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162
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.
opening of the 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 tho space thus available is turfed. This arrangement
greatly enhances the architecture 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 residonce.
The basement extends over the whole area of the building, being well
lighted by an area which completely surrounds it. In tho 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.
The ground floor is placed about three feet above tho level of the pavement.
On entering, one reaches the Ladies' Room on the right hand side and
the News Room on the loft hand side, the public portion of the Lending
Library being immediately in front. The Boys' Room has a door opening
into the News Room, but it is proposed that tho usual moans of access shall
be through the Lending Library, thus enabling the staff to have full control
over those who use the room. The public rooms are all under tho direct
supervision of the staff in tho Lending Library, as is also the Entrance Hall.
On tho first floor is the Reference Library and Magazine Room, with book
store attached. A spiral staircase from the book store communicates with the
ending Library and basement below. This enables tho stuff to reach one
department from another with great facility. Adjoining tho Reference Library
is the Committee Room.
There is a separate entrance for the Librarian's staff, and this ontrance
also leads to the Librarian's residence, which comprises drawing-room, dining
room, and three bedrooms, bath-room, kitchen, scullery, &c.