1»REFA<JE. 



Tlie formation of a Public Library in the City ol* 

 Canterbury on a large scale is of the highest import- 

 ance, both as regards the general interests of Science, and 

 the improvement and gratitication of the inhabitants. This 

 object, therefore, demands the constant and unremitting ex- 

 ertion of the Committee and Members of the Institution, 

 and claims the cordial co-operation of all who feel interested 

 in the advancement of knowledge and the well being of 

 Society. Such Public Library it is presumed, would not 

 only confer especial honour on our ancient city, but its utility 

 would be felt and acknowledged throughout th? eastern part 

 of the County generally. 



The library until lately, was greatly deficient in Standard 

 Works, and innumerable sets of books were incomplete ; it 

 will now be found to contain many of the best publications, 

 and the imperfections alluded to have been remedied. The 

 great increase of the library has rendered it necessary to 

 publish a new catalogue, in the arrangement of which, facility 

 of reference has been the object sought. An addition of 

 nearly one thousand volumes has been made since the last 

 catalogue was published, and the Book Society connected with 

 the Institution, has already contributed nearly one hundred 

 volumes, and a like number may be expected annually. 



'1 he augmentation and improvement of the library has long 

 occupied attention, and with a view to the furtherance of 

 these objects, the late Earl of Darnley presented a valuable 

 selection of books, as did also the present Earl. Sir J. M; 

 Tylden, Sir. E. Brydges, Alderman Frend, William Frend, 

 Esq. W. H. Baldock, Esq. Col. Barrett, the Rev. A. Brydges, 

 Capt. Harvey, R. N. Dr. Carter, Gideon Mantel, Esq. and 

 numerous other gentlemen have rendered similar assistance and 

 it is anticipated that many noblemen and gentlemen may be 

 induced to present their duplicate copies. 



JOHN POUT, Librarian. 



CuiHerhiry, Nov. 1832. 



