Evening star., 1922-02-17
THEODORE w. MOVES PORTRAIT
IS GIVEN TO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Commissioner Rudolph Makes Presenta-
ton and Others Tell of Great Work of
Mr. Noyes for Civic Betterment.

A portrait of Theodore w. Noyes.
president of the board of trustees of
the Public Libraly since 1896 was
presented to the library at ceremo-
nies held in the children's room at
the central building, Sth street and
New, York avenue, last night. John
JOY Edison, chairman of the commit
tee of friends and admirers who pre-
sented the portrait. presided and told
of the great work of Mr. Noyes not
only for the library. but for civic
betterment in general. ~
Commissioner Cuno II. Rudolph
made the address of presentation. the
painting being accepted on behalf of
the board for the library by Justice
Wendell Phillips Stafford of the Dis
trict Supreme Court, vice president
of the board of trustees. DR.. George
+. Bowerman, librarian. told of the
past, present and future of the in
stitution.
Mr.. NOyes Replies.
Expressing his appreciation of the
honor done him. Mr.. Noyes paid trib-
ute to his co-workerS on the board
of trustees, to those others in the
past who helped make the Public Lii
brary what it is today. and those who
brary.
After the formal exercises AIR.
NoyeS was surrounded by friends In
an informal reception. The painting,
the work of Richard S. Meryman.
was displayed on temporary easel,
and elected much admiration. oppor-
tunity being given for guests to COM
pare the living subject with the por-
trait.
To Be Hung in Library.
DR.. Bowerman announced that the
portrait will be hung in the main
delivery room of the libgary. where
all who enter the building will see 1t.
ct am sure" DIR. Bowerman said,
that for the double reason Of the
interest and distinction OF the pic
ture both as portrait and as work
of art, and because of what Mr.
Washington. the library staff and the
public will have satisfaction in their
companionship with this portrait"
The upbuilding of the free Public
Library as a supplement OF the puDhc
educational system was stressed py
of the institution pictured In glowing
terms as the expansion Of the library
facilities was dwelt upon.
Tribute to President.
That we now have this living or
Eanization for educational service we
owe to Theodore w. Noyes. saiu
Commissioner Rudolph in his speech
of presentation. "He early saw the
need for it; he agitated the question
for long years. stirred up interest
through The Star and through the
Washington Boaard Of Trade. first IN
the local community and finally in
Congress. After many years of strug-
gle against indifference, against the
opposition that said no other library
Nyas needed, against measures that
would put the entire expense OF the
library on the District, at last the act
creating a municipal, tax-suppore>d
free public library was passed, ana
became a law on June 3. 1896.
Commissioner Rudolph told OF the
first entry on the minutes at the hrst
meeting OF the board of trustees, in
which It was stated that "the munic-
ipal library of Washington owes the
act of incorporation. which is its life,
to the unwearied efforts. great tact
and good judgment of Theodore w.
Noyes," and continued:
Tonight We are assembled to rec
ognize our greater obligation ac-
cumulated in the last twenty-six
years. during all of which time the
successive boards of library trustees
have continued to elect Mr.. Noyes, and
he has continued to serve with de-
votion seldom if ever equalled."
Portrait Is Accepted.
Accepting the portrait on behalf Of
, the board of trustees, and through it
for the library, Justice Stafford said