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For this acquisition, and the laying out of the garden, the Commissioners
are indebted to Mr. W. J. Orsman, J.P , L.C.C., for his successful endeavours
in obtaiuing from the City Parochial Foundation a grant of £'250.
The nucleus of a museum, consisting of a miscellaneous collection of stuffed
birds, reptiles, shells, stones and minerals, has been purchased at a comparatively
low figure from a private gentleman, and is stored temporarily in the basement.
Owing to the inadequacy of space, which prevents the objects being exhibited to
advantage, the Hoxton Library is intended to be its ultimate destination.
The library contains 8,806 volumes, classified and catalogued, 6,460 of which
are located in the lending department, and intended for home reading, and 2,346
in the reference library. In addition to the above, however, nearly 2,000 volumes,
including 662 volumes left by Mr. John Dawson to the parish in the year 1765,
and the remainder purchased with the museum collection, are in the store room
awaiting careful inspection. Many being duplicates of works already in stock will
come in for the second library.
A printed catalogue has been issued of the books of the lending library, and
a card catalogue of the works in the reference department.
A classified account of the stock has been annexed to this report.
By the time this report reaches the Vestry it is hoped that the Commissioners
will be in possession of temporary premises at the Technical Schools in Hoxton
Street. A number of technical works have already been located there for the
benefit of the students ; and the vacant rooms, although rather small, are light and
lofty, and well adapted for the purposes required.
The Commissioners are at the present time negotiating for an eligible site for
their permanent library for the Hoxton division, which, if secured, will be very
centi'al and of sufficient area to allow the erection thereon of a handsome and
commodious building.
The opening ceremony of the present library in Kingsland Road was kindly
performed by His Grace the Duke of Devonshire, K.G., on Wednesday, 10th May,
1893, and notwithstanding its clashing with the opening of the Imperial Institute
on the same day, the inauguration was a decided success, passing off with great
enthusiasm and eclat.
On behalf of the Commissioners,
THOMAS MARTINDILL,
Chairman.
30th June, 1893.
Seal.