KEPOKT. 



A few general remarks on the action of the several departments may 

 form a fitting introduction to the statistical information appended. 



Reference Library. 



This, which may be considered the nucleus and centre of the institution, 

 pursues the even tenor of its way with little vicissitude. To whatever 

 cause it may be owing, the issues have fallen off about 15 per cent, 

 during the year. This is principally manifest in the department of 

 prose fiction, where the volumes read have diminished from 882 per 

 day to 698, or 20 per cent. This undoubtedly indicates a greater 

 proportionate demand for a higher class of literature. Even on the 

 reduced scale the circulation of more than 10,000 volumes per week of 

 wholesome literature, much of it of a high class, diffusing its influence 

 through every stratum of society, cannot but have a very favourable 

 influence both morally and intellectually. 



During the year, 113 volumes worn out have not been replaced, after 

 allowing for which an addition has been made of 2,108 volumes, making 

 the number now on the shelves 93,183. 



The increase in the contents of the library is pressing upon the 

 available space, and before very long some additional provision will have 

 to be made. 



The late Alderman Bennett turned his attention during many years to 

 the collection of drawings illustrative of the topography and progress of 

 the City, specially with reference to the street architecture, a large part 

 of which has been swept away by progressive improvements. Since his 

 decease these collections were offered by auction and have been secured 

 for the Library. The number of drawings is 943, which have been 

 obtained at the price of £450. 



Lending Libraries. 



These have during many years been worked up to the extent of their 

 capacity so that any serious increase in the issues is not to be looked 

 for. It will be seen, however, from an inspection of the figures that 

 there has been an extension of the issues during the last year from 

 405,271 to 427,532 volumes. 



One very gratifying circumstance connected with these libraries is the 

 very small percentage of books lost or unaccounted for. Out of issues 



