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THE LENDING LIBEARIES. 



A simple statement of facts is all that is necessary to exhibit the 

 progressive usefulness of this branch of the Institution. 



The issues for the year ending 31st August have been 391,413 

 volumes, making a gross total of 1,063,960 books lent during the four 

 years and ten months which the Libraries have been in operation. 



Facts are continually occurring giving evidence of the beneficial 

 influence of these Libraries. This is more especially the case amongst 

 the younger readers, many of whom have been compelled to leave 

 school at so early an age that their education is of the most elemen- 

 tary character. 



Out of 1,600 young persons at the present time using the Libraries 

 between the ages of 14 and 16, only 354 are at school, or under 

 educational training ; numbers of them are taking advantage of the 

 opportunities for mental improvement placed now within their reach. 

 Instances have occurred where the Library has been the means of 

 forwarding several of these young persons in places of trust and 

 responsibility, while others, again, have been fortunate in competing 

 for Government appointments, under the new competitive examination 

 test ; and instances are known where the Books lent have been of 

 most material service to working men, enabling them to prosecute 

 researches in Chemistry, and other sciences, with the best practical 

 results. And it is most gratifying to be able to state, that the 

 mechanic and the artisan, for whose especial benefit these Lending 

 Libraries have been established, are largely taking advantage of them 

 to improve and perfect their knowledge of their various trades and 

 callings. 



The following statistical return may be found interesting, showing 

 as it does the popular taste, and on comparing the issues for the past 

 five years, the gradual development of mind, and the growing desire for 

 a healthy and instructive Class of Literature, may be clearly traced. 



