MYFBS, MAY(R - the Digital Library of Georgia

MAYOR'S ANNUAL REPORT. 237I consider the outlook for a free library very encouraging.It is my own personal opinion, and asPresident of this Society, that a free library to heestablished upon a proper foundation, and to be conductedunder proper auspices, will prove a great boonto our city. It is urgently demanded as a supplementto our excellent system of public education,and to meet the needs of growing youth and the requirementsof expanding minds. It will only placeSavannah in line with all the cultured and progressivecommunities of the United States and of theworld. The great purpose to be accomplished as thefirst step in this new advance will be the bringingtogether in cordial co-operation the Georgia HistoricalSociety and the municipality. This accord nowappears highly probable.My own view would be for the Society to becometrustee for a free library, and to declare a trust bywhich it would hold its lot adjoining Hodgson Hallfor occupation and use by a free library, to be erectedwith funds provided by Mr. Carnegie, the practicalmanagement ef the same to be conducted by the Societythrough its standing committee, which couldgrant the use of many of its miscellaneous books.One set of officers could probably manage both institutions,and the city would agree to provide asufficient amount annually to pay the fixed charges,having due representation in the board of managementand on committees, and, if necessary, a controllinginfluence in matters more especially appertainingto its own municipal functions, the trust tocease and the lot to revert in the event that any