The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1914-03-27
LIBRARY WORKERS
MUCH ENCOURAGED
Finance Committee to Act When
1t Gets Map Showing Street
Lines in Campus.
INTERVIEW WITH MEREDITH
Satisfied That Council Will In
dorsc Plan Long Urged
by the Public.
INTERVIEW WITH MEREDITH

The action of the Council Commit
tee on Finance in delaying action on
an appropriation for Il public library.
II was explained yesterday; does not
ne proposition. The matter was CON
iinucd because of the fact that the
committee did not have before it GER
tam drawings and maps setting out
me lines OF new streets through the
klch'nrnd college property. There was
no expression OF opinion adverse 10
the project. and il is thought that
when the proper lines can he laid out
there is every prospect that the city
VIII secure library building free OF
The city has been asked to appro-
pirate the sum OF $4,000 for the
library site. the actual cost per square
Same at which other lots in that tract
have been sold. The Jcter Memorial
pie as a gift, and experts have Inquired
that II can be put in excellent shape
Tor few thousand dollars.
No Loss Purchase.
Tho argument has also been adj
vanccd tina, by buying the property
the city will be making profitable
Investment. In the event that the
library is subsequently moved, as tho
value within the next five years. The
library matter, long a burning issue
In Richmond, was sent ON TO the Eli
nance Committee With the approval OF
The Committee on Public Utilities If
approved, the proper ordinance will he
prepared By City Attorney Pollard for
presentation TO the two branches OF
Council.
Little objection has developed in the
Council. except on the ground that
The location is too far west, bat the
library workers have answered this
with The stationery that branches will
Is established in South Richmond and
on Church Hill. thus serving tho en-
tn" community.
Wyndham Il. Meredith. one of tho
said yesterday that he was quite hope
iul that the measure would be an
proved, and that the long -chcrisiad
desire Of the people would he a reality
Hopeful Now of Success.
The question of :. public library
has been Endorsed by ia. Chamber Of
commerce. the Business Mems Club
ana by every phianthropic and social
serNic" orScnization in Richmond 10
my mind tho strongest speech in its
favo" was made by President Dawson.
q. the state Federation OF Labor H.,
took the ground that as this was TO
be library, FOR the people It should
Htip 81 Mi. carnegie. We are work
lux along that line ana we have as
Su';s"Ges OF contributions amounting
te fully $4,000 from friends who are
aLlr 10 help, and who rcattXe the inn
!" rtance OF the project. Since this
mater was FIRST discussed and pub
editorials in. many Of the leading
nntWSpapcrs in New England and the
-li'iuie est which seemed To h.,
astounded by the fact that a city of
lAchmond's business Importance and
lniclliScnce was without a public
iibrarE. They took IL for granted that
Ia u city noted for its literary attain
usnts and culture VIC We're bountifully
supplied. Unfortunately, and unhap-
ply ! might say, We are not, but we
ar" about 10 win a long fight because
the authorities sec that We need il and
want il.
What other cities DO.
Il. I Il
before the Council committee the news
papers have quoted me as saying that
or al the, american cities in the
100000 population class, Richmond was
inc only one without - public library.
ihat IS what l SAID, but | said even
more. fer called attention niso in
luirtY-:iTc cities in the 100, 600 class
i;lchmond was the only one without Il
library. and that Richmond stood sixth
- that class in the matter OF wealth
twelve Of these cities appropriate 100
per cent more than Richmond Tor pllb-
nc schools Louisville. Ky. appropii-
.tt'S S'I.""o year for it's pullic II
brary. and Atlanta appropriatcs S35.-
"uV when We get these points clear in
Our minds II iS not difficult 10 see that
We have neglected our opportunity 100
long. but am happy TO state that TO
day the matter is more favorably con-
s:dcrcd by members of the city Coun-
willingness TO make the start.
w" have asked the city for slIO,-
900 Tor something which is tangible,
ana which VIII increase In value from
Year To year; We will want about 500
J"e Il year for maintenance: we expect
20 raise $4,000 from the public to
equip the library. That Is not much.
c0nSid"rlng the great number of pco-
pie II Will serve | do net believe there
Is any serious objection on the rround
that the location Is too far west. You
r"incn,hcr how many people signed a
petition for a Union PASSENGER Statinn
on the hermitage Club site, half Il
mil" further west. BESIDES win
branches in South Hichmond and Church
I'M, we hope TO be within reach of
everybody"