The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-05-10
BEGINS GREAT FIGHT
FOR BIG FREE LIBRARY
Richmond Education Association Starts Move
ment and Pledges It's Hearty Support Mrs
Harris Succeeds Mrs M unford
as President
as President.

That the need OF a free public
library in Richmond is apparent, that
the lack of 1t is looked upon In u
light akin almost TO disgrace, and
mat there are ut least 1000 people
In the city who would be willing 10
give 500 each 10 assure tho founda
ton of this essential educational
factor, was the opinion announced
last night by James d. Crunp, Z,
prominent and influential citizen, at
the annual meeting OF the Richmond
Education Association, held in the
auditorium of the John Marshall High
School. movement to bring about
this needed addition to the cliy's equip
ment was formally launched Numer-
Gus weli-known educators of Rich
mond we're present. including Or III.
H. Mcllwainc. State Librarians: Mrs
T.. {. Minor, OF the State Library; Or.
J. y. 9. Chandler, Superintendent of
Schools, and others each of whom
encouraged the project and promised
aid in the undertaking.
ADOPTS Strong Resolution.
Dr.. George f. Bowermun librarian
OF the Washington Public Library,
was also present, having been Invited
here to tell of the benefits derived
from such all institution us It is hoped
TO eventually establish In Richmond
Mr. Bowerman made an able address.
setting forth what had been accom-
plishe,l by the public library in the
national capital since it was cstnb-
lished thirteen years ago
Following the brief address or Mr
Crump. the association adopted rcso-
luton authorizing the appointment OF
committee of five. which Will 10
ma med later. TO devise ways and means
for securing the much-needed library
for Richmond.
indicating Its position in the matter
the Education Association went on-fc-
cord by adopting tho following rcso.
luton:
Where's there is widespread re-
cognition OF the need OF a free public
iibrary IN the city OF Richmond: ana
Whereas several civic organizations.
the press md many citizens have en-
pressed a desire for such an institution.
together with the opinion that IL is an
opportune time to inauguratc move
ment for the establishment OF public
library In Keeping with tho cduca ttonaI
aud civic progress Of Richmond: there
fore be II
Resolved. That 1t is the sense or
this meeting that the Richmond Edu-
cation Association, in cooperation with
other organizations working for Tie
good of Richmond, lend their energies
addition TO our citys equipment"
Mrs. Munford'r Report.
In view OF past successes and ac-
complishments the association is con
fident that in it's movement for a
library 1t Will be successful what
has been done during the past yenr
was clearly set forth IN the annual
report of Mrs. B. r. Munford, retiring
president of the association.
The report referred TO better school
buildings. movement in which tho
school board. headed by DIR. Chandler,
Joined. and seconded by the Federation
Of Mothers Clubs. Mrs. Muntord de-
clared that the City Council made gen
erous provision FOR the completion or
the Chimborazo School, for the build
ing OF St. Andrews neighborhooa and
for the erection OF three new school
buildings, two for white children and
one for negroes. She said that tins
means a new era in Richmond's prop
er housing of her elementary school
children.
The value OF the school property
here. Mrs. Munford set forth. is sI,305.
4s6. while the value of church property
Is $3,239,Oi0, condition, she asserted.
which should not exist as tho schools
arc used daily and churches weekly.
The report referred to other work
OF the school during the twelve months
Just ended. and in each phase the re.
suits proved highly gratifying. Tho
closing feature of this years work Will
be an art exhibit to be held here from
May 90 until June l, This is under
taken in conjunction with the Rich
mond Art Club, and IL is expected that
a fine line OF water colors. by Miss
Alice Schille. OF Columbus. O.. will DO
hung In the rooms of the art club.
Miss Schille Is an artist of note and
wide reputation. Tho school children
OF the upper grades Will he admitted
free and one afternoon will be rcscrv-
cd for colorcd pupils. 1t has been arr
ranged to have teachers accompany the
children
New Officers Elected.
The new officers OF the association
elected last night were as follows:
Mrs. William Edward Harris. presi-