The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1903-07-03
THE LIBR AIRY SITE.
Where it Should Be Located and

there has been considerable discus
sion as to the most desirable site all
things considered. While there is a
difference of opinion there is none so
strong existing with any one that
they will not assist in the securing
the building, should the site selected
not be exactly as they want it.
! There is unanimity of desire on
! the part Of all of our citizens to
secure the library, the same senti-
ment exists that the location be Sc
cured ""."|
A public library is for every
citizen Of the place including the
school. but the school cannot ad-
vantaeeously have all of its refer
ence books in library located out
side Of the school building because
some of them are too frequently
needed, besides this they would in
serest no one except the scholars,
therefore the reference books should
be kept within the school building
consequently it is not essential that
the library should be located near
the school building.
A public library should contain a
large commodious reading room
equipped with tables chairs etc,
that people could go there and read
periodicals that could not be taken.
away from the library. A rea ding
room, it properly arranged and
equipped, would attract the atten-
ton Of young men during their
| leisure hours or even for a short
time. 1t is the desire of all young
men, to have some quiet place.
where. they can 60 and read some
interesting literature that best suits
their taste or fancy. While they
might not spend all their time there
| for every person enjoys a diversion.
yet theS would have place, and
they would not be compelled to loaf
around where they were not in
clined to. II we see young mel
where they should not be, it is NOT
always because they are inclined to
resort to such places or habits, more
usually because there is no other
place for them or nothing better
for them to do. All young men do
not loiter in public places because
they are SO inclined. Those who
are not inclined to waste their time
in useless and non-elevating pass
times or pleasures would necessarily
have a good influence on those who
have an inclination, and one Of the
chief attractions for anyone is a
resort nearest at hand, no matter
of what character, good or bad,
therefore in selecting a location for
site where most convenient for all
interested and classes, rhis question
is paramount to all others. The
next important question is the funds.
In our judgement the library should
be located On 10th street just as near
the business portion as possible.
There is another reason for this in
addition to the above. Ali Of our
citizens, without exception, some
time during the week, if not every
day, go to the postoffice or shopping
district and the library If on 10th
street, would be on their way to Or
from these points, not far out Of
their way at least but quita. con-
venient. This question is an i'm
portant one to all. In all large
cities, it is almost the invaria Bile
practice of those who use library
to call there while making one of the
above mentioned trips. We know BY
experience and investigation that
this is the case. The site for q
library is not like that of a school,
because a school needs a quiet place
to permit the scholars to persue
their studies without outside
attractions to divert their attention.
A school also requires place where
it is quiet therefore it is better to be
located some distance from the bust
ness district. A library building
located on 10th street, would APP
pear to better advantage to the
transient people. as this street il
one of our best and more used by
people passing drought town than
any other street. Strangers seeing
an imposing structure could not