The Washington Library, 1822, Historical Sketch

The Washington Library was established by the subscription of two hundred persons, at 12 dollars each, and incorporated by Congress in 1814.

It now consists of about 2000 well selected volumes, among which is a splendid edition of Greek and Roman Iconography, in four volumes, folio, presented to the institution by M. Hyde de Neuville, in the name of the King of France.

The affairs of the Library are managed by seven Directors, chosen by the shareholders on the first Monday of April, annually. The Directors choose a President, Treasurer, and Librarian. The latter attends every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 3 to 6 o'clock, and from 3 to sunset, when the sun sets later than 6. The price of a share is 12 dollars, and they are transferrable, provided all arrearages are paid. Persons who are not permanent residents of the city, may have the use of the Library, at the rate of five dollars a year, on depositing double the value of the books taken out, subject in all other respects^ to the same regulations as shareholders.

DIRECTORS.

Rev. Wm. Matthews, Pres't. George E. Ironside,

John Sessford, Treasurer. Edward Cutbush,

William W. Seaton, George Sweeny.

Samuel H. Smith, John A. Adams, Librarian.

"Literary and Benevolent Institutions," The Washington Directory showing the Name, Occupation, and Residence, of each Head of a Family and Person in Business, Washington, D. C., December, 1822, page 135.