The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1901-12-10
A CHINESE. =.
LIBRARY
It Contains Hun.
dreds of Books
on Classics.

Chinese classics of high order COM
prise valuable library which is an
important factor in the conduct of
the Chinese library and reading room
in Palama, in a building adjoining the
Palama Chapel, opposite Liliha street.
For several months the reading room
has been open to the public of that
thriving and Asiatic community, and
every night the room is crowded with
Chinese, japanese and Hawaiians. Wis
itors not only find books there on Chi
nese literature, but papers and pamph-
let's printed in Japanese, and many of
the English publications are to be
found on the shelves and tables.
over the front entrance of this in
teresting place is sign both in Eng
fish and Chinese. 1t merely says, Chi
nese Library" The building is almost
portion of Palama Chapel, and in
fact an entrance Is gained to the chap
81 through this room. Through the eff
forts of Rev. Frank Damon, who is
! largely Interested in the work of edu-
eating young Chinese in Honolulu, the
site was given over to him for the
uses Of a library, reading room and
meeting hall where religious services
could be held. The addition was built
! last May, and since then it has been
! a success in every way. There are
chairs for about fifty persons, and the
| reading tables will accommodate many
| students
The hall is plainly furnished, but,
| as it is only designed for use as a
reading room. where passers by among
! the cosmopolitan populace of Palama
can drop in at their leisure it answers
! for all purposes. Upon the walls are
colored charts showing flowers, bulbs
and their component parts; there are
also anatomical charts, and maps of
different countries. Tilted shelves run
around the walls, on which are to be
found magazines printed in English.
The tables are generally covered with
Chinese and japanese books.
On one side are two large bookcases
with sliding glass doors These hold
the library proper, there being several
hundred classics installed therein
which are valued at about 800. The
books were donated by wealthy Chi
nese and young Chinese who have re-
ceived an English education. Nearly
all the books are paper-b bound. and in
stead of being placed on end as in
English libraries, they are laid one
upon another, the titles being stamped
on the exposed ends. This library IS
read only by Chinese of higher intelli-
genCe. as the subjects are of such q
nature that the ordinary Chinese mine
cannot grasp them. This is the rea
Chinese library. 1t is conducted as q
library association, of which a large
number of Chinese are members, who
pay stipulated monthly dues for the
privilege of taking out the books. II
is looked after by the Rev. Mr.. Wong
pastor of the Fort street church.
Miss Whiteman, who came here from
Utah a couple of years ago to do mis-
sonary work among the Chinese, Ii
in charge Of the reading room. The
general direction of all the Chinese
work. however, is in the hands of Rev
Frank Damon. Miss Whiteman is al
the reading room every night, wher,
she teaches English to ambitious Chi
nese, assists others in spelling ant
reading the English texts, and does
much for the frequenters of the read
ing room in a religious way. On Sat
urday evening religious services arr
held which are usually attended by {
large number of Chinese, although
Japanese are now and then to b,
found in the audience. Services ar,
also held on Sunday afternoons.
Miss Whiteman is greatly interested
in her work among the various races
that frequent the library. The veries
heather is as welcome there as thu
one who has accepted the word of God
, Chinese who have become educated
and ChristianiZed are valuable assist
ants, and do much to bring heather
Chinese under the Christian banner.
L