THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. TO THE EDITOR.

Evening Post, Volume XLVII, Issue 89, 16 April 1894, Page 4

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. TO THE EDITOR.

Sir— lt wonld bo a libel on the intelligence and broadmindedncss of tho ratepayers of the city if the letter appearing in your columns of to-night's issue, under the signature of " Ratepayer," expressed the average opinion of that body. A more selfish, egotistical, pompous, and erroneous letter could hardly havo been nenned, and aa far as I am concerned it entirely misrepresented the arrievance and suggestion contained in mine of the sth inst. If " Ratepayer " bad peru=ed the letter of that da'o lie could hardly have written as he has done. I distinctly stated that " I recognised tho necessity of vouching for the respeotability of the borrower," but pointed out the inconvenienoe to ratepayers and intending members, and sngsrested that a printed form should be obtainable at the Library, to be takon away and filled in, thereby saving "Ratepayer" tho i troublo of going to the Library to oblige an intending member. But, sir, the poor follow probably does not want othors than himself fo participate in the bonefits of tho institu*ion. Ab a matter of faot, ho pays bo : "It Js a pity that thoro is not a reading-room specially Bet apart for ratepayers " Now, air, in the first place, I believe the impression that obtained when the late Mr. Levin and other gentlemen oame forward with their generous donations for initiating the Library was that of a citizens' institution, and not fora particular class or scot, and I am afraid if tho oity had had to wait until this poor narrowminded " Ratepayer " had helped them, the Library never wonld have existed. In the second place I would like to know the definition of the term ratepayer. I claim that overy householder is a ratepayer, inasmuch as in paying ront he pays his rates, to the landlord it is true, and the said landlord to the Council, hence I maintain that my mite goes to support this and other institutions equally with " Ratepayer," and we do not trot for nothing what my friend appears to think, although I do not olaitn more than my fellow-eHizenn, and not so much aa " Ratepayer." In illustration as to who pays the rates, whon this Library rate was struck my landlord informed me he would require to inoreaso my rent, and whon asked the reason statod that the Connoil had struck the above rate, and he jtook that opportunity of making me pay considerably moro than would have uovered a half-dozen Library rates. These are our generous landlords and ratepayers, and to that ilk belongs our poor friend " Ratepayer." lam, &0., Pho Bono Pdblico. 10th April, 1894.

TO THR KniTOtl. Sir— There has been so much grumbling in connection with the Free Library that I should like to say a word in praise of it, particularly of the lending branch. Here we have a mAgnificent selection of books to choose from, at a oost to the subscriber of a fraction over a penny per week, with the privilege, I believe, of changing the books aß_ often as one likes. This, in my opinion, is an inestimable boon, and I feel sure, within a month, we ahall see 300 or 400 subscribers' numos on the books. I am now reading Blaokmore's latest work, and one of his beat. For this work I should have had to pay 6d to read at a private library, and yet people who are not ratepayers are unreasonable onough to grumble because they have to po to a little trouble to get their names on the subscription list. I am, &c , Subscbibxb. 11th April.

TO THK EDITOR. Sib— l think "Ratepayer's" letter in reply to "Elector" and "Pro Bono Pnblioo ' IB rather hasty. " Ratepayer " seems to have a feeling of oontempt, if not hostility, towards dwellers in the city who are not of the same class as himself. The condition that a ratepayer should vouoh for all other borrowers makes it impossible for many people to become borrowers. For instance, I am a stranger, and would liketoßubsoribeto I tho Library, but I do not know a single ratepayer in town save the landlord of my hotel, and I do not caro to ask him to vouch for me on the strength of our limited acquaintance, and theroforo cannot join the Library. But I would gladly depost £1 or 30s and get it back minus the subscription when I take my departure from the Empire City. With regard to " Ratepayer's r> contention that only ratepayers should use the Library, it is boneath contempt in its utter ohildishness and despicable selfishness. I am, *0., „., , ON* 'OF THK UNPMrLOYKD. 10th April.