REPORT 



OF THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE, 



1864. 



The Standing Committee of the Institute are required by its by- 

 laws to make annual reports. 



That duty is performed by the Library Committee Avith greater 

 pleasure this year, than during the tAvo preceding years. Then, 

 we were threatened by armed invasion, by those who are of the 

 same nationality. Now, we kave the cheering evidence that rebel- 

 lion is circumscribed into narrower limits, and the loyal inhabi- 

 tants of a free republic, are already congratulating themselves, 

 that armed rebellion against the government of the United States, 

 has proved a failure, and that the time has nearly arrived, when 

 our citizens can with confidence, turn their attention to the more 

 peaceful avocations of life. In sncli anticipations, no one can in- 

 dulge with more heart-felt emotions than your committee. 

 The number of volumes in the Library at the date of the 



last report was . 8,477 



There has been added during the year. 



By purchase 15 



subscription _ 26 



exchange ._ 16 



donations 45 



— 102 



Making a total of volumes now in the library 8,579 



There has been expended during the past year for the pur- 

 chase of new books, the sum of $30.83 



For binding 52.16 



There has been realized from the sale of old newspapers 



and pamphlets _ 38.88 



The unexpended amount of former appropriations is $52.23. 

 From this small balance, it will be perceived, that our succes- 

 sors will require an additional appropriation, and it is recom- 

 mended that the Institute make an appropriation of the sum of 

 five hundred dollars, to be judiciously expended in the purchase of 

 such books as shall promote the interests of those yrho resort to 

 the library in the furtherance of their scientific enquiries. 



The committee state with great pleasure, that negotiations are 

 now pending with great prospect of success, that at no remote per- 



