Borough of Derby. 
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT 
OF THE 
FREE LIBRARY & MUSEUM COMMITTEE, 
For the Year ending September 29th, 1886. 
HE Free Library and Museum Committee, in presenting their Annual 
Report, congratulate the Council on the steady increase in the popu- 
larity of the Institution. 
After the recent large additions of new books, less has naturally been 
done in that direction during the past year, and your Committee’s attention 
has been assiduously devoted to keeping the books already in the Library 
in a fit condition for use. The number of books bound and repaired has 
been abnormally large, amounting to a little over four thousand. 
A very gratifying feature is the increased use made of the books in the 
Reference Library. The Library of Patents is also very largely consulted. 
The number of visitors to the Institution was carefully counted in the 
first week of the month of April, and reached the large figure of 13214 for 
the week, an abundant proof of the usefulness of the Institution. If counted 
in the winter months the number would be considerably greater. 
The attention of the Committee was specially drawn last winter to the 
great consumption of gas, as well as to the defective lighting of some parts of 
the Institution. A Sub-Committee was appointed to take the matter in hand, 
and on their recommendation one of Stott’s Gas Governors was put up in 
February last, certain alterations were made in the lighting of the Library 
and basement, and the lighting of the reading rooms was entirely remodelled. 
The use of the governor has effected a great saving, and the whole of the 
building is now better lighted at less expense. The thanks of the Committee 
are due to the sub-committee of gentlemen who have so effectively dealt with 
this matter. 
