Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-01-13
mn, p,cuuoND Observation-Disclosures. JANUARY -. 1897
VALUE OF LIBRARIES
PLEA FoR THEIR ESTABLISHMENT
IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
THEIR SCOPE AND USEFULNESS.
The Movement In Manchester scho-
Instic Institutions TO Collect Books
Encourngemcnt.
Encourngencnt.

Public libraries. when properly fos-
tered and brought 10 the attention OF
the people. constitute one Of the most
important educational factors in every
community. They bring the people close
to tho best and most attractive source
Of amusement and enlightenment-name-
Is. books. For men who are unable to
own books. or who have not the love
Of reading and study inherent in their
minds and hearts. they are a perpetual
fountain Of inspiration and upbuiiding.
When once founded and equipped, when
ready for the student and the reader
only one thing is needed to assure their
successful work and educating influence,
and that Is to get the man or woman
that we seek to improve. to Inspire, to
educate. within the limits of Libraries.
Generally the rest follows as the night
the day, because most minds and hearts
need only awakening to the beauty, the
delight and the importance of knowledge
and learning there is TO be obtained TO
appreciate them. and to turn TO the
light as flowers TO the sun for warmth
and growth. Thus. some of the greatest
minds and geniuses Of the world have
been stirred and stimulated 10 lofty
achievement and noble purpose by the
mere contact with books; the opening
of the riches of literature and thought;
the presentation and incubation Or
splendid example, the direction OF ell
Tort and development towards the goal
Of "a vlrtuous ambition; the quickening
Of the divine faculties OF the human
intellect, and the arousing OF the spirit
of emulation and hope in the soul py
the conquests achieved by others az
portrayed in the records Of human toll
and renown.
All Of there desirable things are ac-
complished by libraries, for therein the
books that are read and pondered pour
ever into the soul and brain OF me
worker and thinker. the young and old'
the poor and rich, the strong ana weak
the magnificent results of the past IN
all knowledge; the great deeds OF pa
triots and statesmen, the trials and struS-
giles of saints and martyrs, the precious
fruitage of song and story, the re-
searches of science and philosophy lhe
history of nations and of people, and the
biographies Of the good and the lore
most OF all ages
SUPPLEMENTS SCHOOL TRAINING
What the school-room often fails 10 do
TO interest and stimulate the pupil Is
done by books. properly selected, ana
placed in his hands, to be read at pro-
per times and with adequate guidance anu
instruction. The good results or the
school-room are often deepenec anu
strengthened by the perusal OF the pest
books. while innocent pleasure ana amuse-
ment is blended with these more substah-
tial benefits.
If Libraries produce these excellent re-
sults-if they are. in fact, such potent in
strumentalities for Improvement, acquisi-
ton of knowledge and incubation OF
principle and morali'y-they should be
established and fostered all over the land'
and especially should every school in the
cities. where the chi dren can have easy
access to them, be furnished with fii
election of the textbooks TO suit the
minds and maturity of the pupils taught
The good results Of such policy would
soon be evident and Astounding.
CAN THEY BE ESTABLISHED?
The only question is, Cannot such libra
ries be established and opened for the
pupils. and for all who would be profited
thereby? Cannot this object be accom-
plished by our school authorities? Cam
not parents and friends assist the cause
by all, encouragement. and contribu-
lions?
In some rarts OF this State large and
splendid yarn anged libraries have been
obtained IN mis- way, and they are
deemed of nestimable benefit and value.
In this city both in our white and cOlored
schools, the children have begun and are
working for the collection Of libraries.
under the management and sanction Of
the principal.
This movement on their part demon
strates the importance and need of IL
braries. and the recognition of the merits
Of policy that would result in fine school
Libraries throughout the State. TIE
efforts of Manchester schools to collect
a library is most commendable, and
should meet as it doubtless viii, with
great and substantial favor and en-
enlargement D. l.. PULLIAM,
Supt. Manchester Public Schools.