UC-NRLF 
 
 791 
 B8 
 
 B 3 T51 bMM 
 
 BY 
 
 JAMES DUFF BROWN. 
 
A BRITISH 
 
 LIBRARY 
 ITINERARY 
 
London : 
 
 William Brown & Co. Ltd., 
 
 St Mary Axe, E.G. 
 
A BRITISH LIBRARY 
 ITINERARY 
 
 BY 
 
 JAMES DUFF BROWN 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 GRAFTON & CO., 69, GREAT RUSSELL STREET, 
 
 I9I3. 
 
UBRA'<Y 
 
 acHoa 
 
 WORKS BY THE SAME AUTHOR. 
 
 Manual of Library Economy... 
 Library Classification and Cataloguing 
 
 Subject Classification 
 
 Guide to Librarianship 
 
 Adjustable Classification 
 
 8s. 6d. net. 
 
 7$. 6d. „ 
 
 15s. od. „ 
 
 28. 6d. „ 
 
 8d. „ 
 
PREFACE 
 
 A LITTLE handbook of this kind has been frequently in demand 
 especially by Colonial and American librarians who have some 
 time to spend in Britain. As a rule, these visitors have no interest 
 in seeing the same kind of library methods over and over again, 
 and for that reason an effort has been made to avoid describing 
 libraries which are nearly identical in arrangements, Many 
 libraries of interest are thus omitted, but it will be understood that 
 this is inevitable where selection is absolutely necessary. The 
 visitor who uses this little brochure will have the advantage of 
 visiting places which possess any interest, while he will be spared 
 the waste of time, trouble and cost of going to libraries whose 
 methods he has seen in other places. A selective list must 
 necessarily be incomplete, and for any serious omissions the author 
 can only apologize in advance. 
 
 J. D. B. 
 
 January, 1913. 
 
 /■J 
 
 72882 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Aberdeen 
 
 Page. 
 .. 19 
 
 P 
 
 Dunfermline 
 
 AGE. 
 19 
 
 Aberystwith 
 
 22 
 
 Durham 
 
 18 
 
 Accrington 
 
 .. 14 
 
 
 
 Ayr 
 
 21 
 
 Edinburgh Centre . . 18 
 
 -21 
 
 
 
 Advocates' Lib. 
 
 18 
 
 Bath 
 
 22 
 
 „ Signet 
 
 19 
 
 Battersea 
 
 .. 28 
 
 University „ 
 
 19 
 
 Birkenhead 
 
 12 
 
 Exeter 
 
 22 
 
 Birmingham Centre 
 
 ..15-16 
 
 
 
 Bishopsgate Institute 
 
 .. 23 
 
 Finsbury 
 
 25 
 
 Blackburn 
 
 .. 14 
 
 
 
 Blackpool 
 
 .. 13 
 
 Gateshead 
 
 18 
 
 Board of Education 
 
 .. 26 
 
 Glasgow . . 
 
 „ BaiUies Inst. . 
 
 20 
 
 Bodleian Library, Oxford 15 
 
 20 
 
 Bolton . . 
 
 .. 14 
 
 University . . 
 
 20 
 
 Bootle . . 
 
 12 
 
 Gloucester 
 
 16 
 
 Bournemouth . . 
 Bradford . . 
 
 28 
 .. 17 
 
 Guildhall Library, London 
 
 23 
 
 Brighton 
 
 Bristol Centre . . 
 
 .. 29 
 . .21-22 
 
 Hackney 
 
 24 
 
 British Museum . . 
 Bury 
 
 .. 25 
 .. 14 
 
 Haigh HaU 
 Hampstead 
 Harrogate 
 
 13 
 
 26 
 
 17 
 
 Cambridge 
 
 30 
 
 Holbom 
 
 25 
 
 Cardiff . . 
 
 22 
 
 Hornsey 
 
 29 
 
 Carlisle . . 
 
 21 
 
 Hove 
 
 29 
 
 Chelsea 
 
 .. 27 
 
 Hull 
 
 17 
 
 Cheltenham 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 Chester 
 
 12 
 
 Ishngton 
 
 24 
 
 Chetham's Library 
 
 Claydon 
 
 Coventry 
 
 .. 14 
 .. 16 
 
 Kettering 
 Kilmarnock 
 
 15 
 21 
 
 Cripplegate Institute 
 
 .. 23 
 
 
 
 Croydon . . 
 
 ,. 28 
 
 Lambeth . . 
 
 Palace 
 
 27 
 27 
 
 Darwen . . 
 
 .. 14 
 
 Leamington 
 
 16 
 
 Dumfries 
 
 21 
 
 Leeds 
 
 17 
 
 Dundee . . 
 
 .. 19 
 
 Leicester 
 
 15 
 
CONTENTS — Continued. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Liverpool Centre . . 11-12 
 
 ,, Lyceum Lib. . 12 
 
 „ University . . 12 
 London Centre . . 22-28 
 
 London Library . . 26 
 
 London Sch, of Economics 25 
 
 Luton . . . . . . 29 
 
 Magdalene College . . 30 
 Manchester Centre . . 13-14 
 
 Middle Claydon . . 15 
 
 Middlesbrough . . . . 17 
 
 Mitchell Library, Glasgow 20 
 
 Montrose . . . . 19 
 
 Newcastle-on-Tyne . . 18 
 
 Northampton . . . . 15 
 
 Norwich . . . . . . 30 
 
 Nottingham . . . . 16 
 
 Oldham 14 
 
 Oxford 15 
 
 Paisley . . . . . . 20 
 
 Patent Office, London . . 24 
 
 Perth 20 
 
 Peterborough . . . . 30 
 
 Plymouth . . . . 22 
 
 Portsmouth . . . . 28 
 
 Preston . . . . . . 13 
 
 Public Record Office . . 24 
 
 Reading .... . . 29 
 
 Royal Coll. of Surgeons 25 
 
 Royal Colonial Institute 26 
 
 Royal Society of Medicine 26 
 
 Rylands Library . . 13 
 
 Page. 
 
 St. Albans . . . . 29 
 
 St. Andrews . . . . 19 
 
 St. Bride Found. Institute 24 
 St. John of Jerusalem . . 25-26 
 
 St. Paul's Cathedral Lib. 23 
 Salford . . 
 Sheffield . . 
 
 Sion College 
 
 Southport 
 
 Stepney 
 
 Stockport 
 
 Stonyhurst College 
 
 Stratford-upon-Avon 
 
 Sunderland 
 
 14 
 17 
 24 
 12 
 23 
 14 
 14 
 16 
 18 
 
 Toynbee Hall 
 
 23 
 
 Trinity Hall 
 
 30 
 
 Tynemouth 
 
 18 
 
 University CoU., London 
 
 25 
 
 University of London . . 
 
 27 
 
 Victoria & Albert Museum 
 
 27 
 
 Wallasey . . 
 
 12 
 
 Walthamstow . . 
 
 29 
 
 Wandsworth 
 
 28 
 
 Warwick 
 
 16 
 
 Westminster 
 
 27 
 
 Wigan 
 
 13 
 
 Wigan, Haigh Hall 
 
 13 
 
 Worcester 
 
 16 
 
 Worthing 
 
 29 
 
 York 
 
 17 
 
 York Centre . . . . 17 
 
 -18 
 
A BRITISH LIBRARY ITINERARY. 
 
