REPORT. 



The Committee, in presenting to the Council their customary Annual 

 Report, have still to record the progressive development of the capa- 

 bilities and usefulness of every part of the Institution under their 

 charge. 



The details of each department will be found under their respective 

 heads. It may here be briefly stated that the issue of books during 

 the previous year was : — 



Volumes. 



From the Reference Library 195453 



From the Leading Libraries 391413 



Total 586866 



During the year ending 31st August last, the issues have been : — 



Volumes. 



From the Reference Library 202534 



From the Lending Libraries 436509 



Total 639043 



Being an actual circulation of 12,290 volumes per week, and an 

 increase in the issues of 53,177 volumes during the year, or upwards 

 of 1000 per week. The amount of advantage to the community, in 

 affording innocent amusement, and providing means for self-instruction 

 and mental improvement, to this extent, it would be difficult to over- 

 estimate. 



During the past year, additional accommodation has been provided 

 at the North end, by the erection of a new building for the Library in 

 connection with the premises previously occupied, which have been 

 secured for a term of vears at a reasonable rent. 



