The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-02-15
THE NORFOLK LIBRARY
The Annual MeeIng of the Subscribers
Was Held Last Night.
PRESIDENT AND LIBRARIAN. REPORTS.
A Remarkable Increase in Member.
snip During the Past Ycar--Thc
N"mber OF Books Taken Out
Much Interest Mnmiresscd In the
Iuatltution.

ihe annual meeting OF the subscrib-
ers OF the Norfolk Public Library was
neiu last night, with Col. William Lamb
The president, In the chair
me report OF the president was
lengthy one. and contained much Of
interest. In 1t he said:
~ year ago we had but lightweight
persons entitled to draw books. and now
we have 1871 subscribers and in addition
10 inns, on account of the approplia-
tlon from the city, which our Councils
IN their wise and enlightened admins
tration of city affairs. gave us, there
nave been free privileges OF withdraw
ing books extended to and accepted by
ia' scholars of the public schools, 81
uaachers. IL ministers and Is editors
making In all i47 persons entitled TO
withdraw books against SO this time
last year.
During the past year there have been
2S,0I9 visitors TO the rooms. and there
have been taken out 10.32O Volumes
There have been added to the library
6lS NolumeS-38 by purchase and $50
by donation. Four hundred ana eight
volumes have been rebound The latest
current literature of the day ana the
popular week.-Mrs. and muthlies have
been provided for our readers. Addi-
tional shelving has been erected TO ac-
commodate the books which heretofore
had to be piled on the floor. The bare
floors have been covered with mating
improving the looks and comfort of the
Nplacc We know of 10 institution that
gives more pleasure to the refined por-
ton OF our community than this library.
During the fiscal year ending Fcbru-
AIRY 18th our receipts have been 81 1929
and or disbursements have been Sits
40; leaving a balance i'm bank of $3Sl 81
to-day. Since our last annual meeting
we have received Two approximations
fr,, 1,... \, -
the Select Council on the 18th OF Feb
ruary, 1895. just after the adjournment
of our last stockholders meeting. and
since then an approprat ton was made
in December. of 81 500. To be paid in two
installments Of $3.50 each. in January
and June.
I'm the act Incorporating the Norfolk
Public Library. which was passed by
the last Legislature occurred Il clerical
error. and II is desira hlc that this meet
ing should request of our representa- lives
in the General Assembly correction Of
this error. when il is competent for them
to ask any other changes which may be
dcsirab bic.
The Great Bridge Chapter of the
Daughters of The Revolution have de-
posted in our library a bookcase with n
view to collecting colonial books and
pamphlets and histories relating To the
Revolutionary period. Our library Is 10
De the cCSt odan oi these hCIkS. which
are open to reference by our visitors,
but are not 10 be taken ont of the H.
brary. except by members Of the Da,Irh-
tiers of the Revolution under rcgula lions
prescribed by the regent
I'VE have been offered the custody Of
the Medical Library Of this city. anu
are now trying To make arrangements
within our means TO find room for this
valuable acquisition, which will bring to
our library Il class OF educated and in
tiucntial men who will assist us In build
in.: up our institution"
The report OF Mr. VIM. Henry Sar-
geant, the librarian, was next read. In
ii he said:
The attendance al the rooms during
the past Year has been 2S,079 There
have been taken ont 1890 volumes, of
which S,5Gi Were fiction, 33l biogra ply
and travels SG6 history and mctaphy-
sizes, $50 bellies letters. 6Sl magazines.
and 80 science OF the books taken out
l6la per cent. We're solid reading. which
is Il larger proportion than is generally
customary in public libraries. There
have been added 10 the library during
the year 6lS voupes-3SS by purchase
and $50 by donation. OF the purchases