Liverpool was one of the earliest cities to inaugurate free public 

 libraries, but we are already left behind in their development. We 

 have only one branch library worthy of the name ; those at the North 

 and South ends of the City being small and inconvenient, and devoid of 

 reading rooms. The time has arrived when new libraries with commodious 

 reading rooms must be provided, and the Committee are taking steps to 

 find suitable sites with a view to recommending the erection of new branch 

 libraries to the City Council. 



During the past j-ear large and convenient accommodation has been 

 provided in the basement in the Free Library for Patents and Newspaper 

 files : thus giving additional and much-needed book space in the upper 

 room. 



The sanitary arrangements of the building have also been entirely re- 

 constructed. 



We have to record the death of (he Curator of our Museum, Mr. T. J. 

 Moore, after forty years service. He brought to bear upon the discharge 

 of his duties the enthusiasm of a born student of nature, combined with 

 a profound scientific knowledge of liis profession, which won for him the 

 admiration and respect of all naturalists. 



We have been unable, for lack of funds, to add many specimens to our 

 already splendid collection of Natural History objects. 



We availed ourselves of an opportunity afforded last Spring to hold a 

 Naval Exhibition in the Art Gallery, which was in every way successful. 

 Out of the profits the Committee were able to purchase Maclise's great 

 picture " The Death of Nelson." 



The Autumn Exhibition of Pictures was, next to the year 1891, the most 

 successful ever held. The pictures were above the average in excellence, 

 and the exhibits of the Glasgow school attracted much attention. 



During the year the Roscoe Collection of Pictures has been presented 

 by the trustees of the Royal Institution on permanent loan. They form 

 a unique collection of mediaeval pictures, mostly of the Italian school, 

 containing examples of many of the old masters, which will be of great 

 interest and educational advantage. This collection forms a very valuable 

 addition to the Permanent Gallery, but wdl necessitate the addition of 

 further accommodation for its proper display. 



We cannot conclude this resume wiiliont alluding to the great work 

 carried out by the Sub-Committee on Technical Education. A system 

 of technical training has been introduced into Liverpool ; so wide-reaching 



■I 



