Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1913-05-15

pulpit was chained so that no one might
carry it away.
"Aii these riches of which we have been
speaking are open to the people. to every
one, to all of us and so ! say that the
public library building. with its con-
tents, is a mile post of civilization show
ing how far we have come, and ais Civ
ing US courage and confidence for the
way that is yet before us.
We believe that there Is "A perfect life
for humanity toward which our race Is
steadily marching. You and | may not
see it, The progress that we make to-
ward it will be very small. but to-day,
gathered here with these records of hui
man experience around u.s. with this
building for this community and all other
similar buildings for other communities.
all people working tog, her for their
common good. assure us confidently thai
We are moving not simply on
ward but upward. How many
more mile posts arc before us
am not prophet enough to tell. any
more than | can measure the space passed
over, but | rejoice with you friends that
we are making progress. And I rejoice
with YOU especially here in TINS commu-
nifty that you have this means OF progress
in your possession. and | am sure that as
the boys and girls come here, many OF
them without experience of our life in
this country in the past. this building
will be to them a mile post and guide post
and help. May such prove to be the
case"
DESCRIPTION OF BUILDING.
The structure lacks for nothing in the
way of modern conveniences Built of
Roman face brick with marble stills and
water tables, 1T is set on a terraced emin-
ence overlooking Otter creek and sur
rounded by giant shade trees. on enter
ing the building YOU are at oncc Impress
ed with the appropriateness of the color
effects The woodwork is dark, with
wainscoting of burlap; the walls are a
sunshine tint. while the ceiling is of a
still lighter shade. This combined with
the bronze fixtures and desk lamps and
the furniture, which was designed es.
pecialv for the use of the library. gives
the interior a subdued and restful ap-
pearance.
The central portion of the first floor is
| to be known as the general book room,
Here, beside the main entrance, is a
bronze tablet INSCRIBED as follows:
I This building is erected In memory of
| Arabella Proctor Holden"
Turning to the left you come into the
general reading room which is to be sup
piled with the standard magazines ana
newspapers while on beyond is a re-
search room we'll equipped with reference
books At the right, in front Of the IL
! brarian office. a large room has been re-
served for the children. This, as well
as the general reading room, gains added
attraCtivencSs from its large red brick
| fireplace.
The basement contains a commodious
meetings and other social gatherings as
well as for the children's story hour. Con-
ncCtcd with this is a work room supplied
with range and hot and cold water; q
fumigating closet where books may be
freed from the germs of disease; and an
unpacking room which is furnished with
a lift for conveying the books to the up
provision has been made for all depart
mcnts Of the work,
Books in the library February 1 num-
bcrcd S,130, with a circulation for tiie.
year of 1852; 5,99 chldren's books and
La printed in foreign languages. Sew
era hundred dollars worth Of reference
work and illustrated editions have re-
ment and with space on the shelves for
5000 volumes, the usefulness Of the Ii
brary is bound to increase