The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-03-11

For many years tho question OF estab-
fishing public library in Richmond has
boen discussed. and then, after an inter
buried for another interval, and then
revived again, to again sink into pro-
found sleep. This question Is up again.
and we hope Is up TO stay. Tho friends
OF enlightenment and culture. and the
educatlonalists and philosophical men
and women OF this community should not
let It fall on sleep" again. but should
sit up with the movement and forward 1t
Until Richmond has Il fine library that Is
commensurate with her reputation, her
progress and her needs.
Viewing this important matter from
this starting point, the first question that
arises in the mind of the thinking man
who has not given the subject careful
thought and investigation s: why should
Richmond have a library?"
The contentious md conclusive reply
to this inquiry would be: Because she
needs onei And, again. We might reply:
Because all great and growing cities
have fine public libraries, and IL Rich
mond Is to hold her own with them. she
must do as they do and have an excellent
public library.
But while these answers to tho query
should be conclusive, yet 1t behooves
all who advocate a thlng-an institution,
a plan, n movement, or what MOTTO give
reasons for what they advocate. Reasons
have been given In other cities for the
establishment of public libraries. and
they have proven convincing and con-
uuering reasons, and have Won their
battles In the arena of enlightenment
culture and education. and magnificent
libraries are the results and victories of
their struggles. Why shall not reasons,
plainly given and strongly urged, win In
Richmond' We see no obstacle In the
way. unless prejudice and false economy
prevail. Shall they be allowed by the
intelligent, the broad minded and tho
progressive people of this community to
prevail? We should, without fear OF
successful contradiction. be prepared to
say: "No!" But from some intinatons
from the past experiences of the promoters
of a great library for Richmond. we are
afraid that the men who really are able
to carry through this splendid plan for
the educational uplift and cultivation OF.
the people and this glorious city, will
stand by and let men who claim TO he
true economists and the benefactors of
the public lull all efforts and movements
for a public library In Richmond to sleep
again. We would have the friends of
education, of progress, of culture. and of
the spirit, activity and influence of this
powerful city arouse themselves and
carry this movement forward to the VIC
| torious establishment and full equipment
| of magnificent public library in this
| city.
| And why do we urge them to do this.
! TO present all the seasons which crowd
upon the mind, in support OF this propo-
siton would require greater space than
We can ask at this time, but we can
offer some of the most potent reasons
that should convince the minds and en-
list the hearts of the people.
l. No great city can be complete and
sound in it's municipal life and USE
fulness without fine public library.
1t may have great buildings, fine streets,
excellent schools, splendid sewers, but
without a great library, open to its cit
izens. 1t can never lie a great city, in the
true sense of the word, because 1t VIII
lack what Is one of the most essential
elements OF civic greatness.
.. A great public library is one Of the
foremost potcntialities in the education
and enlightenment OF people. The edu-
cation we get In the schools--even the hest
schools-is very limited, very technical,
as far as 1t goes, and 1t does not go very
far; and in the nature of things cannot
80 very IaT. IniS euuCatIO1l Is Dut an
introduction into real education, which
must be acquired by the student after
he leaves school, 1t matters not whether
he acquires 1t at n public school, at an
academy, or college. unless the student.
at higher seats of learning, specializes
his studies and work. and acquires a
special training equipment. and learn
| ing education. If he does not get this
specialized training equipment and learn
ing in some school. academy or college,
or perchance. workshop, training school.
| or professional studio or Office, he must
acquire the same by his own eXertIons
iE library or from library opened
and FREQ to him. or one to which he
has access by tho grace and favor of It's
owner. He Is hound to have books to
fit himself for hts spedial work--it mat
tesr not what It may DO end. unless he
can get them in or from n public library,
he must get them by his own means.
or the Kindness OF n friend. or not get
them at all. The last alternative has
driven many genius from the sphere
OF his greatness and fitness for LOFTY