 By James Duff Brown. 
 
 THE idea of this itinerary has been inspired by a number of 
 requests from British, Colonial, American and foreign librarians, 
 who desired to obtain a good, general notion of British library 
 work and conditions, without too much overlapping and monotony. 
 While one might say that all libraries are worth visiting it must be 
 remembered that questions of time, cost and special interest have all 
 to be considered. This itinerary deals, therefore, with typical libraries 
 of various sorts, or those distinguished by architectural features or 
 special collections. It may be said generally, that many libraries are 
 alike in their policy and methods, and it is not necessary to refer to 
 such types more than once, unless additional features of interest exist. 
 For the sake of convenience the itinerary is arranged according to 
 centres, which will enable a choice to be made of particular localities 
 or individual libraries. Thus, a traveller from Canada or the United 
 States landing at Liverpool can start at that city and work up to 
 London, or go North to Scotland. Generally speaking, practically 
 every type of library can be seen in London, and those who have little 
 time and money are advised to make their headquarters there. The 
 notes are such as are interesting to librarians chiefly, and cover most 
 points which can be described from the outside. These must be 
 supplemented by first hand inspection and the information to be gained 
 at the several institutions. Other important libraries are mentioned 
 and described in The Libraries, Museums and Art Galleries Year-Book, 
 1910-11, edited by Alex. J. Philip, and published by Scott, 
 Greenwood & Son, London (7s. 6d. net) ; and The Libraries of 
 Lo7ido?i, by R. A. Rye, 19 10, published by the University of London 
 (2s. 6d. net). As a rule it is best to pay visits between 10 a.m. and 
 6 p.m., unless previous arrangements are made. 
 
 LIVERPOOL CENTRE. 
 
 Liverpool (746,566). Municipal Libraries. The Central Library 
 (1852), comprising the Picton reading and lecture rooms, William 
 Brown Library, Hornby Art Library, etc., forms part of the great group 
 of educational buildings facing St. George's Hall, in which are included 
 
13 
 
 the Walker Art Galleries, the Museum and Technical Schools. Has 
 many fine collections, and notable activities. There are eleven branch 
 libraries and several reading rooms distributed throughout the City. 
 Most of these have children's rooms. Card-charging in all the 
 lending libraries ; open access in most recent buildings. Free lectures 
 are delivered at the Picton Lecture Hall and at sixteen centres in 
 various parts of the city. Librarian : George T. Shaw. 
 
 Liverpool Library, Lyceum (1758). A proprietary library (sub- 
 scription) with some club features added. One of the earliest of its 
 kind in England. Librarian : James Hutt, M.A. The Athenaeum is 
 a somewhat similar institution dating from 1798. 
 
 University Library (1892) is an example of a modern scholastic 
 library, founded by the late Sir Henry Tate, sugar refiner. There are 
 main and departmental libraries. Librarian : Dr. John Sampson, M.A. 
 
 Liverpool is a great shipping and manufacturing centre, and receives 
 most of the cotton from the United States and elsewhere. It has some 
 fine public parks and other places of interest. It is connected with 
 the Cheshire shore of the Mersey (Birkenhead, etc.) by means of 
 steamboat ferries and a subway. 
 
 BooTLE (69,881). N.W. of Liverpool and adjoining it. Public 
 Library and Museum, Oriel Road. Has most of the features of 
 medium-sized English libraries, including lecture courses, school 
 deliveries, etc., and employs the indicator system in the lending 
 department. Librarian : Chas. H. Hunt. 
 
 Birkenhead, Cheshire (130,832). Public Library, with two 
 branches. Occupies a new building (1909), and is an example of an 
 old library (1856) in new quarters. 
 
 Wallasey, Cheshire (78,514). N.W. of Birkenhead and con- 
 nected by rail, boat, etc. Public Library. The central library occupies 
 a new building at Liscard, and there are several branch reading-rooms. 
 The open access system is in use, with card charging. New Brighton, 
 a popular seaside place, is included in the borough. Librarian : 
 E. A. Savage. 
 
 Chester, Cheshire (39,038). Public Library of ordinary English 
 type, with indicator and card-charging. Not closely classified, save in 
 reference department Librarian : Edwin C. Brown. This is a famous 
 cathedral city on the River Dee, with finely preserved portions of the 
 old city wall, covered-in raised pavements and many old houses. The 
 cathedral is a very beautiful building, and has the remains of a mediaeval 
 library. 
 
 SouTHPORT, Lancashire (51,650). The Atkinson Free Library, 
 Lord Street, is arranged for open access to reference books and non- 
 fictional lending books. There are two branches. Librarian : Frederick 
 H. Mills. Southport is a favourite seaside resort, with a large, sandy 
 beach, a long pier, and in Lord Street possesses one of the handsomest 
 streets in England. 
 
13 
 
 Blackpool, Lancashire (58,376). Has a central Public Library 
 building and three branches. The central building (1909) is quite new, 
 and is planned for the open access system. Librarian : Rowland Hill. 
 Blackpool is one of the most popular seaside resorts in England, with 
 numerous attractions and shows of all kinds. 
 
 Preston, Lancashire (117,113). Harris Public Library and 
 Museum. This is a magnificent stone building of classic design, and 
 houses an art gallery and museum. It is one of the library buildings 
 of England which ought to be visited. A ledger charging system is in 
 use. The town is a busy industrial and railway centre, on the River 
 Ribble, which is a picturesque stream in its upper reaches. 
 
 WiGAN, Lancashire (89,171). Public Libraries. Central, Rodney 
 Street, has a large reference library, especially rich in mining biblio- 
 graphy, local history, etc. There is an elaborate printed catalogue. 
 Charging by indicator. Partial open access. Librarian : H.T. Folkard. 
 Wigan is a great coal-mining centre, and some interesting sights are to 
 be seen in connection with this industry. 
 
 Haigh Hall, near Wigan, is a seat of the Earl of Crawford, and 
 contains a remarkable collection of valuable books on many subjects, 
 and includes the Lindsay library. Papal bulls, proclamations, and 
 similar historical documents are prominent items. Permission to view 
 the collection, which is luxuriously housed, can no doubt be obtained 
 from the librarian, by any librarian-tourist, on application. 
 
 MANCHESTER CENTRE. 
 
 Manchester, Lancashire (714,427), Public Libraries. This is one 
 of the oldest and most extensive library systems in England, with twenty- 
 four branches and several reading-rooms. Many of the branches are 
 old-fashioned in their methods, but some of the recent ones have been 
 organized on modern progressive lines. The central library is at 
 present in a transitory state, in temporary premises, awaiting the erection 
 of a large new building. It possesses many fine special collections — 
 Music, Shorthand, Textiles, Gipsies, etc. — and a large " Librarians' 
 Library " bequeathed by Thomas Greenwood, the author of various 
 works on Public Libraries. Librarian: C. W. Sutton, M.A. 
 
 John Rylands Library, Deansgate. A magnificent building founded 
 in 1899 by Mrs. Rylands, who also endowed the library. Has numerous 
 rare manuscripts and early printed books, including the Spencer collec- 
 tion. Although largely theological in character, the library represents 
 all branches of learning, omitting science. There are printed and MS. 
 catalogues. Librarian : Henry Guppy, M.A. 
 
