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306
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE OF
CLAPHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY,
For the Year ending 31st March, 1906.
THE opening of the new Reference Library and Magazine Room
in February, 1905, has relieved the pressure in the Reading
Room and given great satisfaction to readers in both
departments. The replacement of the old worn-out Wenham lamps
by incandescent fittings has much improved the lighting throughout
at a greatly reduced consumption of gas.
320 worn-out and obsolete volumes have been withdrawn from the
Library and not replaced, being out of print or out of date. Allowing
for this reduction the number of books now in stock is 14,380, of
which 11,371 are in the Lending Library, and 3,009 in the Reference
Library. The number issued during the year was 94,229 in the
Lending Library and 6,822 in the Reference Library (exclusive of books
in open cases), being a total issue of 101,051 volumes, an increase of
5,168 as compared with the previous year, and representing a daily
average issue of 414 volumes. This is the highest issue in both
departments of any year since the opening of the Library in 1889, as
will be seen by referring to one of the Librarian's tables following.
3,570 tickets were issued during the year to readers in the Lending
Library.
In the Reading Room two additional stands have been provided,
accommodating four newspapers, and glazed draught-preventing sides
fixed to the sash fanlights. The finding of papers and periodicals by
visitors has been facilitated by distinguishing the tables and racks by
letters, with corresponding letters on the sides of the periodical
covers, and placing on each table a tablet containing a list of the
papers to be found thereon.