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GRAEME MERCER ADAM, FOR THE POSITION OF Librarian of the Free Public Library, Toronto. 'ition, would render him acceptable to the general public, and contribute to the popularity of the new institution. Henry Scadding. 'ublic much Board From Ali'HEUS Todd, Esq., C.B,, LL.D., Librarian House of Commons, Ottawa. Library of Parliament, Ottawa, 10th February, 1883. My dear Sir, I should have been very glad to have contributed my mite in testimony of your special fitness for the post of Librarian of the proposed Free Library in Toronto, but that I had already written on behalf of another candidate. It promises well for the advancement of the good cause of literature in Upper Canada that several men who, like yourself, undoubtedly possess peculiar qualifica- tions for the office, are desirous of rendering their aid to the public in promoting the establishment of Free Libraries in Ontario. With much regard, I am, yours sincerely, Alpheus Todd. From E. A. Meredith, Esq., LL.D., late Deputy Minister of the Interior, Ottawa. RosEDALE, Toronto. February 2Sth, 1883. My dear Mr. Adam, I am very glad indeed to see that you are a candidate for the office of Librarian of the proposed Free Library of this City, and, in the interest of the institution, I sincerely hope that you will obtain it. Your remarkable knowledge of books, both in their literary and commercial aspects, your cultivated literary taste, your courteous disposition, point you out as eminently qualified for the position. Such an appoint- ment would be hailed with satisfaction throughout the Dominion as some slight recognition of the great services you have rendered to the cause of Literature and Education in Canada. The success of the Free Library must largely depend upon the choice of the first Librarian ; and it would be difficult, I am sure, to find any one possessing so many qualifications for the office as yourself. Believe me, very sincerely yours, E. A. Meredith. From John Geo. Bourinot, Esq., B.A., F.R.S.C., etc., the Clerk of the House of Commons. Ottawa, 27th February, 1883. Dear Mr. Adam, I have heard from several of my Toronto friends that you have applied for the position of Librarian of the Free Public Library at Toronto. I trust that those gentlemen who have the matter in charge will recognize the value of the services you have rendered to Canadian Literature. With your large knowledge of books, and your earnest desire to promote intellectual culture in this country, you would be able to place the new Library on an assured popular basis. I hope for the sak*^ of the institution that you will attain a position which, I confess, will be but a small reward for all you have done in the past. Yours sincerely, John Geo. Bourinot. From the Rev. D. J. Macdonnell, B.D., Minister of St. Andrew's Church, Toronto. St. .\ndrew's Manse, Toronto, zyth February, 1883. My dear Mr. Adam, I am heartily glad that you are a candidate for the position of Librarian of the Free Public Library. From your thorough and extensive acquaintance with books, of which I have had many opportunities of judging, as well as from your knowledge of the book trade, I think you are eminently fitted for the post. Should you receive the appointment, the omen would be a good one for the Free Library. You have my best wishes for the success of your candidature. Yours very truly, ' D, J. Macdonnell. i ■vwiMj From the Rev. Jas. F. Sheraton, D.D., Principal of Wycliffe College, Toronto. Wycliffe College, Toronto. March ist, 1883. My dear Mr. Adam, I would have written to you some little time ago had I obeyed my first impulse when I heard your name mentioned in connection with the Librarianship of the Public Library. The more readily do I write now. You have, in my judgment, the three essential qualifications for the office — enthusiasm, knowledge, and patience. You are not more an ardent lover of books than you are an enthusiast in the cause of education ; and I know of no one who could more wisely and intelligently direct the potent influences of a Public Library, and make them tributary to the true education and advancement of our citizens. Sincerel) believing you to be well fitted for this responsible and important office, I express my earnest hope that it may be conferred upon you. Jas, p. Sheraton, , Principal, Wycliffe "yllege. From Geo. R. R. Cockburn, Esq., M.A., late Principal Upper Coi^ada College, Toronto. Toronto, February 28th, 1883. I have known Mr. G. Mercer Adam for many years, and feel pleasure in being able to state that I know no person in Canada so well qualified in every respect to discharge satisfactorily the duties of the Librarianship of the Toronto Public Library. Mr. Adum possesses the rare advantage of a very extensive and practical acquaintance