 University Library. Comprising many special collections, like the 
 Christie, Freeman, Jevons, Arnold, etc., on different subjects. Brussels 
 Decimal scheme of classification in use. Librarian : Chas. W. E. Leigh. 
 
14 
 
 Chetham's Library, founded by Humphry Chetham in 1653, as 
 part of an educational college for boys. The library contains over 
 50,000 volumes, and is quaintly housed in part of the old college 
 buildings. 
 
 Manchester is a very important centre both in industrial and 
 library work and should on no account be passed over. 
 
 Salford adjoining Manchester (231,380). Public Libraries, Peel 
 Park. Central Library, Museum and Art Gallery in large building in 
 Peel Park. Library organized on Manchester lines, with a ledger 
 system of charging. Has six branches, and organizes popular lectures. 
 Librarian and Curator: B. H. Mullen, M.A. 
 
 Stockport, Cheshire (108,693), S.E. of Manchester. Public 
 Libraries comprise a new central building and a branch at Reddish. 
 An old library, recently converted to the open access system with the 
 decimal classification. Librarian : Richard Hargreaves. 
 
 Oldham, Lancashire (147,495), N.E. of Manchester. Central 
 Library, Union Street ; branch library at Northmoor ; ten delivery 
 stations. There is a museum and Art Gallery. A great cotton 
 manufacturing centre. Librarian : Wm. H. Berry. 
 
 Bolton, Lancashire (180,885) Public Library. Another re- 
 organized library system comprising a central building and several 
 branches of which three are new Carnegie buildings. Has both 
 indicator and open access methods in the branches. There is a 
 museum in a separate building. Librarian : Archibald Sparke. 
 
 Bury, Lancashire (58,649) Public Library, Museum and Art 
 Gallery. Library recently re-organized on open access system. Subject 
 classification applied to shelves and catalogue. Librarian and Curator : 
 Harry Townend. 
 
 Darwen, Lancashire (40,344). Public Library. In new building 
 presented by Andrew Carnegie. Has open access in all departments, 
 lectures, reading circle, school libraries, etc. Librarian : Joseph 
 Pomfret. 
 
 Blackburn, Lancashire (133,064). Public Library, Museum and 
 Art Gallery. The library in its lending department is worked by 
 means of an indicator, with a numerical classification in main classes. 
 There are eight delivery stations. Has special collection of books on 
 cotton spinning and weaving. Librarian : Richard Ashton. 
 
 From this point the railway can be taken to Whalley station, from 
 whence a drive can be arranged to Stonyhurst College, a fine building 
 for the education of Roman Catholics. There is a very interesting 
 library, and the surrounding country is pretty and hilly. 
 
 Accrington, Lancashire (45,031). Public Library, St. James 
 Street, occupies a new Carnegie Building opened in 1908. Has the 
 open access system in vogue ; obliterates betting news in newspapers. 
 Lecture and children's rooms provided. Librarian : John W. Singleton 
 
15 
 
 BIRMINGHAM CENTRE. 
 
 Birmingham (840,372). Public Libraries. Central Library 
 building, Ratcliff Place. Contains all usual departments, and has a 
 splendid Shakespeare collection, kept in a special room. Has twenty- 
 two branch buildings, and under new scheme of borough extension has 
 taken in adjoining areas of Aston Manor, Handsworth, King's Norton 
 and Erdington already possessing libraries. Has lectures and other 
 activities. It has also a very large local collection and smaller 
 collections relating to Byron, Cervantes, and Milton. Librarian : 
 Walter Powell. 
 
 The old Birmingham Library (1779) is an example of a subscrip- 
 tion library in good premises, though it has been less successful since 
 its removal from its old premises which were more central. The 
 University Law and Medical Libraries are also interesting. 
 
 Leicester (227,242). Public Library. Central building 
 (Wellington Street) and six branches. Example of a library system on 
 ordinary English lines. Has a special local collection. Librarian : 
 C. Vernon Kirkby. 
 
 Kettering, Northampton (29,976). Public Library (Carnegie 
 building, 1904). Organized on advanced modern lines, with Adjustable 
 Classification and safe-guarded open access. Well-planned and 
 arranged library, probably one of the best English small town libraries. 
 Librarian : Miss Kate E. Pierce. Kettering is a great centre for boot 
 and shoe making. 
 
 Northampton (90,076). Public Library. An old library housed 
 in a new building. Adjustable Classification used with open access to 
 to shelves. Has a very fine museum of local and other antiquities, 
 the library of John Clare and a collection of drawings, etc. on 
 archaeological matters by Sir Henry E. L. Dryden, Bart. Librarian : 
 R. W. Brown. Curator : Thos. J. George. 
 
 Oxford (53,049). Great university city, with many libraries 
 housed in colleges, besides such endowed institutions as the Bodleian 
 Library, Radcliffe Library, etc. Mr. F. Madan, M.A. is Bodley's 
 librarian. No difficulty should be experienced in obtaining permission 
 to view the Bodleian or any of the college libraries, if a visitor's card is 
 produced. The Public Library forms part of the Town Hall building, 
 and is rather crowded. There is a nice reading room upstairs, but the 
 need for a new building is very marked. Librarian : J. L. Dougan, M.A. 
 
 For those who desire to see a model village library, an excursion 
 may be made to Winslow (Bucks) the nearest station to Middle 
 Claydon, Steeple Claydon, Water Eaton and Grandborough, a group 
 of parish libraries largely maintained through the interest of the Verney 
 family and others in the district. They are monuments to the 
 enthusiasm for library extension of an old and historic English family. 
 
 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (48,944). The Public Library 
 contains also a museum and art gallery. There are special collections 
 of books on natural history and medicine. The methods are indicator 
 
i6 
 
 for lending and application forms in reference library. Librarian : 
 William Jones. 
 
 Cheltenham Ladies' College Library is in the town. Librarian : 
 Miss E. S. Fegan, M.A. 
 
 Gloucester (50,029). Public Library. Brunswick Road 
 Progressive Library, with Dewey classification and open access. Has 
 local collection. Librarian : Roland Austin. The cathedral is very 
 interesting. From here Worcester may be reached by rail by way of 
 Tewkesbury and Malvern, which possesses a municipal library. 
 
 Worcester (47,987). Public Library, Museum, and Art Gallery 
 in the Victoria Institute. Has reading and debating circles in con- 
 nection. Open access installed from 1904. Librarian and Curator : 
 Thomas Duckworth. Worcester is a very interesting cathedral city, 
 with pretty environs. 
 
 Warwick (11,858). The Public Library is small, but quite up- 
 to-date in most of its methods. Librarian : W. T. Carter The castle 
 is well worth a visit, and the town is picturesque and interesting. 
 
 Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire (8,532). Has two interest- 
 ing libraries — the Public Library and the Library in the Shakespeare 
 Memorial. Librarian : W. Salt Brassington. This is, of course, the 
 centre for Shakespeare pilgrims from all over the world, and is a quaint, 
 picturesque town, which must on no account be passed by without a 
 visit. Near this are the ruins of Kenilworth Castle, which are well 
 worth a visit. 
 
 Leamington (or Royal Leamington Spa), Warwickshire (26,717). 
 Has a Public Library in Avenue Road organized on the ordinary 
 lines. The town is well worth a visit for its own sake. Librarian : 
 W. E. Owen. 
 
