View report page

281
of the Reading Rooms at different times of the day has
necessitated their re-arrangement by fixing reading slopes
to the walls. The removal of the newspaper stands has
made the rooms much lighter; and has improved their
appearance considerably; it has also enabled me to display
many more newspapers in a permanent position, and
has greatly increased the accommodation for readers.
The adoption of incandescent burners is a great
improvement in lighting the rooms, and it is gratifying to
notice that the arrangements made for increasing the
comfort and convenience of the public are very much
appreciated.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
S. MARTIN,
Librarian and Secretary.
THE PASSMORE EDWARDS FREE LIBRARY,
SHEPHERD'S BUSH.
In the year 1891 the idea of establishing a Branch
•
Library occupied the attention of the Commissioners, and
at the meeting held on February 17th in that year Mr.
T. Chamberlen urged "That the time had arrived when
something should be done towards its establishment;
that a piece of vacant land offered a most suitable site, the
owners of which should be approached by the Commis
sioners with view of ascertaining whether they would be
disposed to grant a sufficient space for the purpose." The
owners were the Copyholders of the ancient Manor of
Fulham, and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, who are
Lords of the said Manor. In due course the owners were
communicated with, the result being that the piece of land
in question, which has a frontage of 112 feet to Uxbridge
Road, and a depth of 120 feet, was given to the Library
Commissioners for the purpose of erecting a Branch Public
Library thereon. The Library rate being limited to one