with books and with the book trade. His appointment will, I think, be hailed with great satisfaction by all interested in the success of our Free Library, George R. R. Cockburn. of the h books, owledge receive ou have From the Rev. Prof. Gregg, D.D., Knox College, Toronto. Toronto, 2W1 February, 1883. I have known Mr. G. Mercer Adam for a good many years, and am wel! satisfied that his scholarly tastes aad long experience in literary pursuits quaufy him, in an eminent measure, for the position of Librarian for the Free Library of Toronto. Wm. Gregg. &^- v.t 8 From Samukl E. Dawson, Esg., Publisher, Montreal, author of "A Study of Tennyson's Princess," etc., etc. Montreal, February 2&th, 1883, Dear Sir, It gives me much pleasure to hear that you are a candidate for the position of Librarian of the new Free Public Library of Toronto, for I know that you possess those peculiar qualities which can render such an institution successful. Such a position demands many qualifications which are seldom found in one person to the same extent as they are found in you. A Librarian should be scholarly, but not merely a scholar. He should be a widely read man but not a deeply learned man, for he cannot well be both. He should be perfectly familiar with everything concerning the manufacture ot books, because he will have to care for their protection and preservation. He should be familiar with all the channels of the book trade, because he must V a large purchaser, He should have a wide experience of life in the community where he is 10 work, because he must make the library popular and useful, and, while caring for the safety of the books, not vex the public with useless and burden.some rules, Last, and also first of all, he must have born in him a love of books — a love of them for t!ie infor- mation they contain — then he will necessarily have a habit of quickly appreciating the contents of books, and a ready memory. I do not know any person in Canada who possesses all these qualifications to nearly the s^me extent as you ; and if the City of Toronto should select you for tliu position I shall consider it a very fortunate choice. Yours truly, Samuel E. Dvwson. % I From John Reade, Esq., F.R.S.C, Literary Editor of the Montreal " Gazette, " author of " The Prophecy of Merlin, and other Poems," etc. 135 St. Andre Street, Montreal, February 28///, 1883. My dear Mr. Adam, I see that you are a candidate for the Librarianship of the new Free Library in Toronto. I am very glad of it — both for your own sake, as I think it is a position that will suit your experience and tastes — and also for the sake of the coir m unity that will have the benefit of your services. Indeed, from what I know of your character and literary work, not to speak of your acquaintance with the business phases of literature, I know of no one who could assume the oversight of such an institution with better hope of giving personal satisfaction. Hoping to near before long that the matter has been decided in your favor, I remain, with sincere respect. Yours faithfully, John Reade. From Ciiari.es Lindsey, Esq., F.R.S.C, author of " Life of Wm. Lyon Mackenzie," etc., etc. Toronto, February 14//1, 1883. My dkar Apam, I am glad to learn that you are to be a candidate for the position of Librarian of the Free Library, and I heartily wish you may be successful. In such an enterprise much def)ends on the choice of a capable librarian, and few amongst us combine witliin themselves the knowledge of two things which above all others a librarian ought to possess — a trade knowledge of books and a literary knowledge of books. Of an old and established library the duties of a librarian are more restricted than they will be here. The selection of a library requires the special knowledge of a biblio- graplier, and I conceive that you are in this, and in every other respect, well qualified for the position to which you honorably aspire. Under the Free Library Law Toronto is the first to make the experiment, and upon the success of this first essay in aid of Canadian literature, the multiplication of these libraries will depend. It is of the greatest importance, therefore, that the librarian to be chosen should be one thoroughly qualified for his duties. Again wishing you success. I am, yours truly, Charles Lindsey. )E. From W. D. LeSueur, Esq., B.A., Ottawa. Ottawa, i^ih February, 1883. Mv hear Mr. Apam, I see that your name is mentioned in connection w ith the Librarianship of the proposed Free Library at Toronto. If the situation is one which you would care to accept, I sincerely hope, in the interest of the Library, that you may obtain it. I do not see how a better choice could possibly be made. Your almost unrivalled know- ledge of books, as well as your interest in books, would in such a situation be