THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 8181, 14 August 1906, Page 3

THE CARNEGIE LIBRARY.

TO THK EDITOH, Sin, —ft is a lonf< lime since we heard anything of the new library that is to lie erei'ted out of Mr Carnegie's grant. The question of site is apparently delaying progress in this matter owing to possibility of leasing the land adjacant to the present Town Hall. Is that position the best for the purpose, being near to the noise of the railway trsilie, also heavy trallic in the street ? The ideal spot seems to be Poverty Flat, adjoining the Technical School. Special provision was made when this land was handed over to the School Commissioners that the Borough should be allowed to erect a library and museum on a portion thereof. Here the building itself would show at its best, and being on the main route to the "l{ce.' would impress visitors and be a valuable adjunct to the technical building especially the reference library. Moreover, it is sufficiently ecntral to be within easy reach of the citizens, and thequietitmle so fssential for such a building is obtained,

.Presumably the arcliitectu.'c will be somewhat of a high order and would be out of place in a crowded busine < thoroughfare. This is not of si /- reme importance, but would t not be well to suggest that Jlr Carnegie should send out plans that meet his views? This would lie a graceful compliment to pay him and save time and correspondence. Of course, there would be an understanding that necessary alterations to suit local circumstances may be carried out. One of Mr Carnegie's strong points in connection with his libraries is that they shall have a ln-ge hall, and he goes so far as to advocate a stage at one end. This is just v hat is needed in ISew Plymouth, and could possibly be arranged. He lays much stress on having a " peacelul room for the reference library." Why not ask Mr Carnegie to personally open the library when finished? He paid a compliment to this colony when opening his latest library at Bromley, Kent, recently and might be induced to be present. Kyeu if he could not come he would appreciate the compliment of an invitation based on the fact that his presence would stimulate public interest in the library. At the opening of the Bromley library it was ..n:.ounce! Hint a genllcma.i had donated linij books, an act that was . deemed a forerunner of other contribu-

tions. Possibly such generosity may liud its eipial here or po.-sibly sonic public-spirited friend of the masses may go one belter. At all evenU it is lime a inoiu was made, so that the present generation may have the advantages of such a boon ere they pass hence. Delays are dangerous. Air Carnegie has reached a limo'ol life that docs not in the ordinary way justify ike expectation of a prolonged future. Delay luav mean the loss of miiiiiliceii.e to New Plynioulh—a misfortune that could probably never be compensated fur. 'there may be no danger, but there is a risk which should no longer exist.- 1 am, etc., A.W.V.