Since its inception in 1885 it has continued to furnish to the reading public of Florence the best literature, consisting of prose and poetry, history, science and fiction. There are more than 2,000 volumes, well shelved and properly cared for. The library, while not entirely free, is open to all, and intended for all. One day of every week books can be procured and a membership fee of $1.00 per year is charged, this amount being used for the purchase of the new books, a stipulated sum being spent each year for historical works and reference books for students. The books are carefully selected when purchased, there being a special book committee charged with this duty. The library is under the direction of twelve lady directors, selected for their special fitness for the work. They are: Mrs. Erister Ashcraft, President; Mrs. John R. Price, Vice President; Mrs. Emmet O’Neal, Secretary; Mrs. L. M. Humphries, Treasurer; Mrs. W. P. Campbell, Mrs. C. E. Jordan, Mrs. H. B. Lee, Miss Nettie Simpson, Mrs. M. W. Cample, Mrs. M. C. Nelson, Mrs. L. B. Frierson, Mrs. G. N. Smith. * * * * * MUSSEL SHOALS. By Erister Ashcraft. In the future development of the resources of Florence and her surrounding territory, a new and powerful factor must be taken into consideration. It is only a matter of a short time when the hitherto wasted energy of Mussel Shoals will be harnessed into a power, second only to that of Niagara. [Illustration: MUSSEL SHOALS CANAL. Aqueduct. 900 feet long. Aqueduct spanning Shoals Creek. Lock 9, where Mussel Shoals Canal opens into Tennessee River.] Much has been written concerning these immense falls, but it is the purpose of this article to give only such facts as will be of interest and practical use to prospective developers of this great power, and to those who are to help build up this beautiful valley into one of the busiest manufacturing centers in the United States. In a general way the value and importance of this great power is expressed by one of the ablest American engineers who has examined and surveyed these shoals: “There is no place in the world where greater advantages are to be found for the harnessing of water power for the uses of industry, or where there is greater power awaiting development within reach of the seaboard by water and by rail transportation than Mussel Shoals.” The following, from the report of Chief Engineer F. H. Newell, and incorporated by Senator Morgan in his recent report to the Senate on the “Navigation of the Tennessee River,” is reproduced here as being the most accurate and authentic account of the various important features of the Mussel Shoals with reference to their capacity for developing power: “In the Tennessee river, in the vicinity of Florence, Ala., are several shoals capable of the development of power.