When the news came that Mr. Carnegie had made a handsome gift to Kettering for the building of a Public Free Library, not a few Rushden people, whilst rejoicing in the good fortune of their neighbours, felt almost a pang of envy. The value of such an aid to the mental development of the town had long been clearly recognised, and various schemes had been discussed for its attainment. It seemed, however, as if the heavy initial outlay required would prove a barrier for a long time to come, and time after time the discussion had to be regretfully ended without any practical step appearing possible. Hope was revived, however, when it became clear that Mr. Carnegie was making a special point of helping communities desirous of increasing their facilities for mental culture. The successful outcome of Kettering’s appeal added to this hope, and in several directions it was felt that it would be worth while seeing how far success would attend an appeal from Rushden. Mr. John Claridge, ever anxious to serve his town, took the initiative in the matter, and on Tuesday evening, at a special meeting of the Urban Council, he was in the proud position of being able to produce a letter from Mr. Carnegie’s secretary offering the sum of two thousand pounds to be devoted to the erection of a suitable building. The conditions laid down were similar to those imposed in connection with gifts to other places, and were, first, that the Free Libraries Act should be adopted for the town; second, that the maximum rate of one penny in the £ should be levied under the Act; and third, that a site should be provided in such a manner as not to be a burden upon the rates. The members unanimously decided that there would be little difficulty in fulfilling these conditions, and also unanimously decided to thank the generous donor for his welcome contribution. Striking whilst the iron was hot, it was also decided that immediate steps should be taken for the adoption of the Act – and as this rests with the Council itself it remains merely a matter of routine – whilst a committee was elected to consider the question of a site. Thus what has been so ardently desired, but seemed so hopeless of early attainment, comes almost at one stroke within the bounds of practical realisation.
We are sure that the great majority of the inhabitants will join with the members of the Council in warmly thanking Mr. Carnegie, and also in thanking Mr. Claridge for the part he has taken in bringing about the happy result. Meanwhile the opportunity presents itself to the generous-hearted amongst us to help in the work which will roll away one reproach from the town and add another valuable asset to the credit of the community. In the provision of the site and the stocking of the library there will be ample openings for those who desire a part in this movement for the betterment of their fellows. The amount raised under the Free Libraries Act cannot for the present be more than about £125 per annum – a fact which doubtless had its effect in the fixing of the sum given – and a margin will be left between bare sufficiency and real efficiency which can be filled in other ways. But in view of the prospect thus raised we would heartily compliment the giver and the receivers, and all who in any way find themselves interested in the movement.
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