Hide Article Text (OCR)
HISTORYOFPUBLIC LIBRARYBY WILLIAM CORKHILLSOME one has said that, in order to properly estimate the, present, it is necessary to have a reasonable knowledge of the past. And this can be appreciated by any student of history, especially as it relates to literature. Millions upon millions of the human family have lived and died without having awakened within them a desire for knowledge. In all ages men of profound knowledge have lived, and by their writings, which have come, to us, attested 1 their desire for ?the spread of knowledge. But the making of books, either having been forgotten, or never haying been known, made the dissemination of knowledge practically impossible. Therefore, when we think of the condition of the massed in ages past and compare them with the condition of the masses of the age in which we live, surely we can all join with Carlyle in blessing the inventor of books.iiuttenberg in his cell laboriously working out the printing press made an epoch in the history of the^ world; the opening of the Cheetam library (in my native city of Manchester, England—the first public library) made no less an epoch in history; for while Guttenberg taught the world to make books, the public library made it possible for even the poorest to obtain the treasures which the books contained. Untold numbers of men and women owe all they possess, in the way of book knowledge, to the public library. Hence, today, with the love of books so widespread, the small town without a public library is the exception. For we,- as people, have come to believe the old Latin proverb: “Leisure without literature is death.” ,Being somewhat of an enthusiast along this line, and having been interested in our library from its inception, I take pleasure,in giving a brief history of its start and growth. Until making my home in California I ^ had always lived within range of a public library, and knowing the great value of such an institution it was not strange for me to desire a library in our little town. But in order to make it plain how the library came into being, we must begin this history with the beginning of the reading room, for the reading room was the beginning; the dedication of our beautiful library building the finish. Whatever was done in the meantime was merely building on the foundation already laid. This little history would be incomplete did I neglect to impress on the reader the noble and unselfish work of those who started and carried on the reading room.In April of 1893 a number of women of South Riversidemet and organized a Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, the prominent idea being to open and maintain a public reading room. Dr. Flora Gleason was elected president and Miss Helen Jewell secretary Immediately after organization, steps were taken toward the desired end. To raise funds for the purchase of literature they made different articles, which they sold, and in many other ways worked to accomplish their object. In all their efforts they were ably seconded by the Rev. T. W. Lincoln, pastor of the M. E. church, who took an active interest in the reading room throughout his pastorate here. In fact, I believe that no other one oerson did as much for the reading room as did Mr. Lincoln.In October of 1893 these women rented the store room now occupied by E. P. Kidder and opened there a reading room with a nice selection of reading matter, A clean,bright room, as I remember it, made brighter still with flowers and growing plants; no doubt it was a boon to many men and uoys. After it whs well started I believe subscriptions v were solicited to meet the future rent and incidental expenses, the organization paying for the literature and caring for the room. This they did for nearly three years, in a quiet, unassuming manner—the way their organization is doing the Master’s work throughout the world.In the early spring of 1895 there was organized by a number of men what was called a provisional Y. M. C. A. Enthusiastic meetings were held. The writer was chosen secretary and W. C. Barth treasurer. It was voted to take over the reading room into their tender care and enlarge its usefulness. This, with the consent of the W, C. T. U., was done, and had the spasm lasted long enough no doubt some good, at least, would have resulted to the reading room. But, alas, the spasm was of short duration, and soon the sole care of the reading room vested on W. C, Barth, C. H. Cornell, the writer, and, for a time, J. N. Anderson, who later removed to Santa Ana.For a considerable time I had been laying plans for a library in connection with the reading room.In 1893 a number of citizens had clubbed together and obtained a small Parmalee library, which in 1895 was apparently not much used by the subscribers. I interviewed them and asked them to assign their interest to me as trustee, with the understanding that the books would be used as a . nucleus for a public library. The majority did so assign ' their interest, and at once I had about one hundred books, which number bv solicitation, book socials, and various other ways, I succeeded in raising to two hundred. Besides these I had nearly one hundred United States government reports and other state papers, which were about as cheerful reading to the average person as an old-fashioned dictionary; yet to me, at least, they made a brave showing on the shelves, and as far as appearance went were a great addition to our poor little library, though I can assure the reader that no one ever ventured to call fdr these dignified-looking volumes.A space was laid out in the rear of the reading room, seven feet square, and Mr. C. H. McMillan kindly volun-. teered to fit it up for the library. I wish to state here that Mr. McMillan was very helpful in other ways, both in the reading room and the library. He is now in the Hawaiian Islands.On June i, 1896, the library was opened to the public, and was well patronized and appreciated from the start, which fully repaid for all the trouble. The writer was librarian and general manager, keeping the library open two or tliree evenings each weiek. After the first year Mr. Wilber Furrier, now residing in Burbank, kindly volunteered to act , as librarian on alternate evenings. So we had a real library. The first year we loaned out 1200 books, which I consider a good showing. Of course, some expense was incurred, butthe sale of cards, finding lists, and the delinquent fines, together with te receipts of an ice cream social on the opening night about met the indebtedness.