Spokane Falls Organizes to Build Its First Public Library

Spokane Falls is not to be a city of temporary importance, and so any proposition that has for its object a creditable showing in the years to come should receive the encouragement, support and favor of every citizen who has a particle of interest in the place. A number of gentlemen have taken steps toward organizing a library association in this city, and the scheme is one deserving of your undivided support.

There is no one single individual or clique or corporation to be benefited financially by this institution. It is solely originated to improve the minds not only of those already numbered in the present population but of the thousands who in future years will make this their home. It is hardly necessary to call the attention of intelligent people to the great and lasting good that will result from a free reading room and library, as the fact is apparent to all. An institution of the kind can commence on a modest basis, and as the years roll by and the city increases in size and wealth the library is certain to keep pace with the advancement.

The reading room and library now in contemplation is to be in the true sense of the word a public institution, and is the outgrowth of a general desire on the part of our liberal-minded people to supply a want that has long been felt. It is not abetted nor fostered by any order or society, and is to be managed only in the interest of the human family as a whole, or that portion embraced in the corporate limits of this city. A meeting for the purpose of discussing the project and deciding upon some appropriate measures for carrying out the object was held in Cannon's Hall Wednesday evening. The attendance was by no means as large as we had hoped to see, but those present were deeply interested in the proposition, and if they receive the encouragement we have every reason to expect, the public library will take tangible shape. An organization was effected by electing Col. C. G. Bradshaw chairman and Spencer L. Alexander secretary.

Several gentlemen expressed themselves upon the necessity and importance of a reading room and library, and to expedite business the following committees were appointed: On Constitution and By-Laws, H. T. Cowley, Rev. J. H. Renshaw, Rev. T. G. Watson, Miss Wright and F. M. Babson. On Ways and Means, Paul J. Strohbach, Rev. J. F. Baker and Rev. T. G. Watson. On Soliciting Membership, First Ward — Rev. T. G. Watson; Second Ward — Col. C. G. Bradshaw; Third Ward — Geo. Brand; Fourth Ward — G. W. Hunt; At large — A. M. Cannon. The meeting adjourned to meet again in the same hall on Tuesday, Jan. 18th, when we hope to see the room crowded with interested citizens. It is sincerely to be hoped that every resident will enroll his name upon the list, and that the association will grow in size and the institution so increase that Spokane Falls at some future day may be able to point with pride to a library as large as any on the coast outside of San Francisco.