Happy birthday, Enoch!
On Wednesday, while you're reading the latest best-seller, take a moment to toast the 200th anniversary of the birth of a great Baltimorean: Enoch Pratt.
His gift -- $1,145,833.33 to be exact -- created Baltimore's library system. Outlining his plan to city officials, he said the library should be enjoyed by “rich and poor, without distinction of race or color,” according to his obituary in The Sun.
The Central Library will mark the anniversary with cake at 10:30 a.m., and with the opening of an exhibit of photos, letters and memorabilia. It runs through Jan. 10, 2009.
In keeping with Pratt's spirit, here's my favorite library memory: In my hometown of New Britain, Conn., we had smaller, but similarly imposing, library. It was built in 1901 with broad stone steps and tall, arched windows. That library opened a big world to me. Of books, sure. But I also recall meeting people there as I began collecting stamps; I was enthralled by the colorful designs and the exotic names of the countries. Together, the books and collecting spoke of promise, of discovery, of adventure.
Where did you develop your love for books? Do you have a favorite tale about a library or librarian?
If you want more Pratt-mania. here are some related events at the Maryland Historical Society and First Unitarian Church of Baltimore:
The historical society's exhibit, The Legacy of Enoch Pratt, opens Wednesday and in honor of Pratt’s birthday, admission to the museum and the exhibition will be FREE from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Mount Vernon home of Enoch and Maria Pratt, now part of the Maryland Historical Society campus, also will be open to the public Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for self-guided tours of the main floor. The museum is located at 201 W. Monument Street.
On Sunday, Sept. 21, First Unitarian will dedicate Enoch Pratt Parish Hall. The event begins at the 11 a.m. worship service with a sermon on "Becoming Enoch Pratt" by local historian and Affiliate Minister Dr. Michael Franch. The dedication ceremony follows at 1 p.m. The church is at 514 N. Charles Street.
For more information on these events and programs, visit www.prattlibrary.org, www.mdhs.org, and www.firstunitarian.net.
Image courtesy of the Enoch Pratt Free Library
While she always preferred The Hardy Boys to Nancy Drew, 