« The library was never a charge, in the least, on the reading room funds. A number of books were donated after the library was opened, the most liberal donor being Mr. W. A. Bingham, of the Pacific Clay Company, since deceased. I may say that Mr. Bingham always had a very' warm feeling for the library, and I shall always remember his kind words of encouragement.From the foregoing it can be seen that the library depended on the perpetuation of the reading room, for a period at least. As I have said, the wotnen of the W., C. T. U. paid for the literature out of their own funds, and continued to do so until the close of 1896, when, believing the men would carr- on the work, ceased their efforts in this line, though they made it their particular care to keep the room bright and clean, and always had a committee to furnish flowers. The V. M. C. A., as I have stated, died shortly after its birth, and after the first year, or toward the middle of 1897, the future of the reading room and library began to look gloomy.Subscriptions fell off, and though every effort, apparently,was made, the available funds steadily decreased, until in November of 1897 an informal meeting of a few citizens was held to consider the condition of the reading room and provide for the raising of funds. C. B. Webster, A. L. Taber and W. A. Wheejer were added to the reading room man* agemer.t. With the help of Mr. George Cook, then with E. E. Hamilton, a considerable sum of money was raised by entertainments, which placed the reading room in good condition, which for a time remained so, but again funds began to run low. The store room used for the reading room was demanded for other purposes, and we removed to the store now occupied by Larrabee Larrabee, milliners; but did not long remain open. Often Mr. Barth took from his private funds, hoping to keeo the reading room open, but finally we decided to close with the hope of soon reopening. This was done with profound regret, and it began to look as though much labor had been lost. Perhaps our efforts had not been properly directed, but however that may have been, the library and reading room closed; but I am pleased to say it did not remain closed long. Mr. George Cook, assisted by one or two others, reopened the librarv and reading room in the brick building now occupied by F. E. Brown on East Sixth street, but it was open but a short time. Again women came to the rescue. This time the Woman's Town Improvement Society reopened the library and reading room at its former location on upper Main street, which event took place on the evening of April 23, 1899. The room was a bower of roses, ice cream was served, and those attending either paid for their cream or donated a book, which resulted in some additions to the existing library, besides a sum of money to help along the work.To meet the expense of running the institution they levied an assessment on themselves for part of the charges, and by outside subscriptions for the c remainder. So the good work was again alive and carried on very satisfactorily. But the time was drawing near when the tribulations of the reading room and library were to end. The question of the citv adopting it began to be agitated, and in the early part of 1900 a petition was presented to our City Board asking them to place on the ballot at the municipal election the question of instituting a public library. This they did, and the Question carried in the affirmative. S. S. Willard, T. C. Jameson, G. R. Freeman, ,F. M. Baldwin and F. F. Thompson were elected as library trustees. On April 23, 1900, the trustees met in the law office of G. R. Freeman and organized, S. S. Willard being elected president and F. M. Baldwin secretary. So at last the library was an established institution, all the people behind it, and no fear of closing for lack of funds, which was most gratifying to those who so much desired a real public library.^he trustees at once rented two rooms in the upper story of the bank building, the only available rooms at that time, and fitted them up for library and reading rooms. The library, which the Improvement Society had taken charge of. together with the books they had added, were turned over to the city and installed in their new home. The reading room was well .supplied with an excellent selection of magazines and other literature. For librarian the trustees selected Miss Grace Taber, and time has justified them in their selection. Naturally adapted to the position, always kind and courteous, no doubt all will be pleased to know that Miss Taber will preside in the new home of the books. The trustees at once selected and ordered a number of books, which were soon in circulation, and from time to time added new books as the funds would allow.In February, 1901, C. C. Buffington was appointed vice F. M. Baldwin resigned. T. C. Jameson was elected secretary on account of the resignation of F, M. Baldwin, who removed to Florida. In December, igoz, the writer was appointed, vice C. C. Buffington, resigned. About this time the idea of requesting a donation of $10,000 from Mr. Andrew Carnegie was discussed by the board of trustees, and later the request forwarded in proper form, but no results. I believe a similar request was made before the city adopted the library by the Misses Platt and others. In June, 1904, W. C. Barth was appointed vice, William Corkhill, resigned, to become a member of the City Board.As I have said the library trustees added to the number of books as rapidly as possible. Additional shelf room was procured, which narrowed, the library. The reading room never having been satisfactory, the rooms directly over the Citizens? bank were Vented and the library and reading room there installed. This was some benefit to the reading room, but hardly any advantage to the library, and it was clear that more commodious quarters must be had soon. But events were shaping themselves, and shaping themselves in such marvelous proportions that would have taken away the breath of the librarian of ten years ago in the seven by seven Iibran*. -Mr. W. H. Jameson having business relations with Mr.J. H. Flagler, and knowing Mr. Flagler to be' an intimate acquaintance of Mr. Andrew Carnegie, .often in his