13 



LENDING LIBRARIES. 



It was staled in the last Report that, with the present accommo- 

 dation and staff, the Libraries had reached the limit beyond which it 

 was impossible to extend. The Committee found themselves under 

 the necessity of declining to increase the readers' tickets beyond 

 9,000. It is obvious, therefore, that this department can be no longer 

 progressive. 



The issues are nearly the same as the previous year, being — 



Vols. 



North DisHict Library 249799 



South District Library 237992 



Total Issues 487791 



During the past year a thorough examination of the state of the 

 books in the South Branch has taken place, and 1,604 volumes were 

 found to be unfit for further service ; 1,254 of these have been 

 replaced, at a cost of JE127 18s. 8d., and the remaining 350 volumes 

 withdrawn from the Library shelves. 



The following additions have been made to the collection : — 



Vols. 



By Purchase 1983 



By Donation 39 



2022 

 Deduct 350 worn-out books withdrawn. 



Leaving the number added during the year ] 679 volumes. 



Special thanks are due to Mr. James Gordon, publisher, of 

 Edinburgh, for a valuable donation of two sets of his well-known 

 series of Educational Works. These books are likely to prove 

 exceedingly useful to persons desirous of commencing and carrying on 

 a consecutive course of self-instruction, for which they are admirably 

 adapted. 



At the present time, the books and borrowers are thus dis- 

 tributed : — 



Vols. Borrowers. 



N 01 th District 15390 4294 



South District 15981 4280 



Total in both 31371 8574 



