The morning call., 1894-01-22
A NOVEL PROJECT
Movement to Establish a
New Library.
Art Gallery and Museum of Natural
History in the City of
Oakland.

uo CITY VI OdhlduU lbs u lieu puUllC
library. but there are many of the opinion
that the building in which 1t is located is
entirely unsuited for the purpose. 1t was
built in 1868, and while it answered the re-
quirements at that time, it is at this date
a sort of back number, and those who are
of that way of thinking are moving to see
if they cannot secure a new building in
which TO locate the aggregation of books
and periodicals.
Not only this, but they are moving TO
the end that museum of art and natural
history may he added to the library.
THE building" said Librarian Peter
son in sreakiDg Of the possibilities of the
movement alluded 70 resulting in some
thing tangible, lis almost half too small
to accommodate those who would like to
make use of ii. Then there is need for
more shelfroom, and we need a reference
room and a study-roOm. Then there is
danger from fire in q frame building, such
as is now occupied as a free library. NV
idea is that it should be located in tive
story brick structure of size that would
be in keeping with the importance OF the
city. Tie lower floor could be used for
library purposes and the upper for art
and natural history"
DR.. Rabe, dentist of the city, who re-
cEutlG IGtGtu6Q iOlu tOuI Vi LUb OOulD
Sea Islands and brought with him a splen-
did collection of curios, stated that if a
suitable building was either secured or
erected he would gladly donate his collec-
ton to the city for the purpose of starting
a museum.
j. G. BrUguiere announced his willing
ness 10 contribute fine collection of min
erals.
Professor and Mrs. J. G. Lennon, the
well-knOwn botanists, stated that they
would be willing to donate large botan-
ical collection.
Drs. B. 4. and John Rabe, brothers of
the dentist. said that if the idea is car
specimens to the museum. and there are
many who would do much toward the art
and museum departments.
On the subject of art W. K. Vickery
said:
ut is crying shame that city of the
social and educational advantages of Oak
land has absolutely nothing in an art way.
l am heartily in favor of starting an art
and natural history museum Immediately.
1t ought to be done. The educational adj
vantage alone makes this a necessary step.
A collection of photographs of painting s
of the various schools OF art arranged his
torically would be fine way to begin. 1t
would not cost a great deal. Casts of
famous sculpture could be added. Many
artists would be willing to loan their pic
lures for a greater or less period of time.
There would doubtless be others of the
artistic community that would donate or,
at least give in trust some of their treas
ures. There is 20 doubt that this thing
should be pushed, and now"
A. A. Dennison, Library Trustee said
that new library building is an absorb
ing topic in the board now. Thew have
been waiting for legacy from some of the
wealthy Oaklanders who have made their
riches in that community. But there can
be no more waiting, and an effort will be
made to have the City Council make an
appropriation to start new building. liz
the past six months the circulation has in
creased from 1000 to 49, 600 volumes. This
is wonderful growth. and If this i'm.
portant and popular institution is not to be
forever stunted we must provide tor this
Increasing demand.
The Trustees. he said, expect to bring
the whole matter before the Starr King
fraternity to devise ways and means
toward pushing this important matter.
Rev. c. W. Wendte. pastor of the Uni.
tartan church, said that that church will
give $1,000 to the project If the library is
located on the vacant lot On the corner
adjoining his church.
III Washington street is opened to San
Pablo avenue, q better site would be the
city pro perty to the west of this street.