 Coventry, Warwickshire (106,377). Public Library. One of 
 the older libraries, which has been thoroughly overhauled on progres- 
 sive lines within recent years. Has the Dewey classification, and open 
 access restricted to non-fictional works. There is also a children's 
 department. A branch library for Foleshill is situated in Holmsdale 
 Road. Librarian : S. A. Pitt. The town is the centre of the cycle 
 and motor-car industry, and is renowned for various historical associa- 
 tions connected with Lady Godiva, etc. Lichfield and the Potteries 
 can be reached from Birmingham. 
 
 Nottingham (259,942). Public Libraries. Central in University 
 College Buildings, with 1 1 delivery stations. Special local collection, 
 and Byron and the Lace Industry. Has lectures, library talks, school 
 libraries, and other activities. Methods : Indicator and application 
 forms. Librarian : J. Potter Briscoe. The Mechanics' Institution 
 might be visited as an example of an interesting survival. 
 
 From this point the traveller may go north to Newcastle and 
 Edinburgh, or south to Bristol, and finish with London. 
 
17 
 
 YORK CENTRE. 
 
 Sheffield, Yorkshire (454,653). Central Library, Surrey Street. 
 Seven branches, eight delivery stations in various parts of the City, 
 organised on somewhat old-fashioned lines. Indicator methods of 
 charging. Librarian : Samuel Smith. There is an interesting library 
 connected with the University called the Edgar Allen Library, opened in 
 1907. There are also the Mappin Art Gallery and the Ruskin Museum. 
 
 Bradford, Yorkshire (288,505). Pubhc Library, Darley Street. 
 Twenty-two branches. There is a special collection of Yorkshire books. 
 Card charging is the method of issue. Cartwright Memorial Hall is a 
 rate-supported museum and art gallery. Librarian and curator : Butler 
 Wood. There are several other libraries in the town. 
 
 Leeds, Yorkshire (445,568). Central building forms part of 
 the Municipal buildings, and comprises the usual departments. There 
 are twenty-one branches and three evening reading rooms. The borough 
 of Leeds, like Bradford, covers a very large area. Librarian : Thos. W. 
 Hand. In Leeds there is an art gallery and museum, and it is the 
 head-quarters of the Yorkshire Union Village Library, which supplies 
 villages in Yorkshire with boxes of books. Other institutions are 
 the Leeds Institute of Science, Art, and Literature, Cookeridge Street. 
 Librarian : Arthur Tait. 
 
 Hull, Yorkshire (284,502). Central Public Library, Albion 
 Street. There are four branches, and the method of charging is by 
 means of indicators. The whole of the book-binding is done on the 
 library premises. Librarian : William F. Lawton. 
 
 Harrogate, Yorkshire (33,706). Public Library in Victoria 
 Avenue. A new building recently adapted to the Open Access system. 
 Librarian : Geo. W. Byers. This is a very fine health resort, and its 
 baths are celebrated throughout the world. It is also situated in the 
 midst of the Yorkshire Moors, and is very picturesque and healthy. 
 
 York (82,500). Public Library housed in an adapted building 
 with indicator for lending charging, and partial open access in reference 
 department. Librarian : Arthur H. Furnish. There is an art gallery 
 and a museum. The cathedral, York Minster, is one of the finest 
 ecclesiastical buildings in England, and has a library reputed to number 
 20,000 volumes. This can generally be seen by visitors. York, like 
 Chester, has portions of the ancient walls in good preservation. It is also 
 an important railway centre. The city and its surroundings are full of 
 historical associations. 
 
 Middlesbrough, Yorkshire (104,787). The Public Library is 
 housed in the new Carnegie building, arranged for open access to 
 non-fiction. The Subject classification is used in the lending department. 
 There are two newsrooms apart from the central building, and there is 
 also the Dorman Memorial Museum. Librarian and curator : Baker 
 Hudson. 
 
i8 
 
 Durham (17,550). There is no municipal library here, but the 
 Cathedral itself and the library attached to it are well worth a visit. 
 There is also a library in the University buildings, and Mechanics' 
 Institute, open to subscribers only. This city is well worth a visit, if 
 only for its important historical associations. 
 
 Sunderland, Durham (151,162). Public Libraries, Art Gallery, 
 and Museum are all situated in one fine building in the Borough Road, 
 among nicely laid out gardens. There are three branch libraries, and 
 all these and the central are arranged for open access, with the Dewey 
 classification. Branch libraries are established, designed for oversight 
 from a central position. Librarian and curator : J. Charlton Deas. 
 
 Gateshead, Durham (116,928). Public Library building, 
 Swinburne Street. Lending charging cards for non-fiction, indicator for 
 fiction. Obliterates betting news from newspapers. Librarian : H. E. 
 Johnston. 
 
 Nevi^castle-on-Tyne, Northumberland (226,671). Public 
 Libraries: Central library and four branch buildings. Open access with 
 classification in branches; Central library, mainly card charging, Dewey 
 classification in use ; for fiction, author-and-title indicator serving as 
 catalogue. Has a very fine collection of Bewick's works in the Central 
 Reference Library. A busy and progressive library system, well worth 
 visiting. Librarian : Basil Anderton, M.A. 
 
 Tynemouth, Northumberland (58,822). This is a popular 
 watering place, sometimes called North Shields. The lending library 
 has an indicator with partial open access, and the reference department 
 has open shelves. Has a fine collection of engravings. Librarian : 
 Alfred Hair. 
 
 EDINBURGH CENTRE. 
 
 Most of the Scotch libraries are organised on old-fashioned lines, 
 but nevertheless, a good deal is to be seen in them. Edinburgh 
 (320,315), like London, Oxford, and Cambridge, is full of libraries, and 
 it will only be possible to indicate a few of the most important. 
 Public Library, Central building, George IV. Bridge, and branch 
 buildings, some of them containing rooms for games, like draughts and 
 dominoes. An indicator is used for charging in the lending department, 
 and application forms in the reference department. There are ladies' and 
 children's rooms at the central library. Librarian : Hew Morrison, LL.D. 
 
 A very miportant library is the Advocates' Library founded in 1682. 
 It contains about half a million volumes and is entitled to receive a 
 copy of everything published in the United Kingdom under the 
 provisions of the Copyright Acts. It ought to be open to the public on 
 account of this, but permission to view it is easily obtained from the 
 librarian or his staff. Librarian : W. K. Dickson. 
 
19 
 
 Signet Library, Edinburgh, is mainly a law library, but has some 
 fine historical and topographical collections. The main hall is a 
 beautifully proportioned room well worth a visit. Librarian : John 
 Minto, M.A. 
 
 University Library is well worth a visit. Librarian : F. C. 
 Nicholson, M.A. 
 
 Dunfermline, Fife (28,103). The birthplace of Andrew 
 Carnegie. A great centre of the linen industry. The Carnegie Public 
 Library was first opened in 1883, and was the first library to be erected 
 by Andrew Carnegie. Since then the library has been very much 
 enlarged, and there are now three branches. The library takes part in 
 the activities of the Carnegie Trust, and has been reorganised within 
 recent years. There are school libraries, children's rooms, and reading 
 circles. Librarian : W. Munro Mackenzie. 
 
 Dunfermline Abbey is well worth a visit, as also are the pleasure 
 grounds laid out by the Carnegie Trust. Cross from Edinburgh by the 
 Forth Bridge. 
 
