New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-03-20
I SCHOOLS LIBRARY.
ADMIRABLE WORK IN A GOOD CAUSE.
THE PIECE MEMORIAL COLLECTION WHICH GRAM

THE PIECE MEMORIAL COLLECTION WHICH GRAN'
MAR SCHOOL NO. 81 WILL HAVE.
The pupk OF Grammar School No. 81, at Amster-
dam-ave. md Seventy -sevcnth-st, are looked upon
with certain feelings Of envy by the students OF the
other public schools in this city. Through the COM
mendable efforts of Edward II. Boyer, their princi'
pal Of the bestknown and most popular teachers
In the city, they will have access 10 a fine
library Of several thousand volumes. When the
plans Of Mr. Boyer are all carried ont, few public
grammar schools in the country will be in the for'
tunate condition OF No. 81 of this city. The men,
bers Of the Board OF Education, the various school
teachers OF NewYork and the citizens of the Twenty
second Ward whose children have the benefit OF slr.
Boyers instruction and supervision, have only words
of praise for the principals enterprise and nnova-
ton. The story Of the library the first Of Its kind
In New-York is worthy OF printed record
Mr. Boyer's plan Of library in his school was
often the subject OF discussion among the teachers
OF Grammar School No. 81 Until few weeks aeo,
however, II had assumed no definite form. At tho
dinner Of OF the we'll known clubs of this city, last
January, Mr.. Boyer OF tho guests OF honor.
After dinner the statement made by one OF the
speakers that more than seventh tenths OF all the
criminals sent 10 the reformatories and prisons OF
NewYork State from this city, were under thirty years
old This statement brought about the discussion OF
the Of this alleged condition Of affairs Among
those called upon TO give their opinions Mr. Boyer
Mr. Boyer attributed the prevalence OF crime TO vile
literature and sensational books.' lie believed that
nothing else caused much crime directly and indi-
rectly. The influence OF such books especially
deleterious upon children. lie told Of some OF the
books which he had found among the pupils OF hY
school. lie declared that good Libraries snouId DO
placed in every public school Manhattan Island
There would be much less crime, lie said. II that was
done.
After listening TO Mr. Boyers remarks, Of the
men present said tint he would give $500 for the
establishment OF library in Mr.. Boyers school If the
principal would raise equal amount OF money for
the same purpose among his friends.
The offer accepted Mr. Boyer sent letters out
lining his plans u twenty-five men in this city.
Among those who received his letters Walter J.
Peck, OF No. 1913 West Seventy secondst. whose son
Fred W. Peck. pupil In Mr.. Boyer's school.
The boy. one Of the brightest little fellows in the
school, was at that time sick in bed Mr.. Peck read
the letter to his son. who expressed great Interest
the plan Of his teacher lie had been In the habit
Of lending his books TO his feow-stu not
fortunately situated himself. lie had also saved
1914 O6 out OF his spending money, which he hoped
day to invest in books. But he did not live do
80. The boy died on January IL. However, few
days later, Mr.. Peck sent a check to Mr. Boyer OF
1914 06 for the library. OF this sum- 1914 06 had
been the money OF his little SON. which he thought
could be used for no better purpose than in aiding
the establishment of library for the boys former
comrades In his letter Mr.. Peck said that tho
1914 06 only his first contribution. lie INTENDS
indeed to pay the running expenses OF the library
Other people have also sent large contributions 10
Mr. Boyer so that the fund amounts to Sl.Io0.
Mr. Boyer says that II will amount 10 $4,000 in
short time 1t viii then be invested. and the income
will be devoted annually to the purchase Of new books
for the library. Many valuable books including
three sets OF encyclopedias and THE Library o.
american Mt1ia,ure,' by llueh IN. and s'edman'
have already been presented to the school, 49,.
In honor OF the little boy who took so much inter- I
est In the undertaking. Mr.. Boyer has decided 70 can
the library the icck Memorial library hlhuS.hhe
portrait Of the boy, costing $1,000, presenter 70 'o
school by his friends l. 10 have the place ot hono
The library wall. The room for the reception Of the
books. the top floor OF the school Will DO nan M
somely fitted up. and will be attractive place for ts
pupils. Mr.. Boyer sent formal letter 10 the hoa, liz
of Education few DAYS ago. presenting 10 " INV
library. The gift has been accepted by the i)afu
Mr. Bowers commendabe enterprise has aiieSy
borne fruit, and steps will be taken soon 70 p'Wxe
libraries IN other schools. Before MAN. wears III.
Foyer may sec library in every public SCHOOL oA
Manhattan Island