On Fubltc Libraries. 127 



the friends to such an institution, on thci morning of a cer- 

 tain day, at a very respectable inn, there to considt on the 

 practicabihty of such a scheme. In a few niinut-'S after llu; 

 time appointed for the meeting, the number became so great 

 that they were obliged to adjourn to a larger room in another 

 house. A library was carried unanimously, and a subscrip- 

 tion from each memljcr of a guinea per year was determined 

 on. About forty or fifty genllcmen innnediately subscribed 

 their guineas in advance; a room was obtained; and '•' The 

 * North Shields Subscription Library" established at once 04 

 a permanent and respectable basis. 



The second part of the object I have in view in this com- 

 munication is, to show how to accomplish such purposes at 

 the cheapest rate, and at the same time to obtain pleasant 

 and convenient accommodations : and this I shall do from 

 the same respectable and active association. 



About twelve months ago they received notice to quit the 

 rooms they occupied : upon this, the plan of a library being 

 endeared to them, as they advanced in the experience of it$ 

 benefits, the committee proposed to purchase a piece of 

 ground in a very advantageous situation in the high part of 

 North Shields, and to build a house for their accommoda- 

 tion ; and that a subscription [)3per should be laid upon the 

 table. The sum for the purchase and building vtas esti- 

 mated at SOOL, and the members at that period amounted 

 to about 250; and the shares were not to be less than 5 1. 

 No member could take more than one for the first four 

 weeks; after that, if the list was not filled, as many might 

 be taken as the case allowed. Within six weeks 1200/., or 

 near that sum, was subscribed ! The ground was purchased. 

 The house is now finished, consisting of three stories : the 

 groimd floor contains two spacious and elegant counting- 

 houses, which are let for 40/. or 50 1. each, thus douig 

 much more tban paying the interest of the money ; tlic se- 

 cond story contains the library room (-*hich u'oviid hold with 

 case 7000 or 8000 volumes) and a room fur the committee ; 

 above those is the attic story, which they mean to turn into 

 an observatory : the purciiasiiig of a telescope, and other 

 Oslrouomical instruments, is already in contemplation : tho 



whole 



