Evening star., 1922-12-09
SOUTHEASTERN BRANCH OF LIBRARY r.
OPENED AMID GREAT ENTHUSIASM
Hundreds Jam Way Into
! Rooms as Speakers
Laud Progress.
HOPE TOPUSH PLANS
FOR MORE BUILDINGS
Carnegie Corporation Is
Ready to Cire Funds
If Sites Obtained.

If Sites Obtained.
Formal opening of the new south
eastern branch Public Library. at
7th and D streets and South Carolina
avenue southeast. was celebrated in
an enthusiastic manner last night.
when hundreds OF citizens of South
east Washington showed their ap-
probation of this asset to community
life by jammiEg their way into the
library rooms to witness the dedica-
tory exercises.
Heralded by an open-air brass band
concert on the steps of the new edi-
fee and by orchestral music within.
the handsome branch library, the
first. it was pointed out by speak
ers. to be erected in the District in
eleven years. was turned over to
Charles ]. Bell. who. as chairman
of the committee on branch libraries
represented the Public Library trust
.es. by Col. Charles Keller. Engineer
Commissioner Of the District. and
chairman of the southeastern branch
library building commission.
Theodore W. Noyes Presides.
Theodore w. Noyes. chairman OF
the board Of library trustees. who
presided. and DR.. George r. Bower
man, public librarian. called atten-
tion to the progressive step marked
by this addition to Washingtons
library system, and expressed hope
that the future would see far greater
development along this line than has
occurred in the past. Representatives
of local civic organizations and in
terests and OF the educational system
Joined with the library officials in ex-
pressing gratifcation at the gen
erosity of Congress in providing a
aite and of the Carnegie Corporation
IN aiioting funds for erection Of the
Dr. Bowerman traced the develop
mont Of the Public Library system Of
the District and indicated his regret
that the progress had not been more
rapid. as regards branch libraries.
DR.. Bowerman said:
Other Branches Wanted.
s'The Mount Pleasant branch should
be definitely assured at the present
session Of Congress and thus the next
step will be taken. We ought also
promptly to be enabled to build
branches in Northeastern Washing
Washington and in the vicinity of
Dupont Circle. in accordance with
plans approved by the library trus-
tees for the development OF the sys-
tenn of separate branch libraries"
In opening the ceremnies. Mr. Moves
bled in the room not only benencia-
ries of the branch library, including
men and women of high standing and
influence in the community. but also
the representatives of those who have
contributed to it's existence. and will
contribute to its growth. There. in
person or by proxy. in body or in
spirit. he said. were the men and
women and corporations Qike the
Carnegie Corporation of New York;
building. or time. thought and energy
to promote the library, in addition to
representatives of the Washington
taxpayers who have contributed to
purchase the branch library site and
to stock it with books. ard who will
contribute to the 1ibrarys malnte-
nance and development.
Two steps OF Progress.
This dedication marks two distinct
steps Of progress in branch library
development for WashinHtons well
fare" MIR Noyes declared.
First. Congress sets the precedent
de appropriating from the District
revenue to buy the branch library
building site, a precedent of vital con-
Germ to the District. All Washington
hopes that this just. sound precedent
may be followed consistently ana un,
yaryinEly in extending the authorized
and approved library plan over the
whole District. -
And, second. the Carnegie Corpora
tton Of New York. rejecting the
thought and spirit and intent OF An
drew Carnegie himself. has taken
upon itself. so far at least as Two
branch libraries are concerned, Mr.
carnesie.s original self-imposed bur-
den and privilege OF supplying to
Washington branch library buildings
as fast as the library trustees should
declare that library branches were
needed.
"We understand that this precedent
will amount to nothing unless we are
prompt In pressing for these half prom,
ised branch library buildings: Let US an
cooperate heartily and effectively 70
secure from Congress and the Garnegis
bra nci library blessings and dement's 10
every section Of the District. The ac-
ton of the Carnegie Corporation IN re-
spect to the Southeast branch and its
Mount Pleasant branch inspires US all
10 renewed enthusiasm in our campaign
for branch libraries in general. and en-,
titles the corporation TO the grateful
appreciation not only OF the people OF
this section, but of all Washington.
Part Of Educational System.
5"cut in the granite Of the exedra in
front of the main library building is
the declaration that the structure is
"a university of the people" The or
Sanic act of the library proclaims 1t
supplement Of the public educational
system of the District. Our southeast
library is thus branch Of our library
university of the people and an in
tegral part of the public educational
system of the District"
Librarian Bowerman, In his remarks
following the formal conveyance OF
the building to the library trustees,
reminded the citizens and ofhcials
kathered for the occasion that they
we're not simply opening a new and
handsome building to be an ornament
to this part of the city. but were es-
tablishinR for the 10000 or more per-
sons of the neighborhood new
agency that should serve to increase
enjoyment. to enlighten and to i'm
prove citizenship.
Continuing, he said:
Speech Of Librarian.
IT will speak of the significance of
the opening of this branch library In
fits relation to the larger problem of
furnishing Public Library facilities to
the entire population Of the District.
think I can best do SO by striking
Somewhat personal note.
More than eighteen years ago the