Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1901-10-03

Il OHtE-LuOTOukHlN
in keeping with the donors lifelong pub
lie spirit and interest in the welfare OF
Randolph-will be accepted, the HERALD
firmly believes. To treat it otherwise
would be to forfeit all reputation for
sound judgment and self-concern, as well
as courtesy itself
The offer will be left open long enough
to afford a fair opportunity for action.
II not then accepted, it will be withdrawn.
One OF the urgent needs of our town is a
suitable building for the accommodation
of our public library. We have a good
library started, and among our various
institutions none is more highly appreci-
ated for the good it is doing in this COM
munity The town and village have both
contributed quite generously to its main
tenance. To the books purchased with
state aid. a large number were added
when the Ladies library was united three
years ago, and other choice reading matter
has been added from time to time, with
the funds at disposal There are in all
about 1908 volumes, most OF them IN
good condition and covering wide range.
The library has quarters in the Dubois a
Gay block. These rooms are suitable for
the exchange Of books, but that is all.
There is no reading room in connection,
and books can be exchanged only two af-
ternoons in the week, when the rooms are
open. Il is perfectly plain that best re-
suits cannot be attained in this way. A
town OF the size and Importance of Ran
dolph should have a building constructed
for library purposes, where the books,
magazines and papers can not only be ex-
changed for home reading, but can be
read IN the building itself An attractive,
convenient building of this kind will
stimulate an interest in the library that
nothing else will. Young and old VIII
find il profitable place to spend an hour
or an evening, when many would not be
to the trouble of taking out books for the
home. A public library building Is Just
as essential as the library itself. This town
could well consider the matter OF erecting
one at its own expense. II ought not to
hesitate moment in accepting the gift OF
one from one OF its own citizens, practieal-
ly unhedged by conditions.
Col. Kimball offers to give $4,000 for
library building, the only requirements
being that a suitable location shall be
furnished and plans satisfactory to him be
drawn. He does not ask the town or any
one to do any more or bear any part OF the
cost The HERALD learns that II is his
preference that no public hall or other
features be united with the proposed
library, though the plans might include
room to serve for receptions, as is custom
ary in some public libraries. The sum
named would build a handsome struc-
ture-of brick, proba bly,, well finished in
side-something that Randolph would be
proud of. As to location, but one spot
seems available, and that appears we'll
suited i'm every way. 1t is in the school
house yard, near the corner of Main ana
School streets. Here is plenty of room;
the site would require little preparations
the surroundings are pleasant and quiet
the building would be easily accessible
and especially convenient to scholars.
We can see no possible objection to this
site, and we learn that it is acceptable TO
Col. Kimball and the committee be names.
The land is owned by the Graded school
district, and could be conveyed to the
town for the purpose. Ii should be done
without delay, at a special district meet
ing promptly warned. Then the town
should act on the proposition OF Col.
Kimball. and il cannot fail to be hearty
and cheerful acceptance.
Col. Kimball imposes no conditions on
the town as to the sum to be devoted yearly
Ia the care and maintenance OF the
building. and is willing to leave that TO
the town itself, confident that ii will not
permit such a valuable acquisition, freely
given. 10 run down. There is fund OF
about $1,000 from the Crocker estate
available for library purposes, under the
control of the Board of Library Trustees.
The construction of the building would
give employment to many workmen.
Every hand up for Robert J. Kimball
and his gift OF 10000 public libraryl