4 
Reference should be made in this Report to the loss the Committee have 
sustained in the death of Mr. Edward Lott. Although failing health had for 
some time prevented his regular attendance at the meetings of the Committee, 
Mr. Lott’s great services to the Institution at large, and especially to the Book 
Committee, cheerfully rendered for a long period of years, demand grateful 
recognition and record. 
The Librarian’s Annual Report to this Committee, containing the usual 
tabulated statements, and one or two others of additional interest, is appended; 
and in conclusion, the Committee have much satisfaction in stating that, to 
the best of their belief, the Institution as a whole is in thoroughly good 
working order. ; 
On behalf of the Committee, 
WILLIAM HOBSON, 
CHAIRMAN, ~ 
Derby, Oct. 28th, 1886. 
To the Chairman and Members of the Free Library 
and Museum Committee. 
Gentlemen, 
I have much pleasure in submitting to you my first Annual Report, which 
deals with the work done in the Institution since Sep. 29th, 1885. 
As far as the Library is concerned, we have now 13256 books in the 
Lending Library, and 8184 in the Reference Department, as against 13020 
and 7850 respectively last year. The total issue of books is 128,719, against 
111,864 last year ; and the average daily issue is 501, against 438, showing a 
steady improvement in all respects. 611 new books have been bought, and 
I12 worn out copies have been replaced by new ones, while 1180 books have 
been rebound, and 2835 books repaired. 1356 new borrowers have been 
added during the year, and only 63 cards have been cancelled, leaving the 
total number of borrowers at present on the books as 12,113, more than one- 
eighth of the inhabitants of the borough. On the whole the books are very 
well used, and very few cases are met with of carelessness, and still fewer of 
wilful misusage. The privilege of having such a valuable Institution in their 
midst seems to be fully appreciated by the inhabitants. My personal work in 
connection with the Library has consisted in making myself conversant with 
the method of issuing books and registering the issues, superintending the. 
