The daily tribune., 1909-03-15
COMMUNICATED.
Editor Tribune


tions to the Library board and patrons
whom they represent, upon the ad-
visibility of moving the Library
from its present location ard trans.
forming it into an ali-round general
utility station.
The people of Florence having 60
far charitably maintained the Lib.
rsry, to whom else should be due any
future benefit accruing from its ex-
istence? Are not the purposes Of
public Library absolutely incom-
patible with those of rest room
which, of necessity, must serve as
lunch parlor, day nursery and store
room. not to mention It's use for an
all round club room for young people,
as advertised In placards about town
Is the library fitting place for the
entertainment of young folks, either
day or night, when not engaged in
literary pursuits, and would not their
own homes or those of their friends
be more fitting. even though the
ordinary purpose of the Library be
diverted into that of rest room2
There can be no doubt but that a
library and rest room located as
contemplated on Main street would
be generously patronized by the
young. because of the very fact Of
its location, and the excellent OK
cuse it would afford. But how
many patrons would choose to spend
quiet p evening reading there
under those conditions?
Is it not most unusual idea, that
a Library should be located in the
business heart Of town?
Unless hampered by unavoidable
conditions.i is 1t not usual to secure az
quiet a location as possible, which Is
yet within reasonable distance from
the extreme limits of the town? This
object could not possibly be served
by moving the Library to the place
now in contemplation, which is the
untraversable distance of one block
from its present location, and which
possesses neither the advantages of
light, air nor seclusion the present
location affords.
Would the people Of Florence have
so literally patronized the Kirmess
had they thought the money would be
expended for any other purpose than
for the purchase of books? 1t Is not
be supposed that the gentleman, who
contributed $25 to the Kermess either
got OF supposed he WAS getting that
amount of entertainment out of the
Kirmess, excellent though it was.
Have not people right to begin to
expect to get value received for wha
they have put into the Library, and
If we can t get It in reading material,
in what other possible way can we
secure it? 1t would really make
most of us tired taking it all out in
rest.
Are the patrons of the Library
aware OF the fact that the rent pal d
to District No. is only s5 Per
month. and that upon request of the
Civic Improvement league that
amount is paid over to that organ
ization to be expended by them
Also that the Library formerly paid
fifteen and twenty dollars per month
or location in no way comparable to
the present one?
Even could more desirable place
be secured in the heart Of the town,
would not patrons prefer tl5 worth of
books each month. to &i5 worth of
looationy
AT least ten books could be secured
each month for that amount, or 1870
year.
Aside from the extra expense for
rental In case Of removal. there still
remain. the cost Of moving, furnish.
ings, etc. and tho extra remuneration
for u Librarian who would include
with her other duties. that Of gen.
eral caretaker Of day bostelry Of