 St. Andrews', Fife. (7,851). There is no municipal library 
 here, but there is a very fine University Library founded in 161 2. 
 Students have no difficulty in getting permission to use the library, but 
 otherwise it is only for the use of members of the University. 
 Librarian : James Maitland Anderson. 
 
 The ruins of the Castle, and the Golf Links are well worth visiting. 
 
 Dundee, Forfar. (165,006). The Public Library is situated in 
 the Albert Institute, along with the art gallery. The lending charging 
 is done by means of a special indicator (Kennedy), and the reference 
 department has several special collections, particularly Scottish music, 
 and Dundee. There are five branches and a large central reading 
 room, erected with money given by Andrew Carnegie. Librarian : 
 A. H. Millar, LL.D. 
 
 Dundee is the centre of the jute manufacture, and is connected 
 with Fife by the celebrated Tay Bridge. The country round about is 
 very fine. There are several seaside resorts close at hand, 
 
 Montrose, Forfar. (10,973). Public Library provided with 
 the usual departments, and worked on the open access system, being 
 the only municipal library of the kind in Scotland. Librarian : James 
 Christison. 
 
 Aberdeen. (163,084). Public Library situated in a fine building 
 near the Art Gallery. A special indicator is used for the lending 
 department, which also performs the functions of a catalogue. The 
 children's reading room has open access. There are some fine 
 collections, local and other. There are four branch reading rooms. 
 Librarian : G. M. Fraser. There are two fine University Libraries, 
 King's College, in old Aberdeen, and Marischal College, both of these 
 are very beautiful and are well worth inspection. 
 
20 
 
 Aberdeen is a city which ought on no account to be overlooked, 
 as it is one of the finest situated cities in the United Kingdom. It is 
 built of Aberdeen granite, and is very substantial and imposing in its 
 effect. Union Street is one of the most dignified thoroughfares in the 
 world. 
 
 Perth. (35,851). The Municipal Library is situated in the 
 Sandeman building, which is rather nicely designed. The lending 
 department method is an indicator, and the reference room, application 
 forms. It has a picture gallery, a children's room, and other activities. 
 Librarian : James Craigie. 
 
 Glasgow. (About 1,000,000). Situated in three counties. 
 There are many valuable libraries in this city, but the Public Libraries 
 are the most important. The Mitchell Library (1877) is housed in a 
 handsome new building in North Street, and contains many valuable 
 collections, such as Glasgow, Local Printing, Burns, Scottish Poetry, &c. 
 There are seventeen branch libraries, and in addition, the old Stirling 
 and Glasgow Public Library has been converted into a Central Lending 
 Department. The methods of working in general are indicator for 
 Fiction and cards for Non-Fiction in the lending libraries, quick- 
 reference collections in all the reading rooms, and application forms in 
 the Mitchell Reference Library. There is a complete set of printed 
 catalogues for the branches. Some of the branch libraries have a 
 room for women, and one for boys and girls. 
 
 This library and its system is the most important in Scotland. 
 Librarian : Francis T. Barrett. 
 
 Baillie's Institute, 153, West Regent Street, was opened as a 
 free public reference library in 1887. It contains a very good selection 
 of general literature and is housed in an old church. Librarian : 
 J. C. Ewing. 
 
 University Library, in University building, Gilmorehill, over- 
 looking the West-End or Kelvingrove Park, is very valuable and contains 
 nearly a quarter-of-a-million volumes and manuscripts. Librarian : 
 James L. Galbraith, who will no doubt arrange for librarian visitors to 
 be shown over the collection. Glasgow University is a magnificent 
 pile of buildings, designed by the late Sir Gilbert Scott, and is a very 
 prominent land-mark in the city. 
 
 Glasgow is a centre for Tourists to the West Highlands, with 
 extraordinary cheap facilities for steamboat and combined steamboat 
 and railway trips. The Cathedral is well worth visiting. 
 
 Paisley, Renfrewshire (84,477). Public Library occupies a 
 handsome building, presented by the Coats' s family. Old-fashioned 
 indicator methods are in use but the library and museum have some 
 very interesting specimens, and the art gallery contains many fine 
 pictures. The MS. of Robert Watt's Bibliotheca Britannica is kept here. 
 Librarian : John Renfrew. 
 
21 
 
 Paisley Abbey has been restored, and is well worth a visit. Like 
 Dundee, Paisley has been endowed with many fine institutions through 
 the local patriotism of its great manufacturers, and it should be remem- 
 bered that Mr. J. Coats established libraries all over the West High- 
 lands of Scotland, in hundreds of little townships and hamlets. 
 
 Kilmarnock, Ayrshire (38,000). Public Library and Museum 
 are housed in the Dick Institute, a building which was burned in 1909, 
 but has now been restored. The building is rather imposing. The 
 methods of working are on old-fashioned lines. Librarian : H. Y. 
 Simpson. The Burns Monument, which takes the form of a building 
 and a tower, contains a valuable library of the works of Robert Burns, 
 and must on no account be passed by. 
 
 Ayr (32,985). Public Library housed in a Carnegie building, 
 contains the usual departments. Lectures and occasional exhibitions 
 are given. There is an indicator at present in use. Librarian : David 
 Edward. Ayr is a very interesting town and is not far from Burns's 
 birthplace and monument. 
 
 Dumfries and Maxwelltown (25,000). Ewart Public Library, 
 named after the introducer of the Public Libraries Acts, who was M.P. 
 for this district. Situated some distance from the railway station, but is 
 worth visiting. It is established for the joint use of the inhabitants of 
 the Boroughs of Dumfries and Maxwelltown, which are divided by the 
 River Nith. The indicator is used in the lending department, and open 
 access in the reference. Librarian : G. W. Shirley. 
 
 Carlisle, Cumberland (46,432). Public Library in TuUie House, 
 near the Cathedral, contains also an art gallery and a museum. Library 
 methods are indicator for lending and application forms for reference. 
 There is a fine local collection, and a children's library. The museum 
 is contained in an old mansion house, and consists mainly of all kinds 
 of local furniture, implements and curiosities, very interesting, and 
 neatly arranged. The Cathedral has a small library which, however, is 
 not open to the public, unless by arrangement. 
 
 BRISTOL CENTRE. 
 
 Bristol (County of). (357)059)- Public Library, College 
 Green, occupies a very handsome new building, adjoining the 
 Cathedral. Comprises the usual departments, and is rather an 
 interesting building. There are nine branch library buildini^s in 
 different parts of the city. Possesses some valuable special collections. 
 Librarian : E. R. Norris Mathews. Connected with the Public 
 Municipal Library is a Museum and Reference Library, originally 
 founded in 1772, and transferred to the City Council in 1893. Bristol 
 is a most interesting and picturesque town with some impressive 
 environs at Clifton. The Cathedral is well worth visiting, and also the 
 Church at St. Mary's Redcliffe, associated with Thos. Chatterton. 
 The docks extend right into the town, and there is always something 
 interesting going on. 
 
Bath, Somersetshire. (69,183). Has a Public Reference 
 Library, and Museum, not established under the General Public 
 Libraries Act. Bath is well worth visiting for its associations with 
 various novelists and dramatists. The Roman Baths are very fine and 
 the Abbey Church is worth a visit. The Victoria Art Gallery is part 
 of the Museum. 
 
