REPORT. 



This Institution has now attained a magnitude and extent of operations 

 which, at its inception, the most sanguine promoters could not have 

 ventured to anticipate. The modest collection of 1852 has overstepped 

 the limits of a mere library, and has developed into four great depart- 

 ments embracing the whole circle of Literature, Art, Antiquities, and 

 Natural History. 



The buildings devoted to the purpose have year by year expanded to 

 meet the growing wants, and now constitute the largest Institution in the 

 City, having its habitat in a series of connected buildings of considerable 

 architectural display, the largest in extent, and the most comprehensive 

 in their scope, of any kindred Institution in the kingdom. 



The extension of the Walker Art Gallery, mentioned in the last 

 Report, is now very near completion. The accommodation it will give 

 for the future development of art in this district is unsurpassed. A 

 grant of ^5,500, which has been made during the past year by the City 

 Council will defray the balance of the Building Contract, and thus 

 relieve the Institution from any pecuniary incumbrance. 



The adaptability of these buildings for social and public gatherings has 

 been demonstrated on several occasions during the past year. 



In August last the Medical Association of Great Britain held their 

 Annual Conference in Liverpool, under the Presidency of A. T. H. 

 Waters, M.D., when the rooms were placed at their service. On one of 

 the evenings a brilliant soiree was held, which for comprehensiveness and 

 attractions was almost unique. 



In September the Library Association of the United Kingdom held 

 their Sixth Annual Meeting within these walls. The Chairman of this 

 Institution filled the office of President. The meetings were attended 

 by delegates from all the Chief Libraries of the kingdom, amongst 

 others-Mr. George Bullen and Dr. R. Garnett of the British Museum, 

 Mr. Henry Bradshaw, Librarian to the University of Cambridge, Mr. 

 Robert Harrison, of the London Library, &c, A soiree was given with 

 great success by the Committee of this Institution, and visits were paid 

 to the librariesof the Earl of Crawford, Haigh Hall, and of the Earl of 

 Derby at Knowsley. 



