The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1921-03-26

ton print, cut, engraving that was copyflght-
ed. In 1870 the law required two copies depos-
tied. f-hs 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 I'M
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-
ters 100000 volumes were crowded into space
allotted for but 100000 volumes. The rapid
growth dates from the entrance of Spofford, to
whose genius was 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 a site. which cost s5S5,000. An appro-
priatior Of S50OOOO was made to begin the con-
struction. The total cost S6,347,0O0. cxclu-
sive of the site. A library which had numbered
about 1900 volumes in 1864. when Spoford came
to Its head, had grown to nearly 100000 vol
umes by 1897 when 1t was transferred to its
new home In September of that year. The former
crowded quarters had given way to a wonderfully
commodious structure of about 1OOOO,OOO cubic
feet Of space, where 1900 readers can be accom-
modated at one time in the midst of one of the
worlds greatest collections OF books, pamphlets.
maps and so forth. Mr.. Spofford asked to be
relieved and was made sort of librarian emer-
itus with John Russell Young as librarian In
this position Spofford continued to his death In
1908 Two years after his appointment Mr.. Young
died.
( no hac+
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 sub
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 rs general clearing house
for library information throughout the nation. Il
thus serves the general reader. who is not HIM
tied to the authorities found In the Congressional
Library. enormous as are the present sources,
numbering ii the collection 2,831,33S books and
pamphlets 186,448 maps, 82940O volumes and
pieces Of music and the 418916 prints. Through
the interlibrary arrangement ne has access 10
the collection Of about 5000 libraries scattereu
throughout the nation. BY international arrange
rnfnt With some additional Inconvenience, he also
has aecesg to some Of the worlds greatest
libraries outside Of the United States This ar
rangenent exists With 1873 libraries. from p
countries.
The Library rs still third In dimension. but over
/ taking the first two Bibiiotheque Rationale and
British Museum. 81 point d quality It cannot
0vartake them FOR they have material original In
\ form which ii can never secure
q 4 lests ANA preserves many volumes not suit
AHA for 1 local library The result Is to save
heal libraries The oxpense Of getting and accom