Abstracts of Public Library Reports. 275 only" with the result that from November last to May, 216 persons have taken advantage of this arrangement, and the collection, which was pre- viously used but to a very limited extent, is now proving inadequate to meet the demands. This is an idea that deserves to be widely followed. Total number of volumes in the library 24,466, being a net increase on the year of 1,907. Worn-out books are sent to the Parish Infirmary and Workhouses for the use of the inmates. In November and April, exhibitions of books were held in the Central Reference Library, and about 800 persons attended. The electric light has been installed. University extension classes have been held in the Central Library and many gifts of unusual value and interest have been received, including the Death Mask of Carlyle taken for the statue, by Sir J. E. Boehm ; an autograph letter of the Duke of Wellington, addressed to the Chelsea Churchwardens ; and many other items of especial interest to Chelsea. An interesting experiment has been made and is referred to as follows in the report : A Day's Reading: " With the object of showing an average day's work of the Central Library, a detailed record of the books issued was taken on Thursday, the 24th May, 1894. The number of persons who entered the reading rooms was 1,101, including 168 women and 24 boys, but excluding those coming to the Lending Library ; 46 persons referred to the directories lying on the reading room tables." We wish we could give the details, for they are most instructive and afford an excellent answer to those who charge public libraries with being mainly purveyors of fiction. Clapham. Librarian, J. Reed Welch. Opening of reading rooms on Sundays successful. Upper Hall lent to Clapham Vestry and other local bodies. Clerkenwell. Librarian, James D. Brown. Extra tickets issued for non-fictional works. Free access to shelves foreshadowed. Exhibition of prints, &c., relating to Clerkenwell open for six months. Mr. C. H. Benn, senior assistant from the opening of Library in 1888, appointed librarian of Penzance in May. Ealing. Librarian, Thos. Bonner. Revised edition of catalogue issued. Mr. H. S. Newland, sub-librarian for more than eight years, appointed Librarian at the Harlesden Branch of the Willesden Libraries. Mr. C. Baker, assistant librarian at Chiswick succeeded him. Hereford. Librarian, J. Cockcroft. For the first time the committee have received the income from the penny rate without deduction. A unique collection of local pictures exhibited. Police have charge and oversight of fire extinguishing apparatus on the premises. Reading room opened on bank holidays. Hove. Librarian, John W. Lister. History of the movement given. Eighteen books from infected houses destroyed, the value of them ^3 33. rod. Electric light installed. Com- mittee hope to have a permanent building soon. Leamington. Librarian, David B. Grant. Better accommodation required for all departments. Sunday opening successful.
