5

E.—B

missing. Some of these will probably be returned after a time. The total number of books in this department is 17,186. The subscribers now number 1,575. It was found necessary to remove from the shelves, as being unfit for issue on account of mutilation and bad treatment, about 240 volumes. These for the most part consist of works of fiction. The total number of magazines taken in amounts to thirty-seven. The following figures show the income derived from subscriptions during the last five years: 1893, £757 12s; 1894, £781 2s. 6d. ; 1895, £651 Is. 6d.; 1896, £739 14s. 6d. ; 1897, £825 Is. Particulars of the issue of books for twelve months : Fiction, 77,160 volumes ; magazines, 2,784; miscellaneous, 1,152; architecture, 108; history, 1,806 ; poetry and drama, 390; travels, 2,676; biography, 1,362; literature, 1,326; science, 846: total, 89,610 volumes; daily average 293|^f. Magazines, monthly numbers, 10,662; daily average, 34fg-§. Total issue 100,272 volumes ; daily average, 328fgf. Beading-room —The accommodation in this department has now for many years past been acknowledged to be far inferior to what the circumstances of the case demand. The building is of wood and very old, and in a dilapidated condition; it would be a very short-sighted policy to attempt to patch it up. There is no doubt that a reading-room of brick or stone should be erected, but it is difficult to see how the funds are to be obtained for the purpose. Probably at least £1,500 would be necessary to provide the ordinary facilities required. The following newspapers are filed : English,6; Irish, 1; Scotch, 1; American, 1; Australian Colonies, 9; New Zealand, about 45. Twelve magazines are provided for readers. It is, however, painful to have to report that these are frequently stolen from the room, no less than nine having disappeared during the month. Newspapers also are frequently damaged.

Canterbury Public Library: Circulating Department. — Stock-sheet for the Year ending 31st December, 1897.

Number of Magazines, Periodicals, and Newspapers taken regularly at the Canterbury Public Library.

CO o o 13 >> O OS a ft eg n ":c C S o CO CD O O ■S 4= o mS 3 a 3^ a c3 H Q "3 Pi dS >> CD O U ~ <a a t» Z1.2 9 -OS O >,« II M CO CD .9 o3 UD <& 8 CO PJ o CD fl "q to CO "3 ■+3 o EH In stock, 1st January, 1897 New books added during the year .. 1,216 74 1,361 43 1,524 57 320 1 8,026 674 942 27 350 5 810 12 954 72 1,049 23 16,552 988 Total 1,290 1,404 1,581 321 8,700 969 355 822 1,026 1,072 17,540 Taken off shelves, unfit for issue .. Missing 3 4 1 3 6 1 i 221 100 "2 "3 8 240 114 1 Total 7 4 7 i 321 2 3 8 1 354 In stock, 1st January, 1898 1,283 1,400 1,574 320 8,379 967 355 819 1,018 1,071 17,186

Daily, Bi-weekly, Tri-weekly, Newspapers. Weekly Newspapers and Periodicals. Monthly Magazines. Quarterly Publications. Totals. Jirculating Department — British American ... Australian New Zealand 13 26 4 1 6 39 4 1 6 Reference Department— British American ... Australian New Zealand 13 37 50 2 13 1 2 5 20 1 2 lewspaper and Beading Boom— British American ... Australian New Zealand L6 5 23 8 I 5 8 12 20 1 9 63 i 55 59 22 12 93