It does not matter how many books you may have, but whether they are good or not.
This week we will wrap up our look at the Troy Public Library (Hart Memorial), one of Troy's most majestic buildings.
We have already discussed the various works of art that grace the interior of the building, but the art even extends to the building's windows.
Behind the sign out desk is a large Tiffany window known as the "House of Aldus." Donated by patron Mary Hart, it depicts a scene showing Aldus Manutius (1450
1515), an Italian scholar and printer presenting proofs of an octavo edition of Dante's Divine Comedy. Aldus published Greek and Latin classical texts, grammars, religious writings, contemporary secular writings, popular works, political and scientific writings, history, and geography. Afterall, this was the Renaissance!
Also in the scene is Pietro Bembo, who edited the Dante work. Bembo (1470-1547), was a prominent humanist, poet, and churchman, and involved with the Aldine Press from the start. The first book issued by Aldus, Lascaris's Greek grammar was printed from a copy provided by Bembo. Bembo's own first work, De Aetna (1496), and his editions of Petrarch's Rime sparse and Dante's Commedia were printed by Aldus.
Also in the window scene is Bolognese type cutter Francesco Griffo, the engraver of the type (he cut most of Aldus' fonts including a new italics font), and Alberto Pic, a former student and patron of Aldus who supplied the funds to start his printing company in 1490.
Aldus is given credited for creating type faces and popularizing the octavo format for books. This page size, from 5 by 8 inches to 6 by 91/2 inches, is the standard form we use today. Prior to this, books were large folio sizes, not your sit-down
and-curl-up-with-a-book approach common today.
The Tiffany window was designed by Frederick Wilson (1858‹1932) one of Louis Tiffany's best freelance designers. Louis Comfort Tiffany was the leading designer and manufacturer of stained glass windows between 1870 - 1920, and Troy has several of them, mostly in churches.
The Troy Library truly is one of the city's crown jewels but it has taken an economic hit over the years. Even when Mary Hart originally contributed a challenge grant to raise enough working capital, it didn't materialize, and the money had to be returned. After changing the name to the Troy Public Library in 1903, the City appropriated a small amount of money.
During the city's economic crash of the 90's, the library lost much of its funding and while it slowly has been getting increases from the city and county, the bare fact is our library gets about half of the $20 per capita enjoyed by other libraries around the state.
Even with these pressing times, the library has added a computer room with free access to computers, and according to Library board president Gerry Katzman, it's a popular new addition. They have a children's room second to none, and for you history buffs, a Troy research room.
What can you do to help the library? Join the Friends of the Library (they have books sales and other fund raising events). Perhaps you can donate computers you don't use anymore? I would like to see everyone purchase a brand new book for the library to increase the collections. Before you do this, ask the library staff what categories are needed.
There are a number of stained glass windows throughout the library that have panels in them for donor names. Perhaps an annual drive to fill up those panels each year could raise additional funds. Donate a thousand dollars and your name is on a panel for a year?
Libraries are sanctuaries where everyone regardless of age, race, or sex, can absorb the collective knowledge of society. Truly a democratizing process such as this must be supported by all those who directly or indirectly benefit from it?
‹ SENECA (3 B.C.-65 A.D.)
This has severely impacted the ability to add to the collection, stay open, and since they can't scale back the already small overworked staff, the only thing to do is cut corners - building maintenance and little increase in collections. It should be pointed out that besides this building, the library also maintains the 175 year old former Lansingburgh Academy and School 18 branches.