Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1914-01-16
Canton Library Formally Opened.

CdntOH LlDIdiy oiIiohJ OPShSN
On Wednesday evening at the Luth-
eran church a large gathering OF our
citizens assembled to witness the
formal transfer of the Canton Public
Library by the building committee to
Mayor Tank as representative OF the
City OF Canton. The librarian, Mrs.
o. S. Clifford, had arranged a splendid
program for the occasion which was
carried out with few changes made
necessary by illness or unavoidable
absence Of those expected to be pres
emit. Mrs. Clifford had the entire
matter In charge and proved herself
as she always has, mistress OF the oc-
casiop. Mrs. Clifford as an inspiror
and leader has few equals. Like a
great general she draws others unto
her. AS a teacher she lighted h
way for scholars to walk in and they
found the tree OF knowledge under
her guidance. She has been an en-
thusfaSt ever since h library propo-
sition has been before our people and
given more thought and timent to 1t
than anyone else. No wonder II was
with a feeling of pride she stood be-
fore her fellow townsmen and pro-
nounced the building completed, the
shelves reasonably well filled with
books and the doors open to all who
cared to enter in. Throughout h
entire exercises, introducing each
speaker she spoke just the right
words in the most appropriate man.
ner and won for herself new laurels. p
The exercises opened with an organ
| voluntary by Mrs. A. R. Isakson, fol-
lowed by Invocation by Prof. Nor
gard, then a vocal solo by Miss Sogn.
The high school chorus sang a sweet
lullaby and Melvin Juel delighted all
by his solo and there were other aus
ical numbers o
The address of the evening was by
Miss Lilly NJ. E. Borresen, State
Field Librarian, who has been In
Canton for several days assisting Mrs.
Clifford in properly arranging and
classifying the library books. Miss
BorTeso1 is an educated, up-to-date
librarian and her talk was along lines
of information needed by everyone
present. She is a clear, concise speak
er. and while she presented many
statistics she did it in a way that all
could remember. 1t was a revelation
to most Of US this wonderful library
work. Prof. Graham spoke of u re-
lations OF the public school to the H.
hrary and If all who heard him would
heed to what h, said there would be
less trashy literature read in Canton.
BY what you read as much as by your
associates is your character formed.
A person IS no bigger than the books
they read.
Prof. Tuve spoke of the friendly re-
lation between the college and the IL
brary and paid high compliments to
our city, its citizens and u homes.
| Next Hon. Thomas ThOrson, as chair
man of the building committee, in a
few we'll chosen words formally pre-
sented the completed building to
| Mayor Tank, who accepted the same
In his most graceful manner, express
ing his pride and pleasure that it was
his honor to represent our people on
this occasion. All we're requested to
stand and join in singing America
after which Rev. Thurston pronounc-
ed a benediction.
Now the Canton Public Library is
open. 1t is yours, it is mine. 1t be-
longs TO everyone, old ano young who
will avail themselves of it's wonderful
privileges. May it prove a greater
blessingfthan those who have labored
long and faithfully for its completion
have ever dreamed.
And while enjoying it's benefits,
might it not be well 10 remember
that TO secure a Carnegie Library
there must first be a lot owned by
the city. on which to build 1T. And
| in this case Hon. Thomas Inorson
came to the fore and presented the
city of Canton with the valuable lot
on which our beautiful library nov
stands. His name will always be as
! ISOLATED with this enterprise, and we
hope a proper memorial will be placed
| somewhere therein that future gen.
| erations may read and know.