People's Free Library (Newport, Rhode Island)

 library, place with historical importance, demolished

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Site of what was the "People's Free Library", now Newport Library on Spring Street

"The People's Library - This admirable institution, equally dear to the rich people on the hill and the poor classes below, and alike used by both, was founded by Mr. Christopher Townsend, a native of Newport. About the time of it's inception, some other citizens, moved by the same desire, procured around three thousand volumes and obtained a charter of incorporation for a free library.
Meanwhile Mr. Townsend, determined to exercise a direct supervision over his own benefaction, purchased with admirable judgement a choice collection of standard works of about seven thousand volumes. Selected abroad, chiefly in England, this first beginning contains many volumes, early guide books, county histories, which are rarely, if ever, met with in our early American libraries. On the other hand, the standard literature is almost without exception of the best editions and bound of a manner worthy of a private collection. When Mr. Townsend's library had reached the number above named, the managers of the Free Library generously turned over to him their collection. This was the beginning of the "People's Library".

Mr. Townsend lived to see the practical working of his noble gift. At the time of his death, in 1881, under his advice and guidance the collection had increased to 25,000 volumes of good books. Their free circulation among the people of Newport and it's vicinity aggregated 40,000 volumes and it was stated at that time that he had expended upon it the sum of $80,000. It was the choice of this modest gentleman that his name should not be given to the collection, but that it should stand as an example which others might follow in the same spirit of self-sacrifice without fear that their modest additions should inure to his personal credit. But his name shall be remembered so long as Newport remains an intellectual center in this practical, busy country."

[Bayles] archive.org/stream/historyofnewport00bayl#page/n547/mod...

see also - wikimapia.org/7640261/Newport-Public-Library