The Library was opened on the 18th of October, 1852. From 

 that period to the same date of the present year there have been 

 issued to readers the number of 111,723 volumes ; in addition to 

 which there have been 16,9G0 readers of periodical publications 

 which are left lying on the tables, making a total of works perused 

 of 128,683. The average number of books issued per diem is 394, 

 and of readers of periodicals 80. Assuming the average number of 

 books in the Library during the year to have been 10,000, which 

 is near the truth, the numbers issued are equivalent to every book 

 in the Library having been read thirteen times over dm-ing that 

 time. Gratifying as the result must be, it does not fairly 

 represent the demand for the advantages of the Library. The 

 utmost number which the present rooms can accommodate at one 

 time, even with inconvenient crowding, is 140 to 160 persons. 

 Li the evening, which is of coui'se the principal time for readers, 

 the rooms are always filled, frequently crowded to a most incon- 

 venient extent, The discomfort arising from this source, and 

 from the stifling atmosphere which the fi-equenters of the rooms 

 have to submit to in consequence, is a sufficient evidence of the 

 avidity with which the inhabitants avail themselves of the ad- 

 vantages of the Institution. 



To supply this constantly growing demand the operations of the 

 Committee have been as under. 



At the commencement of the year the number of volumes in 

 the Library amounted to 8,296, besides 1,200 duplicate volumes 

 and 490 parts of Parliamentaiy Papers, and exclusive of about 

 1,000 volimies of old and imperfect works and duplicates. To these 

 there have been added during the year 3,960 volumes, of which 

 700 volumes and 40 pamphlets have been donations, and 3,220 

 volumes by purchase. 



A valuable collection of maps and charts has also been added, 

 > fitted with a roller and case for reference. Care has been taken 



to procure the best wliich could be obtained. 



