Library Notes and News. 149 assiduity of his attention to the duties devolved upon him ; by the know- ledge and sagacity which he consistently brought to the committee's councils ; and by the depth and enthusiasm of his interest in whatever concerned the welfare of the Library. The loss of his services in these respects the committee has greatly to deplore. But perhaps even yet more has it cause to lament the loss of help rendered by him to the cause of the Library in divers ways outside the immediate sphere of the com- mittee. Than Dr. Alexander no one had more at heart the interests of the Library and those of the community as affected by them. From the first days of its institution, and before them, he had a strong and un- wavering sense of the high and important functions of the Library in the intellectual and social life of the citizens. As ajournalist of wide influence and universal respect, he was able, through the medium of the press, to keep his ideal with regard to the Library well before the public mind. As a private citizen, he was ever, with an unobtrusiveness which was distinctly characteristic of him, devising some helpful service, either by the presentation by himself of books and other literature by which the Library has been enriched, or by stimulating others to a similar living interest in its well-being. And thus it has happened that he who was himself one of the Library's best friends became the means of winning over and attaching others, who in their turn have rendered welcome service to the Library and its resources." ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. On March igth the books of the Ashton Free Library were again available for public use in the Heginbottom Technical School and Free Library. The library was established in 1882 and lodged in the Town Hall. The books were chiefly provided by the Heginbottom Trustees, Mr. Hugh Mason, and the late Lord Stamford. In 1883 the Corporation obtained Parliamentary powers for the erection of a building, but before these were put into force the trustees of the late Mr. George Heginbottom offered to provide ,10,000 for a Technical School. This gift was gladly accepted, and it was decided to house the library in the same building, which was opened with great rejoicing in July last. The total cost has been ,20,502, of which the Heginbottom Trustees gave ,10,000, the Science and Art Department .1,164, arj d the Lancashire County Council ^650. The Corporation Library contained in its old home 8,000 volumes ; these have now been augmented to 13,000, and the whole have been re-arranged and catalogued by the librarian, Mr. D. H. Wade, who has had the assistance of Mr. J. J. O'Neill. AYR. Considerable success has attended the Carnegie Public Li- brary since its opening in September last, contrary to the forebodings of many, who thought the new Library would be a failure ; and certainly past experienres in Ayr tended to foster that opinion. More than half a century ago a Mechanics' Institute Library was formed, and there was also what was called the Ayr Library, established and maintained by private proprietors. The Mechanics' Library never had a very successful career, and after a time had to be closed for want of public support. The Ayr Library also became defunct. Some time after a movement was set on foot to establish a Public Library, and a fund raised to start it. In course of time the Mechanics' Library handed over the whole of its books, the Ayr Library also giving their valuable collection, and thus a good Public Library, containing over 6,000 vols. was floated, though it was never successful. About ten years ago an attempt was made to adopt the Free Libraries Act, but the verdict of a public meeting was decidedly against it.
