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44 METHODS OF SOCIAL REFORM.
is to be made, more restriction rather than more freedom of
entry to the Nuscum Library is desirable. In any case, the
National Library is probably the most admirable and the most
admirably managed institution belonging to the British nation ;
bat it has nothing to do with the Free Library movement.
Not far from the Museum is another library which might
well be converted into a Free Public Library. It is known as
Dr. Williams'a Library, and is placed in a very suitable building
in Grafton Street, closo to University College. It was founded
by a Nonconformist minister, and contains a rather strong
infusion of theological literature. In later years, however, the
trustees have added the best books of general literature and
science, and they admit any properly introduced person to
read or even borrow the books. It can hardly be maintained,
however, that the library renders the public services which it
might readily do. In tho close vicinity of University College
and the Museum, it is not needed as a scholar's library, and
therefore I think it should be converted into a people's
library.
In spite of the existence of the above-mentioned and poseibly
several other practically Free Libraries, the fact is t,hat
there is no instihtion well adapted to give London ratepayers
an idea of tho advantages which are really within their reach
under the Libraries Act, if they would once overcome the
interested owners of cottage property and others, who from
selfish motives oppose everything appearing to tend towards
the slightest increase of the rates. If the populace of London
could become personally acquainted with a well-constructed
Free Library, with its open doars, its cheerful lights and bright
fires, its inviting newspaper stands, its broad tables littered
over with the beat and most att.ractive periodical literature,
with here and there a small table for chess and other quiet
occupations, I feel sure they would demand a like institution
in every division of that house-covered province called London.
For some gears past the Metropolitan Free Librariee h-
oiation, an offshoot of the Librarians' Conference, has been
striving, under the able management of Mr. Edward B.
Nicholson, to procure the adoption of the Acts in the metro-