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159
RULES.
In view of the early opening of the Library the Commissioners
on the 12th October, 1898, adopted rules as to the opening, closing,
admission of persons and borrowing of books in the various departments
of the Library.
CATALOGUE.
Immediately a sufficient number of works had been purchased,
the Librarian proceeded with the preparation of the Catalogue of the
Library, and in November, 1898, the Commissioners obtained tenders
for the printing of the work, and Mr. T. Cornell's tender being the
lowest, was accepted.
OPENING OF LIBRARY.
The formal opening of the Library took place on the 8th
February, 1899. The ceremony was performed by the Right. Hon.
James Bryce. D.C.L., M.P., who delivered an admirable address on
that occasion. Mr. J. Passmore Edwards, whose handsome donation
of £5,000 has now been fully paid, was also present.
DESCRIPTION OF LIBRARY BUILDING.
In order to afford the Vestry a full description of the Library
Building, the Commissioners submit the following statement prepared
by the Architect.
The building stands some twenty feet back from the pavement
in the Borough Road, and the space thus available is turfed. This
arrangement greatly enhances the architectural effect of the building,
and also removes the reading rooms further from the noise of the
passing traffic.
The building consists of a basement, ground floor, and first floor,
with an attic floor over the portion assigned to the Librarian's
residence.
The basement extends over the whole area of the building, being
well lighted by an area which completely surrounds it. In the
basement are the heating chamber and the coal cellars; the rest of
the space is available for the storage of books, and for repairs, and
unpacking, &c.