correspondence urged Mr. Flagler to speak a good word to Mr. Carnegie in behalf of Corona. In the winter of 1904, or early in 1905, Mr. Jameson met Mr. Flagler in New York, and so well did he present the matter of a library building that later Mr. Flagler wrote Mr. Jameson that if our library trustees would make application in proper form and send itto him he would present it to Mr. Carnegie in person. Thiswas done, and later Mr. Flagler tntt Mr. Carnegie in Washington and there presented the application. Shortly after this the trustees received a letter from Mr. Franks,. Mr. Carnegie’s agent, stating that the anolication was received, and giving the terms on which the donation would be made. The terms were: that the city trustees should purchase a site for the proposed building and that they should pass a resolution that ten per cent of the sum donated should be raised each year by taxation. The resolution was passed and the city trustees purchased the property embracing one quarter block, comer of Eighth and Main streets, which is a very fine location. Mr. Franks was advised that all requirements had been complied with, and in July the library trustees were notified that the $20,000 was available. The trustees at once communicated with Mr. F. Burfiharn, architect, Los Angeles, asking him to furnish plans and specifications. This Mr. Burnham did. Said plans and specifications being accepted, bids were called for. It was specified that cream colored pressed brick from the Corona Pressed Brick Company be used in the construction. Our townsman, S. L. Bloom, was the lowest bidder; the amount of his bid being $9,897. This sum would about eat up the entire donation and the plans must either be modified or more money raised. But theplans were universally admired, and to cut them would result in spoiling the building. A subscription was started and business men and others subscribed and paid in about $550. On the strength of this the contract was let, Mr.Burnham engaged to superintend the construction andground was broken on the 19th of August, 1905. But still the sum available was insufficient to properly finish the building, and in November the library trustees made application for an additional donation of $1,500, sending a detailed statement of work done and of future work with items of cost. The additional sum was promptly granted and thus the trustees placed so they could properly complete the work. As I write the building is nearing, completion, andcould Mr. Carnegie see it I am sure he would feel that hisvery generous donation had been well and wisely spent, for I venture to say that of all the buildings donated by Mr. Carnegie few, if any, can outshine the Corona library, and Architect Burnham may justly be proud of his creation, which is also a monument to the ability of Mr. Bloom, the contractor.Dr. S. S. Willard acted as inspector of the work for the library trustees. In this Corona was very fortunate, for Dr. Willard has proved himself an excellent judge of good work-manship and has faithfully performed the duty assigned to him. Even in the slightest # details nothing has escaped his watchful eye. And this without any compensation whatever. The people of Corona are peculiarly fortunate in the selection of' their library trustees. The condition of the library and reading room, the selection of books and literature generally, and the general management of all its business shows a high order of ability, and, outside the large cities, 1^ venture to say that our library compares more than favorably with the very bestIn all such matters the general public, though it knows much care and labor are needed in such affairs, yet sufficient credit is hardly given to those who take upon themselves such labor, without any remuneration whatever, and by patient effort succeed in making life more enjoyable for their fellows.When the libraiy was adopted by the city the number of books available was about four hundred, many dog-eared and worn; today it has about twenty-four hundred, and I believe another consignment is on the way. The following table will show the circulation of books by years, also the attendance in the reading room:Circulation of books for year ending June 30, 1901____2,657Circulation of books for year ending June 30, 1902____4,106Circulation of books for year ending June 30, 1903____ 5,091Circulation of books for year ending June 30, 2904;... 6,361Circulation of books for year ending June 30, 1905____ 7,865Total ................................... 26,080AttendanceAttendanceAttendanceAttendanceAttendancein reading room year in reading room year in reading room year in reading room year in reading room yearending June 30, 1901. ending June 30, 1902. ending June 30, 1903. ending June 30,^904. ending June 30'J 1905.4,2584,5964,9727,7458,082Total ..............29,653This is evidence that the institution is appreciated and that its usefulness is growing, as the figures show, very rapidly.The future of our library is very bright. We are allproud of it, and all express a feeling of gratitude to Mr. Carnegie for his munificent gift. As we admire our beautiful building, its fair proportions and classical lines, a veritable dream of Athens, as we stand in its beautiful-rotunda and. admire the well ordered and lovely interior our minds must turn back to the beginning when those women so unselfishly took up the work that resulted in what we now haves, though their membership changed until the original members had all drifted out. Yet the work went on. Aa I have said, we all appreciated the great gift of Mr. Carnegie. Yet he gave from his great abundance, while these women by ti . - own efforts started and carried on the work And I am sure that any citizen of Corona who admires thebeauti 1 builf! 'g, the library and reading room, and knows its history, wil be proud to do homage to the white ribbon.While we place within the building a testimonial to Mr. Carnegie for his gift should we not place therein a testimonial to the organization that laid the real foundation?r ^ ... - . WILLIAM CORKHILL.Corona, California, April, iq06. -r
Newspaper Details
Corona Courier
Corona, California, US
Sat, Jul 07, 1906
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
NA 13 Aug 2019
Other Publications Near Corona, California
Corona Norco Shopping News
Corona South Riverside Bee
Corona Norco Independent
Corona Independent
Corona Courier
