which the annual tax ought to be paid, the annual vote of the Corporation invariably fixes it on or before the first day of October next after it is assessed. The Directors also take the liberty to call attention to the rule relating to fines for delinquency in the returning of books to the library. There is said to be an impression somewhat prevalent, that the imposition of these fines is wholly at the discretion of the Librarian, or that of the Board of Directors. It should therefore be understood that it is explicitly enjoined by a by-law of the Corporation, and that this by-law, and indeed all the by-laws of the Athenæum, are as old as the institution itself, having been adopted in 1836, and having been in full force ever since. They were passed evidently for no other pupose than to secure the equal rights of every shareholder, and to prevent any one from taking undue advantage of others in using the privileges of the library. They must commend themselves to the entire approval of those who will reflect on what would be the condition of the institution if every member of the Corporation should pay the assessments, or return the books taken from its library, only according to his own convenience. Forty years have now elapsed since the Athenæum was founded. Like all institutions which have to do with the highest interests of society, it is very largely of the nature of a public charity. As such it was regarded by its founders. The land on which its building stands and the sum of $10,000 were given to the Corporation on condition that $14,000 more should be obtained by subscription. The amount thus secured exceeded the condition prescribed and was raised to about $17,000, making, in addition to the land, about $27,000 for the erec tion of the building and the purchase of books. All this was a free gift for the benefit of the people of Providence; for the whole enterprise was designed as a benefaction to the public as truly as if no shareholders or corporation had existed. Share-holding, however, was the only method in which public libraries were then carried on in the United States. But in order to place its advantages within the reach of the largest possible number of families, the price of its shares was fixed at $15, a price lower than then existed at any corresponding instution in the country. A share in the Redwood Library at Newport, cost then, as now, $25. A share in the old libraries out of which the Athenæum was formed, cost the same, while shares in similar institutions in other states cost from $100 to $250. On this generous foundation has the institution been reared to its present proportions. Its success and usefulness have far surpassed the expectations of its earliest friends. This building, which is now so nearly filled with books, was at first thought to be large enough for the joint ac commodation of another society. The shareholders at its first annual meeting numbered 293, and of these only 157 had made use of their shares during the first year. The volumes in the library were only such as had been bought of the two feeble and somewhat dilapidated libraries which were merged in the formation of this, and they numbered not more than 4,080. The demand for books in the town was exceedingly limited, and literary reading was confined to a few narrow circles. During all this period the Athenæum has been doing a work of inestimable importance to the community. If in all circles of society in Providence there are many, both men and women, who are unusually well read in the literature of the English language, the fact is to be ascribed in no small degree to the opportunities and the inducements afforded by the Athenæum. If many a young man has developed a special taste for science or art, or for higher learning of any kind, it has most frequently been because he has found here the means of rising to a nobler intellectual life. And if in a multitude of homes the hours of leisure are spent more profitably, and domestic life has taken on a brighter and happier aspect, the good influences of the Athenæum must be reckoned among the causes which have led to the improvement. Providence, as we all believe, is destined to become one of the great cities of the country; but this destiny in the truest sense cannot be reached by material agencies alone. There must exist here institutions and means of individual and social improvement worthy of the civilization of the age, and fitted to the work of exalting the character of the community. Among these we hope ere long to see a free library permanently established and in full operation. Nowhere will the advent of such a library be more cordially welcomed than among the friends of the Athenæum. Several of them are already enrolled among its promoters and benefactors, and it is not to be imagined for a moment, that any other relations than those of sympathy and reciprocal good will can subsist between two institutions originating in the same generous public spirit, and devoted alike to the public good of the city. The existence of a free library, however, need not change the aims or retard the progress of the Athenæum. As it has been in the past, so will it be in the future, ever increasing its attractions and multiplying its agencies for the intellectual growth and culture of the community. Of this growth and culture good books have in all ages been the most efficient promoters. To accumulate such books, the best that the literature of the world affords, and to circulate them as widely as possible, will always be the appointed work of this institution. Its alcoves were nearly doubled in their capacity eight years ago; but the time will come when the building itself will require to be enlarged, by extending its front to the sidewalk, and ultimately, perhaps, by placing wings at its sides. In carrying it forward into this opening and expanding future, let us so cherish its interests, and so administer its affairs, that it shall always be regarded with affection and pride by the people of Providence for whom its benefits were designed. Submitted in behalf and by order of the Directors. WILLIAM GAMMELL, President C. P. ROBINSON, Secretary. PROVIDENCE, September 25, 1876. |