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at the two Libraries, showing a slight increase. After these the
most popular are C (History, Voyages and Travels), of which 2,106
and 1,018 volumes have been issued, an increase of over 26 per
cent. over the previous year; and class E (Art, Science and
Natural History), in which the issues have been 3,143, against
2,356 in the previous year, or an increase of over 33 per cent.
These figures are the most satisfactory feature in the report,
especially if they are compared with the increase in class F
(Fiction), which is only 7 per cent.
It should also be borne in mind that the issues of Fiction and
other light literature are for much shorter periods than those of
higher and more substantial works.
The Committee has, by request, considered the question of
"blacking out" all betting news in the newspapers supplied to the
Libraries, but see no reason to do so.
A Hand List of books added since 1896 has been issued.
The supplemental volumes of the Encyclopedia Britannica
have been supplied to both Libraries and are much appreciated.
The Committee have to thank the following donors for gifts
of books, &c„ to the Libraries: —
For West Hill—The British Museum, 3 vols.; Mr. and Mrs.
Carter, 28 vols.; Mr. E. T. East 4 vols.; Miss Franc, 21 vols.;
Councillor Lancaster, J.P., 2 vols.; Dr. LongstafT, a large number;
a Member of the Rationalist Press Association, 2 vols.;
Rationalist Press Association, 6 vols.; Mr. Rogers, 3 vols.;
Stephens & Mackintosh (Leicester), 2 vols ; also Captain Adams,
Mrs. Brown, Mr. T. J. W. Buckley, Mrs. Bull, Mr. Burgoyne, Miss
Hales, Councillor Hennell, the Town Clerk, and others, one volume
each.
For Allfarthing Lane—Mrs. Armour, 2 vols.; Rev. F.
Austin, 6 vols.; Mr. Beck, 2 vols.; Councillor Harrison, 6 vols.;
Miss Jameson, 8 vols.; Mr. S. W. Proverbs, 27 vols.; Rationalist
Press Association, 8 vols.; Miss Cook and Mr. F. Gould, 1 vol.
each. Also for both Libraries a large number of Reports from
various Public Libraries.