lo                               Mary A. Benjamin

chase. These aims may sound like pipe dreams, but the Friends
of other libraries have for years been successfully undertaking
such projects. It is high time that Columbia shook itself out of
its lethargy—especially now that so much attention is being
focussed on the coming Bicentennial.

When I was first approached to become a member of the
Friends, I was admittedly not very enthusiastic, for it was diffi¬
cult for me to believe that anything but dynamite could bring
about a change in the earlier conditions. I was greatly en¬
couraged, however, after talking with Dr. Carl White, who at
that time was Director of Libraries, and with Mr. Roland Baugh¬
man. I found that with them I could speak freely and therefore
had no hesitation in voicing my disappointment in the relations
which had existed between Columbia and the rare book dealers.
I stated that I thought the authorities had been ill-advised in fail¬
ing to befriend the trade. It was soon made clear to me that times
had changed and that a welcome awaited my colleagues and my¬
self. And so I joined the Friends and have had no cause to regret
the step.

As a direct result of Columbia's new policy, I know of at least
one case—and I understand there are others—of a colleague who
influenced a collector to present a fine group of first editions to
the Library. And the dealer in question is not a Friend. But he
had been treated as a friend by the Friends and had been invited
to one of their functions. Unable to attend, he nevertheless
sought to show his appreciation in tangible form.

I, too, in a small way, have been able to channel collections to
Columbia. In at least one case the gift would not have material¬
ized but for the prompt and ready cooperation of Mr. Baughman
and a member of the Friends.

It is difficult to explain how much it means to the long-estab¬
lished dealer in old letters, such as myself, to house an item ap¬
propriately—to find the right home for it. Success begets a feel¬
ing of gratification that is difficult to describe. My first contact
with the Library, just after joining the Friends, was such an ex-