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254
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE 0F
CLAPHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY,
For the Year ending 31ST March, 1905.
THE chief event occurring at the Clapham Library during the
past year has been the extension of the Institution by the
opening on the 6th February, 1905, of the large Upper Hall
as a Reference Library and Magazine Room. These departments had
previously been located in a portion of the Reading Room, which has
now been made into one large room. The alteration has been much
appreciated by the readers, affording as it does much more space for
the public, and ensuring quiet for the students of reference books and
the heavier magazines. An office for the assistant in charge has been
placed in the Reference Library, and telephonic communication
established between the various departments. The lighting and
ventilation of the Library have also been entirely renewed and
improved, incandescent gas having been adopted in place of the worn"
out Wenham lamps.
The number of books now in stock is 13,642, of which 10,808
are in the Lending Library, and 2,834 in the Reference Library. The
number issued during the year was 95,883, an increase of 7,689 as
compared with the previous year, and representing a daily average
issue of 391 volumes.
All betting news and tipsters' advertisements are now blacked out
of the newspapers in the Reading Room, this having been ordered by
the Council to be carried out in the Libraries throughout the Borough.
A donation has been accepted with thanks from Mr. Paul R.
Montford of plaster casts of his sculptured figures " Music and
Poetry," and placed in the entrance lobby. An offer by Messrs.
Willis & Co. to supply quarterly catalogues gratis for two years has
also been accepted.