Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-01-18

circulating library were Davis & Force. Peter
Force. the second member of the firm, who
came here as a journeyman printer and worked
himself up to be mayor of the CITY, is well
known in American library history, particularly
for his valuable collection of books and news
papers, which bought by the Government
in 1886 for $4,000 and added to the Library
Of Congress-
The Davis & Force library was the Union
Circulating Library of Georgetown, which be-
longed to Joseph Mulgan, and was sold to the
Washington firm in 1919, and in 1925 again sold
to the Washington Library Co.
There were many small circulating libraries
and So-called free libraries formed in the early
days of Washington, only to die after brief
existence. With many of those who engaged
in this enterprise it seemed largely q question
Of making money, and when the promoter
discovered his illusion he forthwith sold out and
engaged in some other enterprise.
ONE of the earliest private libraries in the
city, and which today forms q considerable
part Of the Library Of Congress, is the Smith
sOnian Institution Library, which in 1867 con-
sisted of some $4,000 works. Constituting" 50
1t was said at the time the transfer was made
probably the most perfect scientific library
In the world" At this time, also, and for many
years, it was open to the public daily Sunday
exceptedD from 10 am. to pm.
The Smithsonian fire of January, 1865, was
library removed from Beaufort, s. c., by the
Army, and also that of Bishop Johns from the
Fairfax Theological Seminary, given in charge
to the institution by the Secretary of War for
safe keeping, being at the time in an upper
room of the south tower, and totally destroyed
The Library of Congress has not Jared well
either, so far as its loss by fire is concerned,
for in 1914, when the Capitol was burned by
the British. it lost 5000 volumes. The Jefferson
Library of 1000 volumes which more than
replaced this loss, cost the Government, how
ever. $23. $50. In the subsequent fire of De-
cember "a, 1851, the library lost IS 900 of the
5000 volumes on hand at the time.
The Young Mems Christian Association was
formed here in 1852, and it was not long after
ward before a library for its members was
started. In 1885 it had 800 volumes, while
the Odd Fellows at the same date bad 5000,
J. s. Tomlinson being its president ex-oficio:
Joseph Burroughs, secretary, and the board Of
directors including besides those named w. s.
Tappan, T. w. Fowler, jr, and c. B. Crandau.
Is was open every night except Saturday.
Other libraries in the city not included among
the older ones were Soldiers and FreedmenS
Library. Carroll Institute Library, Peabody Of
Georgetown and perhaps many others that the
writer cannot at present recall.
THE last effort to establish q city circulating
library. sustained by private subscription
was made in 1895, when Gen. A. w. Greedy and
other prominent citizens started the Washington
City Free Library, the incorporators being A. w.
Greedy, A B. Hagner, Gardiner c. Hubbard
Joseph K. McCammon, Francis Cotton, Robert
Craig. William A. De Caindry, Helen L. Mel.
Kimball, s. w. woodward, A. NJ Lothrop
Josephine A. Clark. Rufus H. Thayer, C.. Hart
Merriam, Robert Reyburn, M. D.; Oliver L.
Fassig and E Francis Riggs.
This library had its real beginning on jan
uary 6. 1896. and The Star of that date has the
following reference to its opening:
THE most recent evidence of the prevalence
OF the public library idea in this city is the
opening today TO the public OF a free library
containing 5000 volumes by the recently in
corporated free library association CThe Wash
ingtOn City Free Library. The library is
located in the Mclean Building, corner of
Vermont avenue and street northwest 1t is
the expressed belief of the subscribers to the
library. especially of those who are also men,
beers of the Board of Trade that the opening
OF this library will help rather than retard the
Board of Trade movement for the establish
ment Of municipality sustained library, which
is generally conceded to be the goal Of public
library aspirations. 1t has been intimated that
this library will merge with the public library
when the latter shall have been established by
congressional legislation"
THE real movement toward the tax-sustained
Public Library of today had its beginning
with the local press and the Board of Trade
through its Committee on Public Library even
prior TO 1894. as evidenced by their report of
March q Of that year. This report consists of
10 printed pages and is too long to repeat here,
but 1t goes very carefully into the needs of the
,eople and strong advocates free public library
E1hs report was signed by Theodore w. Noyes. as
and James r DJI Bots Daniel MIR