New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-05-27

purchased, CatalOgHed, u'''NN'' "'''
4 recent law calls for the establishment OF a free
means and benencences with public moneys ! de-
sire TO express my appreciation OF ms ood
for our city II there could be union OF those libra.
res which are now maintained by private suppGNrst
have not yet freely opened their doors 10 the pusc'
it would give impetus which would be more en- &C.
tive than could be secured in any other way 30 Tar
our work is reated TO any such organized enVr
locking to the complete % f Eur wise and
economical distribution of work which each may De
best equipped to do. we shall at any time s'adN CO.
operate.
USE AND ABUSE OF LITERATURE
President Pratt's remarks were followed by an
address by Mrs Margaret Deland OF Boston In
introducing Mre. Delan6 Frederic Is. Pratt saiu'
"In opening this building We wished to observe
the three departments into which the library
work is to be divided-lterary. civic and educa-
tiona. Mrs. Deland has fifty been chosen 10
speak to US upon the first division
Mrs. Deland spoke OF the Importance Of the
library. especially the public library. and
Nkened it to a bourtful mother, who with
plenteous hand spread before her children
the ripened fruit of past generations. A library
was useful too, In preserving what was best. in
t~-.hing us to disregard things and best OF all
in showing us how to b. happy. We should not
read books about books. That was too much Ike
but read the books The widening OF the nd-
vdual horizon came with the reading OF great
books But the reader should beware Of selfish
reading. library might be the means OF In
ment OF books. Rather we should be like one or
whom it was written. He hath never fed upon
book dainties. He hath not eaten paper. Inc
| speaker continued:
ing. " always had a book in my hand. I
clo oil a hummng
singing birds whie read "Plutarch's Lives. l
e se M bSoh ds smeseG nf
and sent showers of sparks up the old stone chin,
Sa light depSer the Of
inson Crusoe." l have a vivid remembrance Of the
AND %e s and ss he amt
stu feel the softness OF the old couch where re-
Novey reading and theaire-gons may produce n.y.
library is an anidote TO mere emotion 1t IS. more
no 5s Of and rich and
ssnsca Is not sGT9Paous as to the fashions
PuS Srafy Factor TO Gaa social
so are our drawing rooms and our streetcars, but
them. In conclusion are there any words which
can , adequately portray the value OF the institution
service? Has science any method or calculus any
formula by which to measure or estimate the good
IL may DO 10 this and coming generations?
THE INFLUENCE OF BOOKS
Inc quartet gave "Waltcrs Prize Song" by
| Wagner, and the chairman introduced Truman
| ]. Backus, who spoke OF the ancient method OF
making books. and said
! Toll and skill and time AMI devotion and love
| and life itself once went into the making Of a
single copy OF a book. 1t once the costliest
| product of the industry OF man. What wonder
then. that great nations signed treaties over the
| binding OF book? The invention of printing made
books available. increased the intelligence OF the
| intelligent and tempted people 10 learn read.
Access to books Is not mere phase OF modern
civilization. but II is the condition and efficient
cause of civilization.
Mev Dewey, the State Librarian spoke
upon the educational advantages Of the public
! library and its relations to the schools The
exercises were closed by the benediction pro-
/ nounced by the Rev. DR.. S. D. Mcconnell the
! new rector Of Holy Trinity.