The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1921-03-04


ton, print cut or engraving that was copyright
ed In 1870 the law required two copies depos-
tied. This requirement insured the Congressional
Library as the most complete repository of the
American press in existence. This is one, II not
the chief, source of accessions, which reaches now
about 1000 per month.
While the purpose of the Library was originally
limited to the service Of the legislative depart
ment under Spofford it soon extended to both the
Supreme court and the Executive, including the
various departments and numerous bureaus IN
der the departments. The growth was so con-
slant that all available space where it was housed
in the capitol building was occupied. In 1897
when the Library was moved to the new quar-
tiers, 100000 volumes were crowded into space
allotted for but 100000 volumes. The rapid
growth dates from the entrance of Spoford to
whose genius due not only the fine response
of the public both official and unofficial but also
to the plans and execution which resulted in the
most complete and superb library building of the
world
Agitation for a new library building began
back in 1873. In 1886 authority was given to
purchase site, which cost $585,000. An appro
pration of 100000 was made to begin the con-
struction. The total cost was $6347, 900, exclu-
sive Of the site. A library which had numbered
about $4,000 volumes in 1854, when Spoford came
to its head, had grown to nearly 100000 vol
umes by 1897, when it was transferred to its
home in September of that year. The former
u
commodious structure of about 100000 cubic
feet of space, where 1000 readers can be accom-
modated at time in the midst of of the
worlds greatest collections of books pamphlets
maps and forth Mr.. Spofford asked to be
relieved and was made sort of librarian emer-
titus, with John Russell Young as librarian. In
this position Spofford continued to his death in
1905 Two years after his appointment Mr.. Young
died.
President Mckinley sought the best possible
talent which was found in DR.. Herbert Putnam,
the librarian of the Boston Public library. Doctor
Putnam was the first specially trained librarian
to be selected, and he at the request of the Pres
ident accepted the position, although at a SUBJ
stantial financial sacrifice. With this appoint
ment of Mr. Putnam began the fourth stage Of
the growth of the Congressional Library. The
last 20 years have witnessed the development Of
this government institution into genuine nation
al library. His plan organizes the library centers
into one stupendous library system, with Wash
ington as the center as general clearing house
for library information throughout the nation. 1t
thus serves the general reader, who Is not lin
tied to the authorities found in the Congressional
Library enormous as the present sources
numbering In the collection 1881 1888 books and
pamphlets 166,44S maps, S29,400 volumes and
pieces of music and the 41S976 prints. Through
the interlibrary arrangement he has access to
the collection of about 5000 libraries scattered
throughout the nation. BY international arrange
ment, with some additional Inconvenience, he also
has access to some of the worlds greatest
libraries outside of the United States. This ar
rangement exists with 1873 libraries, from "a
countries.
The Library is still third in dimension. but over
taking the first observation-disclosures Rationale and
British Museum In point of quality 1t cannot
overtake Them for they have material original In
form which it can never secure.
II gets and preserves many volumes not suit
able for a local library. The result is to save
local libraries the expense of getting and accom-