GENERAL REPORT. 



I do not think I can usefully add very much to the exhaustive and 

 interesting report of the Chief Librarian. 



Public Libraries arc used by two sections of the community: those 

 who wish to pass away a few hours in reading magazines and light 

 literature, and those who are actuated by a desire to improve themselves, 

 or, who are studying or making researches in literature and in science. 



It is very gratifying to find that there is a considerable increase in 

 the number of serious readers, and that works on technical subjects, 

 travel, and modern languages have been in larger request. A recent 

 visit to many of the principal libraries in America has impressed me 

 very much with the marked difference in the attitude of the readers 

 in the American Institution®. There, young people frequent the public 

 libraries in Large numbers for the purpose of education, and their 

 seriousness and their systematic methods of study prove how great is 

 the value they set upon self-education, and it is but an indication which 

 one sees on all sides in America of the practical realisation- of the 

 earnest purposes of life which is carrying the American people so 

 rapidly to the front in commerce and in manufactures, and which will 

 equally before very long shew itself in literature and art. 



We have nothing to learn from America in the arrangement and 

 equipment of a public library, or in the conveniences for study placed 

 at the disposal of our readers. 



The Hornby bequest of books on art makes a notable addition to our 

 stores of literature, and is rich in first and unique editions, while a large 

 number of volumes are magnificent specimens of the bookbinder's art. 



The new South Library is in course of erection, and the Committee 

 hope before the end of the year that the proposed libraries for 

 Waverfaree and West Derby will also have made good progress. 



