SECTION II, 1882. Sn . TRANS. Roy. Soc. CANADA. 
On the Establishment of Free Public Libraries in Canada. 
By Dr. AzPHEUS Topp, Librarian of Parliament, Canada. 
(Read May 25, 1882.) 
[Abstract. ] 
In the machinery of modern progress now in operation, whether in Europe or 
America, free libraries, accessible to all classes, occupy a conspicuous place. But it is only 
within the last half century that the attempt has been made in England to introduce 
these useful institutions to public notice. In 1849 a select committee of the House of 
Commons was appointed to inquire into existing public libraries in the kingdom, and into 
the best means of extending their number, especially in large towns. Upon the close of 
this inquiry an Act was passed authorizing municipalities in towns and cities to levy a 
small rate for this object. The Act was afterwards applied to Scotland and Ireland. It 
has since been amended so as to give it a wider operation ; and a measure is now before 
the Imperial Parliament to consolidate the existing law, and to increase its utility. It is 
proposed to extend the Act to the rural districts, so that thinly settled neighbourhoods 
may combine with places adjacent in order to secure the benefits of a free library. 
From recent information we gather that most of these infant depositaries of know- 
ledge, though they have usually commenced their operations in a very humble way, have 
gradually become flourishing and well frequented. There has been a steady increase in 
the demand for free libraries, especially in English towns. In some populous places, such 
as Birmingham and Manchester, the libraries have proved a marked success. Under 
admirable management they have attracted crowds of readers, which is a substantial proof 
of their educational value. The books have been selected with special reference to the 
wants of the particular district, or to the pursuits of the students. The mechanic or 
inventor, the lover of art, the social reformer, the budding politician, have each been 
provided with the necessary works for instruction in their respective branches of know- 
ledge. And for the general reader, to whom books are a mere recreation, agreeable and 
wholesome literary food has been supplied, which has helped to preserve them from 
grosser temptations, and to enlarge, if not to elevate, their mental vision. 
With such decided benefits attending the introduction of free public libraries into 
the United Kingdom, it is obvious that it would be a great desideratum if we could 
establish similar institutions amongst ourselves. The time has undoubtedly arrived when 
efforts in this direction, if judiciously made, might be expected to succeed. 
Already the Province of Ontario has taken the initiative in this good work. At the 
last session of the Local Legislature, an Act was passed (Ont. Stat. 1882, ch. 22), to which 
his Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, in his prorogation speech, referred in the following 
appropriate terms :—“I congratulate you upon the passage of an Act which is intended 
to enable the municipalities to found free libraries, and maintain them in an efficient 
condition by levying a rate, so small as to be almost inappreciable in its incidence, The 
