The times., 1899-03-05
The Carnegie Library.

1t is now a settled fact that the new
Carnegie Library Building is TO be sit
uated in Mount Vernon Square. This will
be a matter of great satisfaction TO the
people of Washington.
The natural location of such building
would, of course. be somewhere north of
Pennsylvania Avenue Although many OF
its patrons will be found in the southeast
and southwest quarters of the city, the
business section and the shops are north
of the Avenue, and it is evident that most
of those who will use the Library will visit
it while on their way to or from some
business in that region. 1t is important,
moreover, that the building be placed near
the intersection of at least two car lines.
one of which should reach the northeast
section of the city, and the other the ex-
treme north. The people OF the West End
will not furnish any considerable number
OF patrons 10 the library. Many OF them
have large libraries of their own, and all
are book buyers to some extent. The in
stitution for which Mr.. Carnegie's gift
furnishes the nucleus is intended for the
use of people who, while they are fond OF
reading and have refined and cultivated
tastes, cannot afford to spend large sums
of money in private libraries. 4 large
proportion of them are young men and
women engaged in work or study here, re-
garding this city rather as a temporary
residence. To such book-loyers a large
private collection Of volumes is practically
impossible, owing to frequent changes of
residence and the inconvenience which a
great deal OF personal property entails in
boarding house life. Both these classes
families OF moderate means and young
people away from home-are to be found
in the Northeast and the extreme North
west, and great many OF them are in
the immediate vicinity of Mount Vernon
Square. For these practical reasons the
site chosen for the Library is the best
which could be selected.
For another reason this choice is par
ticularly wise one. While Mount Vernon
Square is in the midst OF a thickly settled
section OF the city, there is a great deal
of unoccupied ground in the immediate
neighborhood, caused by the intersection
of streets and avenues. This Is no small
advantage in a city as far south as Wash
ington; for it insures a breeze in summer
when there is one anywhere TO be found,
and air of a purer quality than could be
had If the building were surrounded by
| tall business structures. A library build
| ing must necessarily be low, on account OF
| the bad effects OF hot air on the books;
| and if it is shut in on all sides by sky
scrapers, the atmosphere on a hot sum-
mer day becomes sitting. But what with
the currents OF air which sweep down the
various streets into Mount Vernon Square
and the shrubbery and trees in the square
| itself the new Library should be fairly
comfortable place even in July.
Last, but not least. Mount Vernon Square
is as picturesque a site as could be found
within the limits Of the business section
OF the city. A beautiful building situated
here will be visible from considerable
| distance, and its beauties will be seen 10
/ advantage from any side. All things con-
sidered, it seems remarkably fortunate
| that a place so well suited for the erection
of library building should chance to ex-
/ ist