of the highest value; while your appointment would be a guarantee for the intelligent and impartial management of the institution. There is no one certainly whom the literary men of this country would more desire to see placed in such a position than yourself, and I may add that there is no one who has better earned such a recogni- tion of his services to the cause of Canadian letters. The Library, no doubt, when established, will be on a scale proportioned to the population and wealth of the City of Toronto. I trust it may be in every respect successful, and to ensure its success I could not think of anything better than to make you its first Librarian. Believe me, very faithfully yours, W. D. LeSueur. ■^ I 10 From John Seath, Esq., B.A., Principal Collegiate Institute, St. Catharines. St. Catharines, February ii\th, 1883. My dear Mr. Adam, I have much pleasure m expressing a high opinion of your fitness for the Librarianship of ihe Free Library of Toronto. Vgur excellent literary taste and extensive acquaintance with books, as v.\,ll as you irteous and obliging disposi- tion, eminently qualify you for the office ; and, am confident, do credit to itself and secure fc servant. Belie- ppoi ting you, the Board will, I the r: /lie a faithful and efficient y„ s sincerely. John Seath. From the Rev. W. H. Withrov;, D.D., Editor of the " Canadian Methodist Magazine." Toronto, ^^d Febnrary, 1883. My dear Mr. Adam, ******* My friend Dr. Nelles wrote me about your candidature. I think you have especial claims from your familiarity with the literary and commercial value of books, and the distinguished services you have rendered to Canadian literature. These considerations, I am sure, will weigh heavily with the appointing Directorate. Yours very sincerely, W. H. Withrow, From Archibald MacMurchy, Esq., M.A., Rector of the Collegiate Institute, Toronto. Collegiate Institute, Toronto, i4cctator. " We are glad to observe that the Canada Educational Monthly maintains the high character with which it set out. We know no other educational journal of equal merit. It would be a credit to any country, and is a journal of which Canada should be proud." — Canadian Methodist Magazine. I I "This is a high-class 'independent magazine, published in the interests of education and of the teaching profession ' in the Dominion of Canada. It is well edited, and has a staff of contributors of great breadth of mind, and liberal, expanded views in the discussion of those problems which surround the question of education. English teachers might find much to interest them in this journal.' — Educational Chronicle, London and Manchester, England. The Montreal Gazette, for March loth, • ys: "The Canada Educational Monthly does more thah maintain the high standard, both moral and literary, with which it started. It has been the means of doing a good work among the educators and friends of education throughout the Dominion, and is in every respect creditable to those who have charge of it." ■■■•*1^■«*SMf5^m•*«»»r;:H^,/■.« .;^ :?jTgi),v'^^^^ 13 " This new educational journal has been published ' at the request of many o the profession and of those concerned in Canadian school work,' by Mr. G. Mercer Adam, whose successful editorship of the Canadian Monthly is a guarantee of the literary excellence of the magazine, while the enthusiastic support he has received from the leading members of the teaching body shows that he has undertaken to supply a want. • • * We are doing the enterprise only justice when we say that such . magazine would be a credit to any community. No such periodical in con- nection with education has appeared in Canada, and, so far as we are aware, there are none superior to it anywhere, in either execution or ability." — Toronto Mail. " The country has long needed a magazine that would minister to the higher wants of education, and at the same time foster and direct into right methods the efforts of even the humblest teachers. The Canada Educational Monthly supplies this need ; and we do trust that there is enough educational enthusiasm in the coun- try to give it the support necessary to carry it through. The comprehensiveness of view and the firmness of grasp with which the magazine approaches its proposed work, the ability diplayed in its editorials and contributions, and the chaste beauty of its mechanical execution, ought to recommend it to a very large constituency of intelligent men throughout our Dominion." — Canada 'Presbyterian. " The February number of the Canada Educational Monthly keeps up its excellent appearance, and contains a number of timely and interesting papers on educational topics. This monthly promises to be a magazine of great interest, not only to educationists, but to the general public. It shows itself worthy of a generous support." — London