The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-11-05
The State Library as Public
Institution.

There are few first class libraries in tho
South. and none too many people who feel
the need of them. large publishing house
e not long since gave out the statement that
our section receives only ono book out OF
every hundred printed. II this be true. It
would seem that any one who is instrumental
In getting our people to read is nothing less
than q public bencfactor. a@
But while we are not a hook-oving people.
there Is a growing class among US who do
buy and read the best literature. The coll
leges are turning out number of men who
continue their habits of study through NE In
book lovers are forming. And there Is the
still smaller number OF men, whom the world
calls theorists, who must have libraries
many Vlrginians go to Washington to consult
authorities to be found only In the Library In
Consress--some actually go to Boston, or Mad
history
The new State Librarian, Mr.. John P.
Kennedy, who has been with US only about
one year realizes fully these needs and he has
already done much to meet them. Tho In.
vcs,iEator who REQUIRES dozens. OF books and
only welcome In the library. but is provided
with desk and locker for writing and keeping
lis papers; the library is made as scrvice-
able to him as If It were his private pos
session. The public official CT thoughtful citi-.
zen finds an equally hearty welcome: and the
general public Is cordially invited TO make
FREQ use OF tho States treaaurcs. And 30
general has been the response to Librarian
Kennedy's efforts that the general reading
room lH not only always, well attended during
the day, but is full at night until 10 O'clock.
This Is an Improvement which means much
for Virginia.
rangements for n hundred and thirty travel
ing libraries similar to those which have done
SO much service in New York state. Any
College or reading club In tho State may ap-
ply to the State Library and get a large
number Of good books short rotlce. And
what makes this feature eect,Se 1--we, I, the
free of freight charges. This is step In
advance OF anything yet done In the library
world
And to add even moro TO this list Of SER
vtcss which the library is doing for the
public Mr.. Kennedy has brought the State
Library Of Congress so that responsible stu.
dents may borrow books from the National
Library. How much this mems can be mp
preciattd only by those who know what an Inn
I,ortant institution the Library OF Congress
This work has not been accomplished with
out great effort Tho librarian has gone Into
tho stack rooms With coat off and selected
and classified his newspapers and magazines
GINA actually has fine collection, The Gaia
loguing Is still going on. while new books
come in every day.
The Library has become n public inst!tu-
ton: It Is now incomparably the best be-
tween Richmond and New Orleans. II con-
tains. very, valuable manuscripts and great
Every Vireinlan ought to be proud Of IT,
Not large appropriations has thus far been
| called for; Dnt, mo people ouPnl 10 EVe Ireciy
10 this purpose at an early date. Such an M
proprlatIon VIII DO paying investment. 1t
! VIII help men TO write our history to be-
come hettcr educated, truer citizens and bet
| ter Yirginlans
The writer has been frequent reader in
| The Library for several years and he feels
that II is but duo the librarian, as well as the
! public to cal attention to The Advantages
| we now lave and To- EXPRESS his thanks ns n
/ rrudrnt and teacher for the opportunities now
within reach Thanks are also due tho new
! Library board