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7
urgent. We are afraid, however, that it is not possible to
provide more room in the present building. The question of
providing library accommodation, both at Muswell Hill and
Pentonville, has been considered by the Committee, but
was adjourned in view of the changes likely to occur under
the provisions of the London Government Bill. The Reference
Reading Room also continues to be well-used and appreciated,
the total visits being estimated at 176,180 for the fifteen
months, a daily average of 460. The number of lady readers
has increased.
Worn Out Books and Out of Date Magazines.—It was
decided to offer these to the Guardians of the Holborn Union
for the use of the inmates of the various institutions, an offer
which that Board gladly accepted We trust that they may
be of service in solacing the declining days of the poor people
in those places.
Lighting.—The Committee have given consideration to
the unsatisfactory lighting of some parts of the Library, and
hope to be able soon to introduce great improvements in
every department.
Obituary.—The Library sustained a severe loss in the
sudden and widely lamented death of the Rev. John H. Rose,
M.A., Vicar of Clerkenwell, and Chairman of the Library
Commissioners from 1888 to 1897, which took place in April,
i8q8. He was early identified with the movement which resulted
in the adoption of the Public Libraries Acts by Clerkenwell
in 1887, and remained a warm and consistent friend and
supporter of the Public Library till the day of his death. He
took a keen interest in the work and progress of the Library
from the beginning, and supported every proposal for its
improvement.
The Committee have also to express their regret for the
loss of Mr. George Wright, whose sudden death in March
last was greatly felt by his colleagues. He had only been a
member of the Committee since September, 1898.
Miscellaneous.—The favour and esteem in which the
Library is held is not confined to Clerkenwell. The system
of open access to the shelves, which enables the borrower