 Cardiff, Glamorganshire, Wales. (182,729). The Public 
 Libraries, which are the most important in Wales, comprise the Central 
 Library building and six branches, all of which are equipped with 
 children's rooms. Much work with schools is also carried on, and 
 there is a very fine collection of books in Welsh. The open access 
 system is established in all the branches, with indicator in the Central 
 Library. 
 
 The Art Gallery and Museum adjoins the library building. 
 Librarian : Harry Farr. Near Cardiff are Llandaff Cathedral, and the 
 great ruins of Caerphilly Castle. 
 
 Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Wales. (8,412). There is a 
 Public Library established here containing about 7,000 or 8,000 
 volumes, and open access methods are in use. Librarian : Miss M. A. 
 Jenkins. 
 
 The principal library building is the National Library of Wales, 
 founded in 1907, and intended to form a great national collection 
 of Welsh books and to serve as a kind of Welsh British-Museum. It 
 contains special collections, particularly of Celtic literature, and is 
 housed in a very fine building on the top of a hill. Librarian : John 
 Ballinger. 
 
 Exeter, Devonshire. (48,660). Public Library forms part of 
 the building of the Royal Memorial University College Museum and 
 Public Library, and has several valuable special collections. The 
 open access method is used, and the Dewey Classification. Lectures 
 are given. Librarian : H. Tapley Soper. The Cathedral, which is 
 well worth visiting, contains a mediaeval library of several thousand 
 volumes. 
 
 Plymouth, Devonshire. (112,042). The Public Library is 
 housed in a new building, only recently opened. Takes the place of 
 an older building, which soon became too crowded for the work. A 
 special indicator and card charging are used in the lending department. 
 The Ubrary possesses a very fine collection of local literature, and there 
 are two branch libraries. Librarian : W. H. Kearley Wright. There 
 are other libraries in Plymouth, chiefly proprietary. The town itself is 
 full of historical interest, especially to Americans. 
 
 LONDON CENTRE. 
 For more detailed information see " The Libraries of London : a 
 guide to students, by Reginald A. Rye. 19 10. 
 
23 
 
 CITY AND EAST LONDON. 
 
 Stepney (280,024). This is a Metropolitan Council area 
 comprising the old parishes of Limehouse, Mile End Old Town, 
 St. George's-in-the-East, and Whitechapel, each of which had libraries 
 before their amalgamation. This is the Jewish quarter in London, and 
 special work is done at the Whitechapel Library by the provision of 
 Jewish literature. Whitechapel Library, in the High Street, has a very 
 large newsroom, and here may be seen practically every type of Jew. 
 All the branches above named are features of interest, and the Central 
 Library, Bancroft Road, is close to the Peoples' Palace. There is a 
 special collection of books for the blind at the St. George's-in-the-East 
 Library. It is proposed to convert the libraries gradually to the open 
 access system. Librarian : Albert Cawthorne. 
 
 Students' Free Library, Toynbee Hall, 28, Commercial Road, is 
 just round the corner from the Whitechapel Public Library. This is a 
 settlement in connection with Universities, and is a teaching centre. A 
 number of University students live here, and give lectures on various 
 subjects to the working classes. The Hall is often the centre of a great 
 amount of social work among the poorer people of the neighbourhood. 
 
 BiSHOPSGATE Institute, Bishopsgate. Close to Liverpool Street 
 Station. An endowed library, consisting of a lending department for 
 readers in the East part of the City, and Reference Department. Has 
 a very extensive collection of London books, prints, maps, &c. 
 Librarian : C. W. F. Goss. There is also a large Lecture Hall. 
 
 Cripplegate Institute, Golden Lane, E.C Another endowed 
 institution, designed as a library for the West part of the City of 
 London, with a very large charitable side. It has a large collection of 
 books on industrial subjects, and art design. There are branches at 
 69, Queen Street, Cheapside, and at St. Luke's Institute, Radnor 
 Street, E.C, and the St. Bride Foundation Institute, noted later. 
 
 Guildhall Library, King's Street, E.C, forms part of the 
 Guildhall. Has a large general reference library with a Reading 
 Room attached, and possesses an interesting museum of London 
 antiquities. Although the collection is general in character it contains a 
 magnificent library of books on London, and a very fine collection of 
 prints, maps, and other pictorial matter referring to the City. The 
 National Dickens Library is also kept here, and there are also collec- 
 tions of various sorts. 
 
 The Guildhall Library must on no account be skipped in the 
 visitation of London Libraries. Librarian : Bernard Kettle. 
 
 St. Paul's Cathedral Library. Situated in the Cathedral. 
 Contains over 20,000 books and pamphlets. The library is largely 
 theological, but there are extensive collections of London books and 
 maps. Application to be made to the librarian for permission to view 
 the Library. 
 
24 
 
 St. Bride Foundation Institute, Bride Lane, Fleet Street, E.G. 
 A general library open to residents and employees in the West part of the 
 City, and is a branch of the Cripplegate Institute. Librarian : F. W. T. 
 Lange. In connection with this there is a typographical library contain- 
 ing the collections of the late William Blades on Printing, and other 
 collections presented by J. Passmore Edwards. It is the library of the 
 printing and allied trades in London, and has some interesting special 
 collections. Librarian : R. A. Peddle. 
 
 SiON College, Victoria Embankment. A special library designed 
 for the benefit of the clergy of the Diocese of London. At one time 
 possessed the privilege, under the Copyright Law, of receiving a copy 
 of every publication issued in the United Kingdom. Contains a number 
 of early printed books and manuscripts, and has a good collection of 
 early Bibles. The Reading Room and Library is a very handsome 
 apartment. Librarian : Charles H. Limbrick. 
 
 Patent Office Library, 25 Southampton Buildings, Chancery 
 Lane. Contains printed patent specifications of all countries, and a 
 very fine collection of technical books. There are also in boxes on 
 open shelves current numbers of most of the technical journals in the 
 world. There is a printed catalogue, and the Library is accessible to 
 anyone who signs his or her name and address in the book in the Hall. 
 The Library is arranged on the open shelf system, and is one of the 
 most liberally administered Government Libraries in Britain. The 
 Patent Office Library is a department of the Patent Office, which is 
 under the control of the Board of Trade. Librarian : E. W. Hulme, B.A. 
 
 Public Record Office, Chancery Lane. Contains all public docu- 
 ments, including an immense number of valuable and interesting historical 
 manuscripts. The Domesday Book and other valuable records are 
 kept here. Access can be obtained if application is made to any of the 
 custodians. The Library is mainly intended for the use of the staff, but 
 select parties of the general public are occasionally admitted. 
 
 CENTRAL AND NORTH LONDON 
 
 Hackney, Borough of (222,587). Central Library building in 
 Mare Street, near the Town Hall. A new building with all the usual 
 departments. The Library is worked on Open Access system, and 
 has a special Reading Room for Children, One branch has been 
 opened, and others are in contemplation. The Library possesses some 
 very valuable local collections. Librarian : Thomas Aldred. 
 
 Islington, Borough of (327,423). In point of population this 
 is the largest Borough in the metropolis and is a very large and 
 crowded residential district. The Central Library in Holloway 
 Road is run throughout on the Open Access system, with the Subject 
 Classification, and contains a large Lecture Room in addition to a 
 Reference, Lending, and Children's Room, and Periodical Reading 
 Room. Women staff employed throughout. 
 