Advertiser. H [The following letter, published over four years ago, is reprinted as an indica- tion of the writer's interest in the subject of a Free Public Library, and of his effort to have one established in Toronto.] ' From the Toronto "Mail," October ist, 1878. A DUFFERIN PUBLIC LIBRARY. To the Editor of the Mail. Sir, — May I venture to occupy your columns with the sugj; stion of commemorat- ing, in Toronto, the period of Lord Dufferin's administration in Canada— now un- happily at a close — by the founding and endowing of a great want in the community — a free public library. At his Lordship's final departure from amongst us, the suggestion seems timely, as well as, I think, appropriate, that wc should seek, while the inspiriting influences of his presence are yet upon us, and his wise words still in our ears, to mark the epoch of his beneficent rule in Canada by some enterprise that will fittingly recall the period of his vice-regal administration, and bespeak the interest he has unceasingly felt in the national, intellectual and social weal of the country. It seems to me, that with the necessity that exists for a public reference and lending library in the city, — one befitting the capital of the Province and representing the intelligence and literary tastes of its citizens — the founding of such an institution bearing the name of His Excellency, and reminding us of his almost passionate interest in all that connects itself with the educational and social well-being of the Dominion, as well as of his hearty interest in its national and civic life, would be an enterprise that would not only evidence the public spirit of our townspeople, but be an appreciated compliment to Lord Dufferin. The need of such an institution increases with every year's growth of the city, and its importance as an engine of education, and a means of giving intellectual nutriment to the people, can hardly be over-estimated. As an adjunct to our common school system, too, it would give completeness to our efforts in the cause of universal education and popular enlightenment. Once organized and equipped, the annual charge for its maintenance would add but a trifle to the school rates, which no one would begrudge ; while its benefits, in extending the aim and widening the range of education, would, besides its other advantages, add materially to the results of school work and of intelligent effort in self-advancement. But the expediency of the project should enlist the sympathy and co-operation of the whole community, for all are interested, or should be, in possessing a well-endowed and comprehensive public library, with its adjuncts of reading-room, lecture-room, and a department for works of consultation and reference. The few educational and professional libraries we have in our midst, I need hardly say, by no means serve the purpose of a central city library, free of access, and ^ pii mM'^-M 15 indica- s effort / ffording to the community the advantages which the wide-spread dissemination of holesome literature, through such machinery, would provide it with. Neither have 'we any other adequate provision for securing such a boon to the people as a free library would be, and such as has become so much an " institution " in the larger cities of England and the United States. The practical matter, however, is, how can an enterprise of the kind be put on foot ? In most instances, the public city libraries of England and the other side — such as those of Manchester and of Boston — owe the nucleus of their organization to the wise and generous endowment of pri- vate citizenship. Building upon this, the substantial acquirements of a public- spirited people have made them what they now are. Without aiming to rival these libraries, in either cost or extent, it should not be beyond our effort to organize, within our means, a modified copy of them. It only wants vigorous and concerted action, and the exercise of a reasonable liberality upon the part of the citizens to accomplish the object. For the rest, as I have indicated, a minute addition to the school tax would suffice to give the scheme permanent life. Taking advantage of Lord Dufferin's presence among us, I have thought that the 'nitiation of a practical effort to supply Toronto with a great public library might be a gratifying response to His Excellency's stimulus to individual and civic endeavour in the advancement of our country, to which he has himself so largely contributed, and, by associating his name with the undertaking, to pay a suitable compliment to him for all he has done in the interest of education in Canada, and the impetus he has given, with such felicitous eloquence, to its intellectual and aspirational life. I am, sir, faithfully yours, G. Mercer Adam. Toronto, 27th September, 1878.