LENDING LIBRARIES. 



The Lending Libraries still continue to grow in popularity and 

 usefulness, as will be seen by the accompanying tabular statements. 



The issues exceed those of the previous year by 45,096 volumes, 

 and the number of Borrowers shows an increase over last year of 522. 

 Up to the present time, one million and a half of books have been 

 circulated. 



Volumes. Readers. 



At the North District there have been lent 197547 3881 



At the South District there have been lent 3-38962 4396 



Total lent during the year 436509 827/ 



The class of persons using the Libraries continues much the same 

 as in the analysis made of their occupations in last year's Report ; 

 there is, however, a noticeable increase in the number of female 

 readers. 



It is found that Borrowers who systematically read works of a 

 light and amusing character change their books much more frequently 

 than those who read a more solid class of hterature ; many of the 

 latter are in the constant habit of having their books renewed again 

 and again, in order thoroughly to master their contents ; and this is 

 especially the case with working men when engaged in perusing works 

 of an educational or scientific character. 



Out of the 8,277 persons at present using the Libraries, it is 

 believed about 3,000 really read with a desire to furnish their minds 

 with useful knowledge, while the remaining number appear to read 

 simply for amusement and recreation. Large as this proportion 

 appears, it will bear comparison with any library in the kingdom, 

 where a mixed description of literature is freely circulated. 



The fine summer weather, and long light evenings, materially 

 affect the amount of circulation ; for instance, in the month of March, 

 no less than 42,658 volumes were issued, while in the month of June, 

 the numbers diminished to 33,434 volumes. The bulk of the 

 frequenters of the Library are closely confined at work during the 

 day, and at this season naturally seek outdoor recreation in preference 