25 
 
 The North Branch, Manor Gardens, Upper HoUoway, is one of the 
 busiest branch Ubraries in the world, and is planned on the radiating 
 system to obtain oversight in the Lending Department. Here there is 
 a small Lecture Hall and Children's Department. The West branch, 
 Thornhill Square, is a busy Library also, but is chiefly noticeable for 
 the use made of it by children. Librarian : James Duff Brown. 
 
 University College, Gower Street, contains a number of large 
 special libraries which together form a very fine general collection. 
 There are a number of very handsome rooms, full of interesting 
 collections. Librarian : R. W. Chambers, M.A. 
 
 British Museum. It is unnecessary to describe this great 
 National Library, which is known to all librarians. The special 
 collections are probably unique, and its Reading Room is one of the 
 sights of London. Chief Librarian : Sir Frederic Kenyon. 
 
 ,51?^ " The British Aluseum Reading Room," by R. A. Peddie ; 
 Grafton is. 
 
 HoLBORN Public Library, 198, High Holborn. This Borough 
 is formed out of the amalgamation of the old Holborn district and St. 
 Giles's, Bloomsbury. The chief building is in High Holborn, and 
 contains the usual departments worked by means of an indicator. 
 The branch is housed in temporary premises, and has no feature of 
 importance. Librarian : W. A. Taylor. 
 
 Royal College of Surgeons, Lincoln's Inn Fields. A large 
 general medical library, containing current magazines and transactions 
 of learned societies. Has a card catalogue and a spacious Reading 
 Room. The great Medical Museum Collection of John Hunter is 
 housed in this building. Librarian : Victor G. Plarr, M.A. At No. 13 in 
 this square is also situated Sir John Soane's Museum of miscellaneous 
 antiquities, pictures, &c. 
 
 London School of Economics, Clare Market, off Kingsway. 
 This contains the British Library of Political Science a huge collection 
 of books and documents dealing with political and economical subjects, 
 including Local Government. Library open to students, and it is here 
 that the classes in Librarianship are held in preparation for the Library 
 Association certificates and diplomas. The building was founded by 
 Mr. Passmore Edwards. Librarian : B. M. Headicar. 
 
 Finsbury Public Library, Skinner Street, Clerkenwell, E.C. 
 One of the first libraries in London, erected on a small angular site. In 
 this library the safe-guarded open -access system was first introduced in 
 1893. There are two small branches, but these have comparatively 
 little interest. Bettmg news is obliterated, and there is a Children's 
 Room in the Central Library. Librarian : H. G. T. Cannons. 
 
 In this parish, in St. John's Street, off Clerkenwell Road, is the 
 restored Gateway and new hall of the Grand Priory of the Order of 
 St. John of Jerusalem in England. There is a library relating to the 
 
26 
 
 Order kept in St. John's Gate, which is the head-quarters also of the 
 St. John's Ambulance. The Gate and the Hall are well worth seeing, as 
 it has memories of Dr. Samuel Johnson, The Gentleman's Magazine, and 
 other notable events. This is the only complete gate left in London. 
 Nearby, there is the Priory Church of St. John, which includes a 
 remarkable crypt and remains showing the circular walls of the church. 
 Both crypt and gate can be seen on application to Mr. H. W. Fincham, 
 Churchwarden, Spa Works, Northampton Row, E.C., in the immediate 
 proximity. 
 
 Hampstead Public Libraries. Central Library, Finchley Road, 
 can be reached from St. Pancras Station, Finchley Road, or North 
 London Railway from Broad Street, or Highbury, Islington to Finchley 
 and Frognal Station, the latter is close beside the library. The Central 
 building contains a very good Reference Department, including the 
 collection of the late Henry Morley. The charging is by means of 
 indicator in the Central Library, and open access in the branches. 
 Librarian : W. E. Doubleday. 
 
 WEST LONDON 
 
 Royal Society of Medicine, Wimpole Street, near Cavendish 
 Square. This Institution comprises the Libraries of a number of 
 medical and surgical societies which have been amalgamated and 
 housed in a new building. This is a very fine example of a scientific 
 library, with spacious and elegant main reading hall and various store 
 and other rooms appropriate to a large library. There are finely fitted 
 up lecture halls and accommodation for clinical and other purposes. 
 It is, in short, a combination of a library, a school, and a club. The 
 building itself is handsome and well appointed. Secretary : J. Y. W. 
 MacAlister ; Librarian : C. R. Hewitt. 
 
 London Library, St. James's Squaie, is a large subscription 
 Library founded by Carlyle, Gladstone, Milman, Hallam, and others. 
 It contains a quarter of a million volumes and is arranged in a series 
 of rooms, some of which are of iron construction throughout, on the 
 plan of the American book-stacks. There are handsome reading rooms, 
 and the classification is alphabetical by subjects. It has elaborate 
 printed author and subject catalogues. Librarian : C T, Hagberg 
 Wright, LL.D. 
 
 Board of Education Library, Charles Street, Whitehall, is a 
 library of books on educational subjects, and has recently been 
 re-classified and removed to special rooms. It has a special 
 classification and printed and manuscript catalogues. Librarian: A. E. 
 Twentyman. It is open for public reference. 
 
 Royal Colonial Institute, Northumberland Avenue. A library 
 composed chiefly of books on the British Colonies. There is a large 
 
27 
 
 reading room where colonial newspapers are kept. It is a private 
 Institute, but access is easily obtained on application to the librarian. 
 It has a very valuable collection of books on the British Colonies. 
 Librarian : P. Evans Lewin. 
 
 Westminster Public Libraries. There are three general 
 libraries belonging to this city, which were all established separately by 
 different parishes before the City of Westminster was amalgamated in 
 1899. The most central is the original Westminster Library in Gt. 
 Smith Street, behind Westminster Abbey. The old St. Martin-in-the- 
 Fields Library is at the Trafalgar Square end of St. Martin's Lane, and 
 the present Central Library in Buckingham Palace Road, near Victoria 
 Station. There is also a branch in South Audley Street. St. Martin's 
 Ivibrary has a mosaic paved Reading Room, and rather a nice 
 Reference Department. The Gt. Smith Street building has a rate- 
 payers' room, and the usual departments, whilst the Buckingham 
 Palace Road Library is a spacious nicely planned building worked in 
 the Lending Department by means of an indicator. Librarian : Frank 
 Pacy. 
 
 Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington. In addition 
 to the magnificent collection of art and other objects contained in this 
 museum there are several special libraries. The Art Library, the 
 Science Library, and prints and engravings, which are well worth 
 visiting. Librarian of the Art Library : James H. Palmer. The 
 Science Library, which includes the books of the geological survey, and 
 the Museum of Practical Geology, Librarian : L. W, Fulcher. Prints 
 and Engravings : E. F. Strange. 
 
 University of London Library, South Kensington, S.W., 
 opposite the Imperial Institute. Contains the Goldsmith Library of 
 books on Economics and other subjects. Librarian : Reginald A. Rye. 
 
 Chelsea Public Library, Manresa Road, King's Road. 
 Adjoining the South-Western Polytechnic, has a large collection of art 
 books, a nicely fitted Reference Department, and Children's Room in 
 the Basement on the American plan. Has special collections relating 
 to Thomas Carlyle and Keats. Librarian : J. H. Quinn. 
 
