number   1                      S                    APRIL  1933

BIBLIOTHECA
COLUMBIANA

PUBLISHED FROM TIME TO TIME BY THE FRIENDS
OF THE LIBRARY OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY
 

THE association known as "Friends of the Library of Columbia
University" was founded at a luncheon given by Mr. George
A. Plimpton on November 8, 19:8, to a group of persons inter¬
ested in the Library of Columbia University, with the object of '
bringing together in a simple organizadon and without publicity
the many friends who had already given generously of their time
and money for the enrichment of the Library, and others who as
opportunity offered would be glad to take an interest in the Li¬
brary, as a whole or in the libraries of any of the affiliated schools
and colleges.

Members were thus afforded an opportunity to assist in promot¬
ing the objects of the organization (i) by influencing those who
are disposing of valuable books or collecrions to give them to the
Columbia University libraries, and (2) by giving or securing
funds, by assuming sponsorship, or by taking personal responsi¬
bility for building up within the University libraries special col¬
lections in various fields of interest.

On the other hand, the Universitj' Library took upon itself to
be of service to members who might have private libraries by
furnishing bibliographical assistance or by caring for collections.

Since the association was founded it has been instrumental,
through its members, in securing the gift or indefinite loan of four
important special libraries, besides being of assistance in the pur¬
chase of another. In addition to those noteworthy achievements it
has secured the gift of a considerable number of rare books
 

The first issue of the journal published b\' the original
Friends group at Columbia.