150 The Library. Three years since Mr. Carnegie generously offered the munificent sum of .10,000 to erect a building and equip the Library, provided the Free Libraries Act was adopted. This was at once carried by an over- whelming majority. A handsome building of three stories has been built. In the basement are store rooms, boiler room, lavatory, &c. On the first floor are situated the Lending Library, Reading Room, and Committee Room, all opening off the entrance hall. On the top flat are the Reference Library, Ladies' Room, Museum and Art Gallery. All the rooms are spacious, well lighted, elegantly fitted up, and every provision has been made for the comfort and convenience of the public. The memorial stone of the building was laid by Mrs. Carnegie on October 5th, 1892. On the same day Mr. Carnegie was presented with the Freedom of the Burgh. The Library was formally opened by Provost Shankland on Septem- ber 2, 1893. From the commencement every department has been increasingly taken advantage of by all classes. During the first week, over 500 readers were enrolled, and 563 books given out. There are now 3,884 readers, and the daily issue has reached 488 vols. The total number of books given out since the opening has been 64,280. BATH. At the City Police Court on April 9th, Henry Mitchell, late librarian of the Royal Literary and Scientific Institution, was charged with embezzlement of its funds. He was sentenced to six months' imprisonment with hard labour. BRADFORD. A " Bronte Society and Museum" has been formed here, largely through the efforts of Mr. Butler Wood, the well-known and popular librarian. It is already a success and has attracted members both in America and in Paris. Mr. J. Horsfall Turner is corresponding secretary, and Mr. Wood, bibliographical secretary. BURY. On April loth, Councillor Taylor read a paper on " The Desirability of Establishing a Free Library," before the Bury Literary and Scientific Society. In the discussion which followed Mr. S. Kay offered ^50 towards the establishment of a Free Library. BUXTON. In March the committee elected Mr. T.Sargent, of Derby, to the post of librarian and curator of the Museum, Town Hall. The salary is $$ per annum. There were 10 candidates. CA.MBORNE. Mr. J. Passmore Edwards laid the foundation stone of the public library building which he has presented to this Cornish town, on April 10, 1894. The proceedings were enthusiastic and lengthy, and are detailed in the Western Morning News, of April n. As we have previously noted, Camborne participates in the Ferris bequest, but it was undoubtedly due to Mr. Edwards' generosity that the act was adopted. COLNE (LANG.). In April the Public Libraries Acts were adopted at a meeting of the Colne Local Board, Lancashire, by a majority of three votes. The proposal to adopt the Act was rejected by a ballot of rate- payers five years ago. The Board have purchased land for the site of a technical school, and it is believed the school and free library will now form one institution. DOVER. On March 21, a very favourable resolution in favour of the adoption of the Public Libraries Acts, was passed at the Town Hall meeting.
