Public Libraries.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 6, Issue 65, 16 August 1895, Page 3

Public Libraries.

Mr Gladstone, when addressing the Leeds Liberal Club delegates on a recent occasion, said :—“ This is not the only library founded recently in this country. It is a delightful thing to see how far and wide the institution of libraries is extending. This library is most valuable, locally considered as an institution, in many point* of view. 1 cannot but recollect that it is the competitor with the public-house, and in that point of view it is most important. It is giving men a fair chance of obtaining something in the nature of recreation after their hours of labour, habitually and permanently continued, without exposing them to risk and peril. I think, with regard to public houses, that the greatest credit is due to those publicans and inn-keepers who conduct their houses properly; but, still that cannot always be the case, and danger cannot always be got rid of, and that there should be a fair and healthy competition set up by facilities given in mental cultivation, in the shape of libraries, is, in my opinion, a great object of national congratulation. It is sometimes observed that the subscribers to these libraries have a preference for light literature. We need not wonder. We must recollect that nature cries out for recreation, and that that cry is a natural one, and, therefore, I do not regret when I am told that light literature is greatly in request and greatly in vogue; but what I hope is that there will always be a great desire to have good light literature. If you ask me what I mean by good light literature, I mean such as the immortal works of Sir Walter Scott, whom I look upon as one of the greatest benefactors, in the first place, of his own special country, which is also my country in blood; in the second place of Great Britain ; but, in the third place, I rejoice that that great and good man has been a benefactor to the world at large.