The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1895-02-20
Montpelier Public Library.

Editor of the Watchman:-The intention of
the Young Mems Christian Association to
submit a proposition to the Montpelier Pub
lie Library 10 change its habitation " for
lodgment in the rooms of tn At organization,
arouses not only a" lively" interest in the
community but one that is deep and earn
est. 1t proposes to offer the rooms free of
rent and free of charges for lighting and
b. ating. An added inducement to the ac-
ceptance of this offer, and what really
prompts it, is the proposal of Mr.. I. w.
Wood-provided the offer is accepted by the
Montpelier Public Library-to place in the
same building a collection of paintings,
etchings, and other works of art, for the
benefit OF students and the qualification and
education of the public The project is COM
msnded as /" desirable from every point of
view" Let me ask wherein the advantage
to the Montpelier Public Library lies?
Instead OF occupying building erected
for the sole purpose of a public library, in
the most desirable location within the limits
OF the town, free from the control of any re-
iigious denomination, or of any class, in
stead of this, would the stockholders prefer
to place their collection OF books in rooms
never designed for such purpose, at a
greater distance from the center of business
activities, and under the direction (for would
it not soon come to that?) of an organiza-
tion that prescribes the theological status of
its membership, and proscribes affiliation
with such as cannot subscribe fully to it's
prescription? The day will come when the
library must be open to those who wish to
visit it on Sunday afternoons and evenings.
Will the Young Mems Christian Association
accede to that? Will it sanction the shelv-
ing of all the books now included in the
catalogue of the library? Will it seek TO
establish no censorship upon the volumes
frequently to be added? 1t offers these ac-
commodations, free of charge. Can it We
any assurance to " a generous public that
appeals for aid to meet these expenses will
not be made as often as any financial stress
occurs?
Mr.. Wood proposes to place these works
OF art in su h building-for how long
ume?-during his approval of the manage.
ment of the Young Mems Christian Associa-
tioD? or Of the Montpelier Public Library?
Such gift to his native to wn would ever
havs been as gratefully received a, it WAS
generously given, for Montpelier feels he
happiest pride In her renowned artist But
II coming to disrupt the good fellowship of
it is most deplorable.
The building known as the KelIogg-Hub-
bard Library is substantial fact. II be-
comes the property of the town throu n the
compromise of its officers with the heirs or
heir, OF the parties whose names it bears.
Aside from these heirs and officers, no indi-
vidual has any responsibility in the mater
whatever There is no question 70 settle,
no choice to be made, whether to accept or
decline. No regrets that it did not come
differently will avail.
Will the stockholders OF the Montpelier
Public Library accept this provision, or let
personal animosity thwart a mA 4sure man
ifestly adapted to the public good?
MARY W. FOSTER,
President Ladies' Library Guild.
Montpelier, Feb. 49, 1895