11 



read through the eleven volumes of Thiers' " History of the Consulate 

 and the Empire," and has since been pursuing a course of reading of a 

 highly instructive and usefiil character. A stonemason, similarly 

 circumstanced, stated to the superintendent that he felt it a great boon 

 to be able to take a book home to his own fireside. Formerly he could 

 not bear being about the house when out of work, and must go, to pass 

 the time, to the public-house, and have his glass of ale and pipe ; now 

 he never thought of stirring out when he had a good book to read. 

 Another recently stated that his Library rate of a few pence had saved 

 him many a pound since the opening of the Libraries. Indeed, 

 numerous instances of this kind might be mentioned, to show the 

 benefits arising from their establishment, and the gratitude felt by the 

 people. 



The Librarian reports that consecutive reading is on the increase. 

 Several are now earnestly and steadily pursuing courses of study in 

 Chemistry, Botany, and Natural History. A working man recently 

 stated to the superintendent that he had just chalked out for himself a 

 course of historical reading, which would occupy liim between three 

 and four years. Others are, again, reading all the works they can 

 obtain, bearing on the various trades and businesses in which they are 

 engaged. 



New Catalogues of the books have been published during the year, 

 of which 2,050 copies have been sold. It is proposed in future to 

 publish, at a small cost, additional supplements, from time to time, as 

 the books increase. 

 / 



The Committee feel gratified in being able to bear testimony to 

 the efiicient working of the Institution in every department. It has 

 taken a favourable hold of public opinion. The advantages and 

 benefits it is calculated to confer are becoming every year more and 

 more appreciated ; and they trust that a long career of useful influence 

 lies before it in the future. 



Signed on behalf of the Committee, 



J. A. PICTON, 

 (!ti)a(rntan. 



