Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-05
A Public Library for Washington.

A Public Library for Washington.
To the Editor Of The Evening Star:
The interesting articles ON free public
libraries in Saturdays issue of THE STAR open
up again the discussion Of one of the most
pressing needs of Washington. We may have
received considerable favors from Congress in
the shape Of appropriations for necessary pub
lie improvements, but We at the same time
can claim to have been shamefully neglected in
some of the most vital necessities of modern
municipal life. II any American in his travels
among the countries of Europe we're to beg
to extol the beauties and advantages of Wast
ington as the capital of the United States and
then in the same breath should mention the
fact that while every little town had its free
public library, provided either by the NUM-
cipality or individual philanthropy, the city Of
Washington, with quarter of million
inhabitants and the intellectual CEN
ter OF 65.OGO.O00 souls, could not
show the slightest attempt to provide for the
intellectual improvement of its citizens. We can
safely say the foreigner would be inclined to
open his eyes in Amusement. When we consider
that this same city is the greatest repository of
intellectual treasures On this continent. does it
not look almost criminal neglect on the part of
our rulers to have failed to provide the faciii-
ties so often demanded! Like the budding of a
perennial flower the question has come regu-
larry forth for agitation, only to Gle again with
oue IA ScHSTesS seeIiis 10 De Waltllr, TOT
some rich philanthropist to die, hoping that he
would leave behind him a revered name BY
providing free public library and thereby
save public appropriation. Oh! for a dead
phllanthropist! 1t seems our only hope.
Twelve years ago 1 was living in Manchester
England, city of little larger population but
smaller area than Washington, and one of the most
pleasant recollections of Manchester has been
OF the free public libraries of that city. There
was not only magnificent reference library of
nearly 200. coo volumes but that was only the
central point from which radiated five or six
branch libraries in other darts of the city. each
branch containing &C. 600 to 50. 600 volumes and
all housed in large public buildings supported
by public appropriations, and it was an inspi--
ing sight to witness their commodious reading
rooms thronged with all classes, bent on men
tai Improvement and intellectual entertain
ment. Here in Washington We have another
picture. We see q considerable portion of its
population living in lodgings away from home
influences. and after working hours we see
crowds rambling aimlessly about the streets,
with no place to 60 for amusement or enter
tanment but the theater or the saloon
Would il not be possible for The STAR to or
ganize a committee of energetic representative
men who would press this matter upon Con-
gress and public attention? Shake up the dry
bones Of the movement, and if you can bring it
back to life and success you will earn the
gratitude of multitudes who are longing to
enjoy the intellectual treasures to which they
have claim, but which they cannot reach.
S. s.