 SOUTH LONDON. 
 
 Lambeth Palace Library, has nearly 50,000 printed books and 
 manuscripts, mostly theological in character. The Reading Room, 
 which is very imposing, is open to the public for reference purposes, 
 and should be visited before four o'clock in the afternoon. Librarian : 
 Rev. Claude Jenkins, M.A. 
 
 Lambeth Public Libraries, including the Tate Central Library, 
 Brixton Oval, S.W., branches at Heme Hill Road, Kennington, North 
 Lambeth, South Lambeth Road, West Norwood, and branches jointly 
 
28 
 
 with Camberwell in the Minet Building, Knatchbull Road, and jointly 
 with Croydon at Upper Norwood. Heme Hill Road and Upper Norwood 
 are on the open access system ; the others are all indicator libraries. 
 There is a Children's Library at the Minet building in Knatchbull 
 Road. The Central Library possesses a collection relating to Sir 
 Francis Bacon. Librarian: F. J. Burgoyne. 
 
 Battersea Public Libraries. Central building, Lavender Hill, 
 with branches at Lurline Gardens, Lammas Hall, Bridge Road West, 
 and Plough Road. Has a collection of music and a museum. Lectures 
 and Children's Recreation Rooms. Librarian : Lawrence Inkster. 
 
 Wandsworth Public Libraries, comprise Streatham, Wands- 
 worth, Clapham and Putney. The present Borough of Wandsworth is 
 formed by the amalgamation of the districts mentioned and some others. 
 Most of these libraries are administered on ordinary English lines with 
 indicators and dictionary catalogues. Each district has a different 
 librarian, Streatham having Thomas Everett ; Wandsworth, C. T. Davis ; 
 Clapham, J. Reed Welsh ; Putney, William T. Bradley. 
 
 Croydon (169,559). An independent County Borough area in 
 Surrey. The Central Library forms part of the Town Hall, and 
 possesses a very fine Reading Room called the Braithwaite Hall. The 
 Lending Department is worked on the open access principle, as also is 
 the Reference Department. A special collection of great interest is the 
 Photographic Survey and Record of Surrey. Other activities are library 
 talks, lectures, reading circles, exhibitions, &c. There are branches at 
 South Norwood, Thornton Heath, and Upper Norwood, which is 
 supported jointly with the Borough of Lambeth. Librarian: L. S. Jast. 
 This is one of the most progressive Public Libraries in England, and 
 has been influential on modern library practice in Britain. 
 
 TOWNS SOUTH OF LONDON. 
 
 Bournemouth, Hampshire (78,677). High-class watering place. 
 One Central and four branch libraries. The Central Library is a new 
 building and has several features of much interest, including a music 
 collection of a very valuable and complete nature. The whole of 
 the libraries are conducted on the open access system, and possess a 
 good collection of local works. Apart from the library the town and its 
 environs are very beautiful, and it is a famous health resort. 
 
 Portsmouth, Hampshire (231,165). Public Library, removed 
 from the Town Hall to a new building in Town Hall Square, Park 
 Road. The libraries are all worked on the indicator system and there 
 are three branches in various parts of the town. Librarian : Tweed 
 D. A. Jewers. 
 
29 
 
 Worthing, Sussex (33,308). Public Library housed in a new 
 building of good design. Has a special Sussex collection and an Art 
 Gallery and Museum. The library is organized on the open access 
 system, and is managed by a female staff. Librarian : Marian Frost. 
 
 Hove, Sussex (43,173). Public Library, Church Road. Organised 
 in a well-designed library on the open access system, with Dewey 
 classification. Has the nucleus of a small Museum. Librarian : John 
 W. Lister. The Borough of Hove adjoins Brighton. 
 
 Brighton, Sussex (131,250). Has a Public Library organised on 
 the open access system, with a Museum, Art Gallery, and various 
 special collections of books and birds. Some important art exhibitions 
 are held here from time to time, and the library building is near the 
 celebrated Brighton Pavilion. Librarian : H. D. Roberts. 
 
 TOWNS WEST AND NORTH OF LONDON. 
 
 Reading, Berkshire (75,214). Central Library contains the 
 usual departments. Method of charging : open access and card 
 charging. Classification : Brown's Adjustable. There is an Art Gallery 
 and Museum, School Libraries and Children's Reading Rooms. One 
 branch library. Librarian : W. H. Greenhough. This is a convenient 
 point from which to visit Windsor Castle and Eton. 
 
 HoRNSEY, Middlesex (84,602). Central Library, Tottenham 
 Lane, near Hornsey Station. There are two branch libraries, and the 
 Central Library has a collection of North London prints and engravings. 
 Charging method: open, access and cards. Classification: Brown's 
 Adjustable. Librarian : Thomas Johnston. 
 
 Walthamstow, Essex (124,597). Central Library, High Street. 
 Branch library, Higham's Park. Delivery stations in connection with 
 schools, special collection of Essex literature. &c. Central Library : 
 indicator for fiction, open access for non-fiction. Has a juvenile section 
 and lecture room. Librarian : G. E. Roebuck. 
 
 St. Albans, Hertfordshire (18,132). Public Library, housed 
 in new Carnegie building. Open access to all departments. Children's 
 Reading Room. Librarian : E. W. Green. The Abbey Church of St. 
 Albans has been restored in modern times, and has been the cause of 
 much controversy. The surroundings are very picturesque, and the 
 whole district is full of historical interest. Lord Bacon buried in 
 St. Michael's Church. 
 
 Luton, Bedfordshire (50,000). Has a new Carnegie building 
 for Public Library purposes, close to the Town Hall. Charging 
 methods : open access in all departments. Betting news obliterated. 
 Librarian : Thomas E. Maw. This town is the centre of the straw- 
 plaiting industry. 
 
30 
 
 Norwich, Norfolk (121,493). Public Library organised on old- 
 fashioned lines, but now being re-organised. Has a collection of local 
 material. Librarian: G. A. Stephen. The Norfolk and Norwich 
 Library, 1784, was an old subscription library, which has been re- 
 organised after burning in 1898. A great feature of Norwich is the 
 magnificent Cathedral. 
 
 Cambridge (40,028). Like Oxford, Cambridge possesses a large 
 number of college libraries, some of them of great interest. The 
 University Library obtains books under the Copyright Act, and 
 has many special collections. Librarian : Francis Jenkinson. A 
 collection which is well worth examining is the FitzWilliam Museum. 
 Magdalene College, containing Library of Samuel Pepys, Peterhouse 
 College Library, Queen's College, and Trinity Hall Library, which 
 contains a chained collection. The Public Library is arranged on old 
 fashioned lines and contains the usual departments. There are three 
 small branch reading rooms. Librarian : W. A. Fenton. 
 
 Peterborough, Northamptonshire (33,578). Public Library 
 organised on ordinary lines, with Lending and Reference Departments 
 worked by means of indicators and the Dewey Classification. Librarian : 
 W. J. Willcock. The Cathedral is one of the most famous in England, 
 and has a small library attached. 
 
 [The End.] 
 
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY 
 BERKELEY 
 
 Return to desk from which borrowed. 
 This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 
 
 MAYl- 1974 
 
 LD 21-100wi-7,'52(A2528sl6)476