New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-05-17
OUR NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY.

A good deal of interest Is already felt by the
citizens of New-YCrk in the new public library
building which is assured by the recent action
Of the Legislature in authorizing the expendi-
ture of two and a half million dollars by the
city for this purpose. The library Is already in
existence on the Astor, Lenox and Tilden foun-
dations The consolidation Of the Aston and
Lenox libraries, together with that portion Of
Mr.. Tilden's fortune finally secured for the
purpose he had in view, gives the metropolis
resources that will enable great lack to be sup
piled and an institution established in keeping
with the character Of the city. AS its share in
achieving this result the municipality is called
on to furnish site and suitable building. and
there has been 10 difference Of opinion among
citizens Of intelligence as to the wisdom OF re-
spending in liberal spirit to the suggestion Of
the men having the interests Of the library in
their immediate charge.
In addition to the appropriation mentioned, a
site for the library is to be provided in Bryant
Park. The old reservoir at Forty second-st. has
outved its usefulness and is soon to be demol-
ished Many people suppose that the library
will be erected on part Of the ground now Oc-
cupied by the reservoir; but under the act which
became a law few weeks ago the Park Com
mssioners are at liberty TO place the new build
ing in any part Of the park. The suggestion
has been made that instead of putting it close
TO Fifth-ave., there would be advantages in
choosing site nearer Sixth-ave. Thus the ma
jor part Of the park would be transferred TO the
Fifth-ave. end of the square. away from the ele-
waited railroad, and the change would add a
most attractive feature to the principal resi-
dence street of the city. AT the same time it
would bring the library nearer TO the large man,
Der Of people who will naturally 90 TO and from
it by the elevated road. In any case, we pre-
sumo there will be a considerable addition to the
park area; and the strong objection which OBJ
tains in other cases where it has been proposed
to erect public buildings in city parks is with
out weight in this one.
Obviously the architectural treatment Of the
library building will depend to a considerable
extent on the place in the park where It is to
stand, and the first thing in order would appear
to be the selection Of the SITE The library trus-
tees are seriously considering what sort Of build
ing will be needed and the best form of compe-
tition to be adopted in securing the design.
There can be no doubt that a building worthy
of the city and admirably adapted for the pur-
poses in view will be erected. 1t should be, and
we have no doubt 1t will be- one Of the proud
est ornaments Of the greater city. But, after
ALL the usefulness of the library is the main
thing. In increasing that the city will also be
called on to play an important part Our public
library must re adequately supported after it is
established and housed, to the end that branches
for the circulation Of books may be provided in
all parts Of The city and the people enabled to
draw and exchange books with the least possible
trouble and without the payment of carfares