The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-06-05
The Carnegie Library.

Editor Of The Times:
Sir,-Having received, through the
kindness of the librarian. the third an
nual report of the Carnegie Library of
Atlanta, Ga, and being interested in the
similar institution in richmond, I have
found it very interesting document,
and containing some points winch :.
would be well for the citizens of Rich
mond to know, feeling assured that a
knowledge of them would be cons
plete answer to few objections which
have been raised in some quarters against
Mr.. Carnegie's generous gift and I,
therefore, desire, with your permission,
to present a few of these through the
medium of your valued columns.
The city's needs in the way of i'm
provements in its cry for pure water,
better streets, etc, have been made
strong points with the DIRECTORS; and it
is true no doubt that there are many
directions In which improvements are
needed; but it may also be salu that in
the life of all large cities there are al
ways big schemes for betterment wait
ing for development, and with these ac-
complished, there will be others sure to
turn up ard present themselves as being
worthy of adoption; but = the lesser inn
provements are to be set aside or re-
fused, however desirable, until the larger
are attained, it is more than likely that
the tide which is to bring them at con-
venience will never reach its floou.
Meanwhile the temper that would refuse
desirable things even when presented in
kindly gifts, seems much like that of .-.e
naughty boys explosion of ill-nature,
who rejects a good thing because he
cannot have all he wants at once! It
is surely the better wisdom to seize
every opportunity to place within the
reach of the community every institu-
ton the influence of which is towards a
higher civilization and refinement; and
Richmond no doubt needs as much as
any. of her civic rivals. and she is also,
I dare say. as evidenced by her growing
commercial Importance and increasing
wealth, quite as able as her neighbors to
provide all in time, so that it appears to
be narrow and short-signted course to
stand in the way, of the erection of so
useful an institution as a public library,
especially when it can be acquired in
handsome and efficient proportions at
comparatively small cost.
When Mr.. Carnegie was solicited to
give to Richmond library building, 1T
was naturally expected that his gener-
Gus response would meet with hearty
acceptance. Considering the gift Itself
and the privileges it Will convey. 1t can
NOT be said that the conditions he has
appended are unreasonably onerous. He
has said it is pleasure for him to help
those who evince a desire to improve
themselves; and it shows a shreWd wis
dom that he should stipulate that the
community to whom he gives building
should do something on their part. by
providing a site and sum sufficient for
the proper maintenance of the library,
to show that they appreciate good thing
when placed within their reach.
Though the opposition which has
,ound expression against the Library can
NOT be said to be either strong or fnfiu-
entail, yet it is misfortune that it
should exist in any degree. and presents
= contrast to the hearty help given by the
citizens of Atlanta towards a like insti-
tuition. That city had been possessed 81
.. fine Library for many years. and the
Young Men s Library Association had &C
cumulated. in buildings and books. prop
#erty to the value Of about 100000; but
when Mr.. Carnegie made his generous
offer, they did not hesitate also to make
gift Of their established institution for
the free use Of their fellow citizens.
Gifts are also coming In from private
@donors.s1, 23S volumes having been sent
|. to it during the past year, and though 4 s