The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1950-12-14
LIBRARY IS
DEDICATED WITH
PUBLIC PROGRAM
Letter Is Read From Z. f. En-
low Who Contributed $50, 600
Toward Construction

The recently completed Ruth Enlow
Library in Oakland was appropriately
dedicated at a public meeting in the
Sunday school room of the Lutheran
church on Monday evening.
In spite Of the nclement weather
over one hundred persons were pres
ent fol the brief program. Bernard /.
Gender, president of the board Of
Library Trustees, presided Robert w.
Garrett, Baltimore, who presented a
bust of his grandfather, John W. Gar
rett, for whom the county was named,
during the Centennial celebration last
year, spoke briefly. The bust has been
placed in the Library permanently.
Mr.. Gender extended the thanks
and appreciation of the library board
to all who had helped in any way with
the project since it was developed by
the late F. f. Rathbun. He especially
thanked those who had given size
able contributions, f. f. Enlow, $50
600; Cal Grimm, $4,000; Charles E.
Hoye, $1,000; the County Commits
sioners and the Lions Club members.
The latter group had gone over the
top in a campaign to raise $500
locally. A number Of Enlow relatives
still residing in and near Oakland,
were present for the ceremonies.
In the absence of former US. Sena-
tor George L. Radcliffe, who was
scheduled to deliver the address, Miss
Helen NJ Clark, director of library
extension, State Department of Edu-
cation, gave some interesting facts
about library work in the state and
complimented Garrett county for its
activities in this connection.
The new library here is the only
new public library building in the
state in the past 10 or more years.
She related how Garrett was one Of
the first five counties who with Bal
timore City, had qualified for State
Aid to public libraries when it was
available in July, 1916. Thirteen coun-
ties now are receiving such aid.
She also pointed out that Garrett
is one of eight counties having book
mobiles which travel to distant points
in the county to make available to
the people in those communities, some
worthwhile reading.
She declared the basic objective OF
public libraries was to provide and
encourage the use of eXpertly selected
materials which aid individuals and
groups in their pursuit of education,
information and creative use of
leisure time.
She admonshed the Library board
members that their work was just be-
ginning, that the service to the public
must grow, that more books would be
needed and a bigger staff to help in
the work.
She felt that Garrett county was
leading the way in providing library
service to every citizen of the state.
mo matter where people live she
said, "they need to continue their cdu-
cation throughout life, and to know
what is happening all over the world.
Prior to proceeding to the new
library across the street, Capt. Char
les f. Hoye read letter he had re-
ceived from Mr.. Enlow, to be read on
the night of dedication, and Rev.
Frederick w. Meyer, rector of st.
Matthew's Episcopal church, gave the
dedicatory prayer.
Later at the front entrance to the
library Miss Edith Brock, librarian,
officially cut the ribbon which opened
the building to the public. Members
of the Lions club served as guides in
taking the visitors through the vari-
Gus departments.
Souvenir bookmarks are available
to the public which carry the library
hours.
The Library was erected, corner OF
Second and Centre Streets, at cost
Of about $4,000 by Edgar I. Hardes-
~ local contractor.