The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-03-21
DISCUSSION OF
LIBRARY SITE

To the Editor of The Age Herald:
We have read Mr.. Gilliam's letter in
The Age-Herald of Saturday morning on
the subject of the location of the Cox
property, as lot for the public library
and also the editorial comments on the
same. I think that at first glance the
position taken may seem to have consid-
cradle strength, but that possibly Sec
ond look may reveal advantages to offset
the disadvantages claimed.
Before entering into a discussion of the
matter. however. let us all resolve that
everything shall be conducted on the lines
of everyone for Birmingham and not
from the standpoint of Highlanders, north
or SOUTH East Enders or West Enders
but as all Birminghamites, "Citizens of
goody. city," and pulling for library
no matter where situated, so that Bir-
mingham's interests, industrial and intel
lectual, may be forwarded.
Now, the Cox property referred to
fronts 100 feet on Twentieth street. the
main artery of-~our city, and runs 400
feet to Nineteenth street; is bounded on
one side by a street and on the other
by 2o-foot alley. This will SO isolate
the library building from surrounding
buildings as to forever insure it light and
air on all sides and reduce the danger
from fire to o minimum. A moments
thought will be sufficient to impress on
the minds of all the immense advantage
of this condition Light and air are es-
sential LOSS by fire of such collection
as will be finally housed in the library
would be irrepara BILE The size of this
| lot, 1900 square feet, in one block would
allow for the library building and leave
sufficient grounds for beautiful park
treatment, which would be a present de-
light and which in future years could be
used for the addition to building now to
be erected, OF other buildings devoted
to an art gallery, museum and kindred
purposes. Don't let us forget that Biz
minsham is to be a great city and that
in the near future she is going to want
and is going to have, all the equipment
for making a city attractive to everyone
living here OF seeking a home here, and
why not provide, while we can, for what
we know will be needed.
The idea of the library people is that
the building now contemplated will be
the main library, reservoir from which
shall be served in the course of time.
branch libraries. library stations in the
business and industrial centers. reading
and study circles in the homes of the
people and In every way providing the
greatest good for the greatest number OF
Birmin9ham's citizens. This is the mod
ern library ideal. In this building would
be hall, auditorium OF lecture room
in which meetings of various societies
in the city could be held, small con-
ventions be handled. and popular lecture
courses be provided. 1t is hoped, too
that it would become the depository OF
the libraries Of the medical society, en-
cheering society and Of other organiza-
lions having special libraries. but requir-
ing the assistance often of the broader
scope offered by the up-to-date public
library.
Now, as to the price of the property
| There are in this plot $4,000 square feet
which makes the cost per square foot only
6s cents. 1t 10 believed that nowhere
else In this city can such block oil
property be secured at such a price thai
will possess the advantages of this one
with anything like its accessibility to thu
same number of people. It Is served by
the North and South Highlands line
which practically runs the whole length
of Twentieth street, through the Nortl
Highlands, reaching at the north enc
Acipco, and at the other end connecting
by the car line In process of construc
ton with the over-the-mountain terri
tory The Twentieth street and Avenue
B Loop lines, serving very large ter
ritory. pass the property. as do also Thu