The Washington times., 1914-03-17
TAKOMA CITIZENS
ASSA|L CONGRESS
legislators Failure to Provide
Funds CUrtaiIs Work Of
Branch Library.

AssailinS the failure IF Congress TO
appropriate 81. 600 annually for the main
renance of the Takoma Park Branch Ii
hrary. as a practical breach of faith,
the Takoma Park Citizens Association
last night adopted resolutions calling at
tentior 10 the fact that lack Of funds
seriously hampers the work oF the in
stitutfon, and that when Congress had
authorized the acceptance Of the build
ing ii had promised TO appro oriate annu-
ally 10 per cent of the cost of the struc-
lure for its maintenance. that provision
being contained in the District bill.
The resolutions point out that this Is
not being done. and that, in conse-
quence. the library at Takoma Park is
being kept open only a part Of the day,
from to 3 D. m. on Mondays, We'd
nesdays and Saturdays, and from 10 a.
'n. to p. m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays.
and Fridays. These hours are proving
inadequate for the needs of the COM
mun1ty. according to members of the
citizens association.
II Mr. Carnegie desired. it was point
ed out last night, the building could be
taken back on the ground that there
It's donation. William Stuart introduced
he resolution and spoke in protest to
the violation o. the 10 per cent rule.
Points Out Need.
The resolutions were introduced as a
result of the receipt by the association
Of letter from George +. Bowerman,
librarian Of the Public Library. in which
Mr. BowerTnan. in response to a united
effort on the part of Takoma Park resi-
dents TO have better hours. pointed out
the absolute need for increased funds.
Mr.. Bowerman said: For the first
June CO. 1912, we had an appropriation
Tor the purchase of books, 1000. and
another for maintenance, $500. The
la'ter was spent almost entirely for
services. heating and lighting, and sup
plies II was difficult TO pay fair sal
aries, to meet other running expenses
and enable us TO keep open daily at
hours most convenient TO the citizens
Of the suburb. For the second year
our estimates called for 5000 for all
expenses.
Had this sum been granted. it would
nave enabled US 10 continue the service
as 1t had been begun, and to strengthen
the book collection, etc. For the fiscal
year 1913 but two library workers and a
janitor the branch librarian at a re-
appropriation. For the fiscal year 1918,
three library workers and q janitor
were provided in the appropriation and
tnls same provision is carried in the
1915 bill
No Provision Made.
However, no separate provision
whatever was made in 1915 or 1914. or in
the 1915 bill for fuel. lighting or any
Of the running expenses OF the branch,
in spite or the fact that the contin-
gent fund for the main library had not
been increased in five years. and had
been, and is inadequate for the rapidly
growing needs of the main organiza-
ucn and the central building.
IN. the second and SUBSEQUENT years
the mana cement of the library has been
obliged to maintain second building
out of fund that las become made
uuate for the maintenance of the CEN
trai building If we were to open the
Takoma branch fun hours we would
lace the probability of being obliged
10 close both the Takoma branch and
me central library as vel for month
or two each year
Mr.. Bowerman stated that in order
10 enable the management of the Ii
brary to open the branch every week
day until 9 p. M after April J. the sum
"f $3.50. in addition 10 the appropriation
would be needed. He stated that if the
citizens of Takoma Park would sub
mend to the Commissioners and to the
board of managers of the lihrar ~ that
the amount be accepted
The resolutions of protest Will be
sent to the Commissioners and to the
District Committees of both branches
of Congress.
The service on the BrightWood line
was again attacked at the meeting last
night, but no action was taken The
letter carriers on duty AT Takoma were
commended.
Thomas Jackson. z. 5. Cyphcrs.
Thomas !. Morgan. NJ. L. Morgan. J.
W Shade. ind l.. ". James We're
elected to membership in the assncia-
ion. 4 vote Of thanks was extended TO
nose assisting in The Washington's
Birthday celebration. on motion of
Major ID. s Fletcher.
President D. y. Shoemaker presided.
and B. r Linton wes secretary of the
meeting.