraries would be those of general
superintendent, the purchase and appor-
tionment OF books, and perhaps, though not
| necessarily, species OF clearing house for
the interchange of books between the several
| districts.
In order that his plan of local Libraries
may be fully realized, the committee deems
it necessary to set aside such portion of the
fund as will provide each district with
building of ample accommodations and
creditable character. In giving the neces-
| sary value to each building it will be easy
| to make it include other features which will
enhance its popularity. The first floor of
each building will naturally contain
library and reading room. 1t is suggested
that the Libraries be planned upon the
aIcove system, which permits the visitors to
go among the books. This might be made
subject to such modification as will enable
a partial adoption of the stock system, in
the future if the accumulation of books
shall render it necessary TO economize space.
The libraries should provide shelf room for
5000 to 5000 volumes at the start with
space for future growth up to limit of
80, 900 to 10000 volumes according to the
population and needs of the different dis
tricts.
The upper portions of these buildings
could provide rooms for the meeting OF read
ing or question clubs, Tor chess rooms, and
in most, if not all, cases an assembly room
or small public hall for lectures. debating
societies and musical recitals The extern:
OF these features would, of course, have to
be varied, as the size OF each building might
permit. but it is the opinion OF the commit
tee that some or all of them can be provided
in connection with every district library in
10 nIf 10 10 -nn ~ fnaS
eral library project that literature of
specialized class provided by the board will
be kept in the reference library, but the
suggestion may be interjected here that if
the citizens of any district should desire to
enrich their district library with any special
collection Of books the board would provide
accommodation and custody for such gifts.
The sum required to erect district libraries
on the scale outlined at this stage is q mere
matter of estimate, but the committee is of
the opinion that sufficient amount should
be reserved to insure generous provision of
the accommodations designated. By setting
aside $500, 900 for that purpose the erection
OF five district libraries at an average cost of
$50, 900, or of six at an average cost OF $50,-
600, will be assured. II is taken for granted
that on the special investigation required
before these libraries are located, districts
will be found of less than the average popu-
lation, but distinctly separate from other
sections, the wants of which can be
met by buildings at less than the aver.
age cost varying down to $50, 900. This will
afford a surplus for the expansion of the
buildings in the most populous districts to
possible limit of S75,OO0 or tor supply
ing new districts beyond the number stated.
The committee recommends that $500, 900 OF
the 81 900. 600 be reserved for the purpose of |
erecting local libraries. While this will |