Hazen Library

3,000 Books for 200 Readers Is Bon Air's Pride

By Virginia M. Chewning

Few villages of 200 inhabitants can boast of 3,000 volumes.

The village of Bon Air, Chesterfield County,Virginia, only eight miles from the City of Richmond, may well be proud of this fact, also of its lovely little granite building which houses those volumes and provides a comfortable reading room as well as a central meeting place where kindred spirits may come and spend pleasant hours chatting over a cup of tea.

As an inspiration to those who may be contemplating a similar project, it will be of interest to readers to learn something about the establishment of this library, and its librarian who for 29 years gave unsparingly of her time, energy and love to this work.

The library is a memorial to a much beloved Presbyterian minister who served the Bon Air Presbyterian Church for 17 years without remuneration. This minister was the Rev. James K. Hazen, D. D., who at one time was president of Publication in Richmond.

This small community counted among its citizens many men of prominence, among them Colonel T. M. R. Talcott, Major Robert Stiles, Dr. Hunter McGuire, Polk Miller and others. Colonel Talcott was colonel of engineers on the staff of General Robert E. Lee, and after the war was put in charge of the construction of the old Richmond and Danville Railroad of which he later became president.

Major Robert Stiles was conspicuous for his bravery while serving as major of artillery in the Confederate service, and wrote his experiences in his book entitled "Four Years Under Marce Robert." Dr. Hunter McGuire was a noted surgeon and personal physician to "Stonewall Jackson." Polk Miller, beloved throughout the South for his portrayal of the ante-bellum Negro, also made his home in Bon Air and was a prominent druggest of Richmond, and the originator of a famous brand of dog remedies.

Chautauqua Circle Was Organized

Out of this group of intellectual persons grew what was called "The Chautauqua Circle," a literary society. Dr. Hazen was its first president, and served until his death in 1902. After his death the need for continuation of some cultural activity was keenly felt, and the idea of a memorial library was suggested. This was met with an enthusiastic response by all the citizens. Socials, ice cream festivals and amateur performances were held until sufficient funds were in hand for the erection of a granite building with slate roof, a suitable lot having been donated by the Bon Air Land Company. The corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies in September, 1902.

The question of securing a librarian was discussed and Miss Frances Withers, who had just moved into the community and had had some experience in one of the Richmond libraries offered her services and was appointed to attend to the necessary details of management. Library benefits continued to be held until suitable furniture could be procured and shelves built. A "china shower" filled a small china press with cups and plates to be used on social occasions. Books were donated from time to time by villagers and interested visitors to the community, all books being passed on by a committee appointed by the board.

As the library began to grow through the efforts of Miss Withers, there was donations of books and money. Much of the money for new books was raised by "rummage sales" conducted by the librarian. It was no uncommon sight to meet Mrs. Blank wearing a familiar looking sweater and to be told that there were some wonderful bargains at the library!

Supported Entirely By Memberships

The Hazen Memorial Library has no endowment, but is supported entirely by memberships, each member paying the sum of one dollar per year, which entitles them to two books and a magazine for one week. There is a fine of five cents a week for all books kept over time.

Could you believe that tucked away in this quiet nook there is such a wealth of knowledge? Just listen! Among the 3,000 volumes, there are more than 1,500 authors' gifts. For those who wish to browse about among our shelves, we offer Woodrow Wilson's "History of the American People," "intimate Papers of Colonel House," Brand Whitlock's "History of Belgium" the Americanization of Edward Bok" (all autographed). Such names as John Galsworthy, Henry Sydnor Harrison, James Branch Cabel, Gamailel Bradford, Hopkinson Smith, Mary Roberts Rinehart, Edna Ferba and Fannie Hurst, even Paul Whiteman's "Jazz" and Ripley's "Believe It or Not" appear conspicuously in our "Authors" section.

After many years of noble, unpaid service the work of carrying on the library must be taken up by others, for Miss Withers suffered a stroke of paralysis and passed away March 19 of this year.

The rare privilege of possessing this library in our midst is keenly felt. Visitors are welcome on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:30. Tea is served during the winter months.

A friend once remarked that she considered "Bon Air for its size had more cultured people than any small community she had ever visited." It is felt that the library has created a love for good reading, and is largely responsible for her remark.