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position is exceedingly well adapted for a library and reading room, being 

 open and conspicuous, and close upon a great public thoroughfare, while, 

 at the same time, lying so as to be free from the noise and disturbance of 

 vehicular traffic. The Library is in close proximity to the Wards of 

 North and South Toxteth, Pitt Street, and Rodney Street, which, with the 

 Ward of Gt. George in which the Library is situated, are estimated to 

 contain a population of 155,637. The premises consist of two dwelling 

 houses, not absolutely old, but far from being new. The alterations 

 necessary in the first instance to make them suitable and convenient for 

 the present Library, have done much to weaken them, consequently any 

 further structural alterations can hardly be deemed judicious, even 

 if they were capable of providing a reading room of sufficient size, 

 and with the requirements necessary to make it a success. But this is 

 not the case. After a careful examination of the premises by the 

 Corporation Surveyor, it has been considered the best and cheapest 

 course to pull them down and build a new Library and Heading Room, 

 consisting of one storey with basement, on the plan prepared by the 

 Surveyor and the Librarian. This plan, while providing for the full 

 requirements of the Library, also provides a Public Reading Room 

 capable of seating a hundred persons at tables, and accommodating 

 some forty to fifty more standing at newspaper desks. 



The cost of this new building and fittings is estimated at a sum not 

 exceeding j£2,500, with an addition of ^150 for furniture. 



The annual average charge of this Library during the past five years 

 has been £'760, without deducting the receipts for fines, catalogues, 

 readers' tickets, &c., which have averaged i£160 during the same period. 



The proposed New Library and Reading Room will cost not less than 

 ±'170 a year more for magazines, newspapers, extra gas, extra cleaning, 

 allowance to Librarian for loss of house, &c , and some extra assistance 

 during the evenings. 



By the above arrangement the city will gain two reading rooms for 

 books as well as periodicals and newspapers, open both day and evening, 

 in situations where they are greatly needed and would be much appreciated, 

 at a cost of about i'308 10s. per annum, whereas two additional evening 

 reading rooms (similar to those the Committee have opened in schoolrooms 



