h) LIBRARIES. 



now usinp the lending libraries tell unduly in the class proportion of the 

 books issued. Taking scientific and technical books alone, the issue of 

 44,451 is worthy of special mention. Some little satisfaction may here be 

 expressed that among free libraries Liverpool first sought to cultivate a 

 taste for music by placing on the shelves of these branch libraries high- 

 class works in this delightful art. Last year 15,815 volumes found their 

 way into the homes of the people. It may also be further mentioned that 

 it was in these libraries that the blind as readers first received recognition 

 and have their tedious hours lightened by a literature adapted to their 

 needs. These readers have to-day a very generous friend in Miss M. L. 

 Hornby, who has added to the collection of books in the library in Braille 

 type to an extent which calls for the grateful acknowledgment of the 

 city at large. Five years ago the number of books lent to the blind 

 numbered only 211 volumes, while last year it had increased to 1,176. 

 Much of this increase is due to the bright, cheerful character of books 

 presented by Miss Hornby. This special library now numbers 667 

 volumes. A special catalogue has been printed, and is obtainable gratis. 

 Any friends of the blind therefore would be obliging the Library 

 Committee by making this fact known. 



During the past year the extension of the free lectures to a number of 

 the outer districts of the citj' was continued. With those given in the 

 Central Lecture Hall, William Brown Street, the total number of lectures 

 delivered numbered 51, and the total attendances 47,553. 



