The Carnegie Library
The Bradford Era
July 2, 1901
Formally Opened, With Appropriate
Ceremonies Last Night - Another Appropriation of $5,000.
The Carnegie Public Library Building at the corner of Congress and Corydon
streets, Andrew Carnegie’s $25,000 gift to the city of Bradford,
was formally dedicated last night. The dedicatory exercises were held
at the Baptist church, and although the heat was oppressive the edifice
was well filled. Seated on the rostrum were the trustees of the library
and those who were to participate in the evening’s exercises. The
program as published yesterday was very interesting.
Jamison’s orchestra played the opening overture. Chairman A. C.
Hawkins then in a brief address congratulated the trustees and people
of the city on the work accomplished in securing the library. At the conclusion
of Major Hawkins’ remarks, Secretary Cody read a number of congratulatory
telegrams and letters, including one form Andrew Carnegie. The secretary
made a formal announcement of the gifts to the library as follows: S.
P Kennedy, $500; T. H. Kennedy, $500; C. P. Collins, $500; L. E. Hamsher,
$500; S. R. Dresser, $500; 100 volumes of books for reference library,
value, $500, Mrs. L Emery, Jr.; Histories of the Civil War, G.H. Potter;
Pennsylvania Archives, E. A. Boyne; 50 volumes, E. C. Jones; hall clock,
Women’s Literary club; water cooler, Jewish Women’s club.
S. R. Dresser, chairman of the Building Committee, in a pithy speech presented
the keys of the library to President Stone. The latter, in his very able
address, informed the audience that he was in receipt of letter from Mr.
Carnegie, in which the gift of $25, 000 had been increased to $30,000.
The philanthropist stated that the remaining $5,000 would be forwarded
to Mr. Stone at once. Following this announcement, which was received
at a most appropriate time, the appended resolution was presented and
adopted:
“Resolved, that the people of Bradford in mass meeting assembled,
send word to Andrew Carnegie that we are now entering into the enjoyment
of his bounty. That his added gift has touched responsive hearts, and
we promise anew that the pledge which the city has given shall be faithfully
kept.”
Mayor J. C. Greenewald’s address, though brief, was timely and expressed
the city’s interest in the new structure, which was secured for
Bradford during his administration. W. I. Fletcher, librarian of Amherst
College, delivered the principal address of the evening, taking for his
subject, “the Public Library of the Twentieth Century.” It
was a master effort and was received with the closest attention on the
part of the auditors.
Following the exercises at the church a reception was held at the library,
where Miss Genevieve Weaver, Mrs. Edna Sloan Luse and Mr. Lewis Emery,
III, accompanied by Jamison’s orchestra, which discoursed musical
numbers during the evening, rendered vocal selections.
Fully 1,000 people attended the opening and inspected the interior of
the new structure. At the head of the stairway leading into the new building
is the foyer containing the librarian’s office. The children’s
reading room is on the right and the reference library at the left of
this apartment. The reading room, which faces on Corydon street and the
apartment containing the major portion of the books are both large, spacious
rooms, elegantly furnished with modern library equipments. They are fully
stocked with books, magazines and papers. The interior decorations are
of a green color, in oil, which will ensure their durability, the woodwork
being finished in the natural color.
A very commendable feature of the building is the excellent arrangement
for lighting, the windows being large and well placed, and at night electric
ceiling, bracket and table lamps will dispel the gloom in the most approved
manner.
The maintenance of the new library will be provided for yearly, by the
city. The consolation of the Free Library and the School Library has provided
a large number of books for the Carnegie building, which will receive
material additions, from time to time. |
