Rensselaer Journal, Volume 12, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 February 1903 — THE LIBRARY RATTER. [ARTICLE]

THE LIBRARY RATTER.

The Legislature Will Be Asked to Pass a Special Measure. As a result of the oonferenoe between the oommlttee appointed by the city oounoil and the. executive committee of the Jasper pnblio library, a proposed bill has been drawn up and will be presented to thej legislature by Representative Wilson. It increases the amount that oan be levied for library purposes, and if it becomes a law will euable Rensselaer to levy a tax sufficient to meet the requirements of Mr. Carnegie. In regard to a looation for the proposed building, there are three places mentioned, Milroy park, Weston park and % looation near the school bnildings. The preferenoe of the oity fathers seems to be In favor of the latter, owing to its nearness to the school buildings and the matter of heating, which can be done from the oity plant if located there. If this location is deoided upon the money to purchase the lot will have to be raised by publlo subscription, which it is thought can be done. Weston park, the triangular pieoe of ground on the road to the depot, has its advocates, and outside of the matter of heating, is probably the best looation of the three. The oity already owns the ground. It is too small for a park but would make an admirable site for the library building. It is abont as near the center of tbe city as It would be possible to get and is in plain view of all the strangers arriving in the city, which would be an excellent advertisement for the city. Unole Alf McOoy, that publio spirited citizen, who is enthusiastic over the offer of Mr. Oarnegle, and by the way lives over the river, says it is the ideal location, and should be selected by all means. “What’s the use of having a building of this kind,” he says, “if strangers are not to see it when they visit the city. This lot is owned by the city, and no other location Bhould be considered for a moment.” We believe Unole Mac is right in the matter and his advice should be heeded. This lot was deeded to the city for park purposes and there is some question whether it can be used for a library building, but we do not think the donors would objeot to its use for a pnblio library. The Milroy park location should not be considered for a moment on account of its looation. It is far from the center of town and convenient to bat a small proportion of our population. It is large enough for a park and should be used for the purpose for whioh it was bought largely with money raised by pnblio subscription., Whatever location is selected must be approved by Mr. Oarnegle, as this is a condition of his donation.