The Library Was Closed Because the Landlord Wouldn't Turn Up the Heat

Both houses of the city council were enlightened last evening on the condition of the City Library and the reasons for closing it. Dr. Kibbe, one of the commissioners, made a long and very clear statement before both houses and said that steps were being taken to break the lease on account of the poor treatment received in regard to heating the rooms. Committees were appointed from each house for a joint conference as to guaranteeing an average monthly appropriation of $75 to make it possible to open the library. From the attitude of the members of the council it looked as if the measure would go through without opposition.

In the board of aldermen Dr. A. B. Kibbe told the story of why the city library was closed and asked for assistance, which would probably be granted. The doctor said that when the month of March came in there was something like $25 in the library fund, but that the expenses each month were as follows: rent, $75; librarian, $100; two assistants at $50, $100; one assistant at $75; one assistant at $60; one assistant at $60; lights about $8; telephone, $3.50; periodicals, $25; incidentals, $15. Under the law the commission was not allowed to incur expenses to meet which it had no funds. In this condition the commissioners had recently closed the library. Then he spoke of the possibility of opening again provided the city would make an appropriation of $75 a month and allow the library to be closed at 6 o'clock each evening in order to save cost of lights.

It was the desire of the commission to cut down expenses, but he desired it understood that it was simply an impossibility to get along with less help than his expense statement showed. The librarian's salary would be cut down to $75; those who drew over $50 to $50, and so on down the line. The periodicals were all paid for up to May, after which time only those actually needed would be purchased. The incidental expenses, he believed, could be paid out of fines collected from those who took out books and failed to comply with regulations. There were 1,100 cards out, he said, and on an average 150 visitors at the library each day.

Then the doctor told how the library rooms had not been heated properly during the winter months and that the commissioners met with their overcoats on. The matter was reported to Mr. Gleason, who is supposed to have charge of the building, and he said: 'Oh, it will be warm in the spring.'

'But,' continued the doctor, 'that did not warm the rooms, so we have refused to pay the rent, and have asked Corporation Counsel Scott to take steps, if possible, to vacate our lease, signed eighteen months ago.' If the lease could be broken the library could get free rooms for a while at least in the Rialto block. This would be a net saving on the face of a month.

Clise spoke in favor of helping the library out and fathered a motion for a committee to confer with a like committee from the house, which was adopted.

Later, the library commission took a decided step to reduce expenses and thus keep the circulating department open. It was also decided that, if it could be legally done, the lease of the quarters in the Collins block should be abrogated, as the heating facilities were not what were required. Dr. Kibbe reported that the question of abrogating the lease had been referred to Corporation Counsel Scott, and that his opinion would not be ready until tomorrow. John Collins, the proprietor of the building, was present and said that he did not know until a day or two since that the heating of the library quarters was not satisfactory, as his agent, J. P. Gleason, had not informed him of the situation. Mr. Collins further stated that he would see to it that there were no further lapses so far as heat was concerned. The quarters occupied by the library, he said, could have been rented when the building was first constructed to other parties for as much as he was paid by the library commission. In addition to this it cost him $5,000 more to fit up the library quarters, as he had to leave out pillars, and as a consequence had to construct a more expensive roof than would otherwise have been the case. In addition to all this, he is compelled to keep the elevator running almost exclusively on account of the library, and the cost of water for the building is almost equal to what he receives for rent.

Commissioners Kibbe and Hardin were appointed a committee to see the council and present the abrogation of the lease to that body. It was decided to reduce the salaries of all the employees from 30 to 40 per cent, making a saving of about $100 a month. In order to keep the library open to the public, provided the council give a guarantee to make up any deficiency that may occur, Dr. Kibbe and Mr. Hardin were appointed a committee to bring the matter of the guaranty to the attention of the council in order that the library may be open as soon as possible.