Private
My Dear Sir,
Knowing the interest you feel in all that affects the welfare of our native town, I need no further excuse for presenting a few thoughts on the subject of a New Public Library.
I long since provided by will for assisting the town library on my decease. But I have latterly decided that I can and ought to do something better than merely assist—to increase what an accident, by fire, or the possible loss or absence of its special friends might leave to decay. I am desirous of testifying my regard for my birth place, and see no way in which it can be so usefully done as by erecting and moderately endowing a suitable Library Building. I have therefore already made provision to that effect to guard against the contingency of my death.
Wishing however not to delay the matter to that possibly distant day, I am ready to proceed as soon as the present exceptionally high cost of building recedes a little, as I feel quite sure it will soon do.
Before going to the expense of architectural plans, it is necessary to decide for how large an institution it is wise to prepare - and it is on this point I seek suggestions from those most likely to be afterward entrusted with its management.
I have chosen for a site the lot of land opposite Miss Prichard, including the Brooks Estate - the old mansion to be removed and a part at least of the ground it occupies added to the public street.
To be as nearly fireproof as thought important - I think the building should be built for about $20,000.
The Institution to be managed by Trustees whose appointment I desire shall not be controllable [sic] by any future possibly unhealthy public sentiment. I hope and believe that the town would desire their library to be transferred to such a building and to such management. Whether or not, I think I should provide wall room for a lending department, capable of holding 6000 vols. - with space for increase to 10,000 without crowding the floor. Whether, and to what extent a separate department shall be provided for a reference library, and for the deposit of Books, &c. &c. that are not to be removed from the premises is one of the important points to be considered. Whether one high Hall, with three tiers of Books—the upper one for reference Books, approachable only from above by doors leading into a private reading room in a front second story—or whether the two story plan of the Boston Public Library would be required, is an important point. We are not to provide for today, nor for ourselves alone—But for the future of a slowly growing quiet Country Town, which we would assist to maintain its rank and respectability among the old towns of New England a hundred years hence.
I believe I have now said all I need to in presenting this matter for a leisure thought. When I next have the pleasure of an interview I shall hope to learn your views and receive your counsel.
I have but to add that this matter is a secret which I wish kept till we are obliged to begin work. It is confided to Mr. Brooks and one or two others only, beyond my own family, who are well aware of my intentions.
With great regard
Wm. Munroe
Hon. E.R. Hoar
Washington