The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1898-02-10

tho university and was connected with
the library for IL years, only leaving tn
become librarian of the Boston Athcn;p,,m.
Il post which he will hold until his sue
cessor can be found.
Mr.. Lane was horn in Ncwtonvillc,
Mass, nnd comes of long limo Of carly
settlers When he entered Harvard mt the
ago OF 10, his family removed to Cam
bridge and there he has lived over since.
Even ms Il boy he had been lover of books
and long before he completed his college
course he determined to become Il librarian.
The opportunity offered, for soon after his
graduation there was n vacancy in tho
Harvard library, and he secured it, The
position was Il humble ono but il uayo
him chance to 1.-Two among books. and
this alone was enough to mako il Jcsirn-
BILE in his eyes.
Under tho friendly direction Of the late
Justin Winsor he added much to his
knowledge of books and learned how to
apply IT. Aftor serving for six years he
was made, in 1897, assistant librarian and
continued in this capacity until 1893 when
he won't to the Athenmum. He has been
secretary for tho publishing section Of the
American Library association since it was
organized, in 1886, president of tho Mas
sachusctts Library club and secretary of
the Phi Beta Kappa society. AS librarian
oil the Dante society since its organization
III lSSS he has compiled the catalogues of
the library of that society and dono other
valuable work of II similar nature.
Being loyal Harvard man, Of course it
is tho fulfillment of his denrcst ambition
TO DO placed ut tho head of the great
library in Cambridge which inspired in
him his love for books. The grand total
of volumes which no will have under his
control ana which arc accessible to Har-
ward students falls little short Of SOC. 600
Harvard library was founded in 1910.
Its nucleus was tho littlo store of books
which John Harvard left to the college.
There were only 300 volumes, but so scarce
were books in the new world at that timo
that this poor little collection lnado Cam
bridge the literary center of America "a
distinction which it has not even vet Who'll
~ lost its grip on. In 1867 Solomon Stod-
dard was chosen library Keeper and
among the rules he formulated was the
following: "No scholar in the college I'M
der IL senior may borrow n book" Quito
different was the principle enumerated by
the late Librarian Winsor who said. II
try never to forget that tho pymc purpose
oil IL book Is to bc much read"
In 1864 the college library, which at
that time was housed in one end of old
fro. or tho 5000 volumes which had been
accumulated only about 100 were saved.
This heavy loss only served to awaken the
sympathy of the colonies and England for
the college, and when in 1866 tho new
Harvard hall was built many generous
donations Of books had been made. The
library occupied two rooms on the second
iloor of tho hall until 1871 when il was
finally settled i'll Gore hall. This building.
which has been enlarged from time TO
Tune, was originally constructed in the
form Of Latin cross, with tho nave 40
feet long and tho transcpts 81 feet long.
ono of the TRANSCRIPTS has been extended so
that 1t is l6l feet i'll length but further
additions will have 10 be made in the near
future in order Ia Accommodate the CON
slant additions which arc being made
y most liberal policy has been adoptcd
i'll regard To tho loaning of books and only
such restrictions are imposed us are deem
rd necessary for the protection Of property
Tie reading room in Gore hall now con
talns go seats and tables. 1t is well light