Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-01-20
OUR MAIL POUCH.
A Reference Library Needed.

To the Editor of The Dispatch:
One of the crying needs Of these cities for
years past has been good reference II
Drary. 1well remember, when few years
ago undertook to conduct some special re-
searches in connection with the study of
entomology, how L made search everywhere
in the public and private libraries of these
two great towns for some books which 1
needed, and how at last discovered with
sinking of heart that nowhere in Allegheny
county was there to be found q single book
treating of the subject wished to investi-
gate, and how accordingly one bright morn
ing took a train and went over to Phila-
delphia to find out the ten or twelve facts
which L desired to know, and which l
speedily ascertained at the library OF the
Academy of Natural Sciences-that splen-
did ins stitution about which cluster some
OF the noblest scientific traditions of the
land.
We seem, however, to be upon the verge
OF new and better development in this
community. 1t was my privilege few days
ago to spend n little time with the accom-.
plished librarian OF the Carnegie Free Ii
Drary in Allegheny, and to be allowed to
look over the treasures which have been
recently acquired for that institution
through the kindness of Mr.. Henry Ph1pps,
Jr.
Beginning Eas Been Made.
The gift of $1,000 which he made for the
purchase of books of reference has ap-
parently been most judiciously expended.
No department of scientific and artistic
study and none of the various trades and
handicrafts pursued in the community have
been overlooked in the selection. My eye
ranged with pleasure from splendid set OF
the transactions and Proceedings of the
Linnean Society of London" ver1taDle
quarry of information for the student or
botany and zoology, to handsomely Illus
trnted work upon French household art,
which must in the end prove an inspiration
to every upholsterer and decorator IN Alle-
gheny.
1t pleased me especially to see to what an
extent the wants of the Intelligent artisans
OF the community have been met in the Sc
lection. True to the democratic impulses
OF the community, the committee in charge
has made the laDoring man come IN 1or
the lions share of the literary spoils which
have been gathered. As matter of course,
there are multitude of books which might
be named which are indispensable to the
complete mastery of any subject. This hne
array of books represents the mere begin
ming of a standard collection. Nevertheless,
as beginning 1t is altogether admirable.
The doors of knowledge have been opened
widely enough to admit of a partial en-
trance to those who may desire to acquire
learning, and no one in this community need
remain in total ignorance OF any subject
through lack of the proper literary ap-
paratuS.
The Way Cleared for Further Progress.
entire western half of the State are to be
congratulated upon the good beginning
which has been made, and it is to be most
devoutly hoped that now that the way has
been partially cleared for further mental
and scientific progress among the reading
classes of the community, the authorities of
the city of Allegheny will follow up the
work in the broad and enlightened spirit in
which it has been conceived, and will not
allow any narrow or false considerations to
to the library.
1t is with great regret that the friends of
the masses, who are eager to avail them
selves of the opportunity to promote their
Finance Committee of the Allegheny
Councils has seen fit to reduce the appro-
priation for books this year to nearly one
half of that which was made last year. 1t
may not yet be too late for them to recon-
slider this action. In this connection it
may not be out of place to observe that the
Carnegie Free Library in Allegheny is real
izing to the eye OF q casual observer all that
the fondest hopes might cherish in regard to
such an institution. 1t is decidedly popular.
Fatronized BY the Younger People.
Not one ofthe least interesting sights tome
upon the occasion of the recent visit was the
swarm of brighteyed and intelligent young
people in homely garb gathered about the
clerks desk patiently waiting to be served,
and among them some of maturer years,
WhOsS thoughtful faces showed that they
were imbued alike with respect for the
Place and the opportunities of culture which
it affords At times, am told, there are as
many as 70 and 81 persons at one time
crowded about the desk, coming like bees TO
gather the sweets of learning which have
been put at their disposal by generous
hands. Since the library was opened, a
little more than a year ago, 5000 volumes
have been read.
AS there are only about 10000 volumes in
the library, this means tnat upon an average
each book in the collection has been read
nearly four times during the past twelve
month. There are 5000 regular holders of
cards, emitting the bearer to withdraw books
for private perusal, and there are nearly
10000 persons who regularly resort to the
library to read or study. This is truly q
wonderful showing for an institution yet in
its infancy, and speaks volumes for the in
telligence of the mass OF the community. I
trust that you will pardon me for intruding
upon your valuable space to the extent to
which have done, but the pleasure 1 have
derived as friend of learning from my re-
cent visit to the institution, and the deep
interest take in all things relating to the
social and intellectual life of the community
must be my justification. 1. am very truly
yours, W. j. HOLLAND
Chancellor Western University of Pennsyl-
vania.