The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-02

There is DO more important question be- fore the American public today than that of the public library and its benefits. Nothing testifies more clearly to the cul- ture and taste of community than the interest manifested in its libraries and it's schools, and a community progresses Intellectually just in proportion as it ap- preciates the vast amount of good which the masses, as well as classes, derive from good libraries and excellent schools.
 The dedication of the public library at Avondale yesterday afternoon, with im- pressive ceremonies, marked an epoch in the history of this community which is of two-fold importancet first, that the Avondale library is the first public li- brary building in the community, and secondly, that the plan suggested for sup plying it with books is absolutely orig inal, and is the product of the brain of one of Birmingham's most honored cit- izens.
 The women of the various towns which will soon be merged into Greater Bir- mingham are interested in this foundation library so to speak, for It opens the way for others to follow. Their enthusiasm in regard to MT. Carneges gift and the responsibility of meeting his require ments, has done much towards securing the building, and has aided the various committees in the work of practically for mulating the plans and ideas which reached perfection in the public eye when the library was dedicated yesterday.
 The building is only the first step, how ever, in the matter of library; its fur nishings, the supply of books and many other things of importance confront one. It will no doubt be of great interest to many to know the plan that has been accepted in regard to the supply of books for this new library. To the cleverness and ingeniousness of Hon. Frank P. O'Bren the idea owes it's existence. It is not only a practical idea, but beautiful one as well, which will no doubt find a response in many loving hearts. fs
 It was during the summer, while at As- bury Park, that Captain OBrien became interested in this plan for the Avondale library, and a letter to MT. Cliff S. Price, the efficient secretary and treasurer de- lineates the idea which is thoroughly novel and which the committee accepted at once The correspondence is as fol- lows:
 Asbury Park, N. J., Aug. 24 1908. MT. cliff S. Price, Avondale. Ala.
 My Dear Cliff--I was delighted to see an illustration and description of your library building recently and to note that 1t was ready for the reception of books.
 I would like to suggest an idea, which if carried out, I believe will aid materially in securing quickly a num- Der of books at no expense to your community or board of trustees. Let it be known that sections will be dedi- cated to reputable people, living or dead, as memorial offerings; said sec tions to consist of not less than 800 nor more than 2000 volumes each, the parties seeking dedications to be given two yeras to complete their donations; that each donor shall furnish and put in each volume a neat label with the name of the section, and that of the donor; with the serial number on said label
 My purpose in suggesting that the sections shall not contain less than 300 nor more than 2000 is to enable parties of small means to have the same privi- lege that those of large means would have that of dedicating a section to some loved one.
 If your board of trustees decide to adopt the idea, I hereby request that you dedicate a section to Margaret F. O'Brien Davis and I will donate 1000 volumes to said section.
 Wishing you and your colleagues success in your effort to stock the first public library established in Birming- ham, I am, your sincere friend,
 FRANK P. O'BRIEN.
 MT. Prices response was this:
 Avondale August 28, 1908. Hon. Frank P. O'Brien. Asbury Park,
 N. J.
 Dear MT. OBrien-Your letter of August 24 to hand and in answer to same will say, immediately on arrival of your letter I called meeting of the book committee and they accepted your proposition and thought the same was very generous of you. The peo- pie of Avondale will always be grate- full to you for same, for we are all in- terested in our library and same will be completed next week. l am very anxious for you to see 1t for l am sure it will meet with your approval.
 I will have the resolution ready for our next meeting which will be Sep tember 9, but the entire board was enx- ious for me to answer your kind letter at once, and express their apprecia- tion.
 I do appreciate your suggestion and