The bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-01-26
BOOK COLLECTORS EXCHANGE.
ORGANIZED At WASHINGTON
Movement Started to csntrsiixs All
literature Written BY Colorsd People.

So widespread is the interest In Ne
gro books written by members Of the
Negro race that many persons all over
the country are now emulattng the ex.
ample set them by other collectors of
rare books and pamphlets. They are
adding to their collections whenever
possible any books or pamphlets BY
Negro authors. Of which there is 10
fnconsiderable number prior to and att
er the war of rebellion. Many Of these
books have considerable historical and
literary value and are well written
productions, dealing with the various
phases Of the race problem as 1t was
when their authors wrote about or
against It.
-. During the sessions Of the American
Negro academy at Washington recent
" number Of gentlemen met at din
ner at the residence of Professor ]. w.
Cromwell, 1880 Swan street, and Or
ganized the American Negro Book Col
lectors' Exchange. one Of the objects
Of which is to get In touch with Negro
book collectors throughout this coun-
try, Africa, the West Indies. South
America and Europe for the exchange
Of duplicate copies of any rare book
or pamphlet by Negro author and to
compile Us complete list Of titles and
authors as possible.
After considerable discussion Of the
matter John E. Bruce of New York
moved to proceed with organizing the
Negro Book Collectors Exchange. The
motion was duly seconded, with the
result that Henry P. Slaughter or
Washington, who owns one of the larg-
est and finest collections Of rare books
by and about the Negro race In the
District Of Columbia, was unanimous
Iy elected president; Professor John w.
Cromwell, District of Columbia, vice
president; A. A. Schomburg OF BROOK
Ign secretary treasurer. Rev. Charles
Douglass Martin of New York city,
who has about 1000 volumes, was
elected librarian. Daniel Murray. Esq.
assistant librarian Of congress, was
elected registrar. and John E. Bruce
of New York city publicity agent.
Book collectors among the white peo-
pie all over the country are buying
these old books written by Negro au-
thors, no matter how insignificant they
are in size and matter. Some day they
will be valuable helps in the writing OF
the history Of the Negro in America.
Individual citizens having old books
and pamphlets by race authors will
perform a patriotic duty by sending
the names of the authors, titles of
their works, year Of publication and
names Of publishers to the secretary
Of the exchange, 1854 Van Buren, street,
Brooklyn, N. Y. .-..
Daniel Murray Of the Library Of Con-
gress is now classifying and reminding
all books now in his section Of the
library which have been written by
Negroes, as well as all pamphlets on
any subjects. No better disposition Of
these old books stored in closets and
garrets when not on the library shelves
Of colored citizens could be made than
by sending them either to the exchange
or to the Library Of Congress. where
they will be preserved for all time. 1t
will be an interesting sight to see the
private collections Of our Negro book
collectors at the next great exposition
held in this country. 1t would be a
revelation to friends and enemies alike.
The Schomburg collection in Brooklyn
for the Negro Society For Historical
Research is one Of the most valuable
in this country.