The morning call., 1893-12-12

| successful issue. We have only about ten
months in which to consider and the
present board goes out in January.
Something should be done and done at
once.
"rhe plan under consideration requires
discussion and elaboration. 1t has its
fascinating side and will afford a good op-
portunity for those Interested to express
their views"
DR.. Deane explained that something was
expected from an intended amendment to
the bylaws providing for quarterly meet
an amendment providing for the carrying
over Of half the number of trustees for a
second years term TO enable them 10 carry
Oh the business of the library in teligently.
Sarah d. Hamlin. the wel-known writer.
IS one OF the subscribers of the library.
She takes an absorbing interest Ia the
magnificent institution. and is believed to
know as much about the treasures which
il contains as the librarian himself.
There was never a more seasonahle
article written" she said yesterday. "The
editorial in The CALL invites attention to
most worthy object, and is full of sug-
gestiveness.
My own idea and l believe / voice the
views of large number of intelligent peo-
pie, is that the library might we'll be made
an artistic, literary and even social cen ter.
There are quite a number of young peo-
pies clubs in this city which might profita-
bly, make the Library building their head
quarters. There are the Century and
Laurel Hill clubs to start in with, though
these are al present satisfied with their
location. Then there is the Sorosis Club,
newly organized and just now holding its
meetings at Mrs. Irving NJ. Scott's house.
Next you might take in the various young
peoples social and literary clubs. The
Library building might be a general focus
for the organizations.
II think we need the young people and
they need the counsel and strength of us
old er ones. We gain by their freshness,
elasticity and hope and the general eX-
change would be mutually beneficial.
Then the hall would be a magnificent
place for art exhibits-say of the keramic
Club, an art-loan picture show or a display
of the Camera Club. Only a comparatively
few persons use the library as reading
room. and the setting apart of one night a
week by the trustees for such purpose
would be appreciated by the majority of
the library subscribers.
II don't think the people of San Fran
cisco properly understand the treasure
which they nave in the library. Few real
1Ze the magnitude OF the choice of books
presented, the rare editions. the choice en-
cravings, the wide scope Of the reference
department.
The hall itself is a grand place, classic
almost in its atmosphere and ideal for the
reader and student. Its upper floors can
be made perfectly available for artistic
conversaZones and club meeting places.
In fact it ought only to require pointing
out for the various literary and artistic
sets 80 eagerly avail themselves Of the
chance thus offered them"
Miss Hamlin's idea is of club composed
of both men and women. which shall rep
resent the esthetic incliD ations of the COM
munity and make the Mercantile Library
its headquarters. She is of opinion that
an Infusion of femininity' into the direc.
torate would be beneficial in this counec-
ton, and that all obvious difficulties could
be readily met by the exercise of tact, and
the resource engendered by purposeful
enthusiasm.