Connecticut western news., 1917-01-11
DOUGLAS LIBRARY
Historical Sketch Prepared for Use in
 High School.

 owned the farm now owned by Frank Hitchcock. William died in 1891, leaving legacy with which to estab- lish and endow public library. The fnnd was increased in 1889 to $500, this by the will of Robert Baker.
 Previous to 1891, there was a cir cuiating library named the Phoenix was established the Phoenix Library was discontinued and the books dis tributed among the contributors.
 After the town was divided in 1858, the town of Canaan (FalIs Village) still retained an interest in the library, but this interest was purchased by the town OfINorth Canaan Tn 1920. few years aao, through some misunderstanding, $IQ0 of the principal was used for books, therefore the fund was reduced.
 The first books in the library were fopr volumes of "Travel in New Eng !ahd and New York" bv Timothy Dwight of Yale College. These books were published in 1891, the same year tipt rhe library was opened. The Ii. brary was in the building known as the old town hall at the Lower Cor ner. :" This building was burned i'll Morch 1915
 From this building the library was moved to the town hall, where it re mained until tie completion of the building now in Use. The library building and the land on which it stands Were presented to the town by the late Edmund D. Lawrence in 1888. In 1895, by vote of the town the Ii brary was made free public library to comply with provision of the state law granting State Aid. Previous to this small fee had been required for the loan of book. In October 1900, the library received, by the will of Mrs. Irene Church. $970. In October 1880, by the will of Miss Kate Lawrence. sister of Edmund D. Lawrence, $500
 The library is open two afternoons each week, viz, Wednesday and Satur day. November l9l2, it was voted to have the library open two evenings also, Wednesday and Saturday, 4 reading room, in connection with the library was arranged. On this table nay be found copies of the leading magazines, and newspapers.
 In l9U0. the town appropriated for library use $100; in 1912, $50; 1915, $299. The library receives from the state a grant of one hundred dollars. The librarians are paid a small salary. The library is well patronized and as a town we are j1stly proud of it and are pleased with the words of commenda tion from visitols who have occasion to patronize it.
 The library has been under the eff cjent management of Mrs. $. J Hamm and her daughter, Mrs. N. A. Preston for 2i years. Since Mrs. Hamm dis continued her work, Miss c. B. Finne gan has acted as assistant librarian. Mrs. Preston and Miss Finnegan are untiring ill their efforts to please. AS a school we feel greatly indebted to them. It is safe to say that Mrs. Preston stands in readiness to serve the school at any time. The people in general appreciate the courtesy of the librarian. The work done by Miss Sarah W. Adam in connection with the library cannot be estimated. In the selection of books the motive appears to be to furnish the reader with such an abundance and variety of reading as will increase ar interest in the library.
 The thought of good literature is always considered. The selection does not rest with the directors and the com- mittee alone. All who are interested in the library are requested to make suggestions i'll regard to choice of books. The library contains over 5000 volumes. In proportion to the mum Der the collection of bookslis considered one of the best in the state. The books are of such a nature that all must be pleased. Travel, biography, history, literature, and all classes of desirable novels. Call and satisfy yourself. I bespeak for you a very cordial wei come.
 There was a time when books and reading matter were regarded as luxur! ies for learned professors and a select few of ihe more wealthy people. Now it is for all to obtain books, the best b,Uks o5tainsble. A free library in a town Is great means of education.
 cit Is not from the reading of many books but from the mastery of the best books that power comes"
 "GiVe man taste for reading, and a means of gratifying it, and you bring him ill contact with the best society of every period of history, with the wisest, the wittiest. the tenderest, the bravest, and the truest characters who adorned humanity"
 The directors at the present time are Miss s. W. Adam. Miss Mary E. Adams and Allyn Fuller. The late Miles B. Tobey and William H. Camp served in this capacity for several years, also J. l.. Parsons and Carre Fuller Eldridge.
 R.
 The work Of cIaSsifvi1p and ooeuinp