Circulating Libraries (2 results)

Ticket printed on one side of an 8 x 7 cm piece of paper. In fair condition, with closed tear at head and slight damage to bottom right-hand corner. Printed within a decorative border and reading (with manuscript additions in square brackets): 'No [93 - 4] | This Book is the Property of the Brentford Mechanics' Institution. | It must not be kept longer than [14] days. If kept longer than the time specified the Fine of One Penny will be charged for the first fortnight, and an additional Penny for every succeeding week. | The Librarian is in attendance to issue Books on Monday and Friday evenings, from 7 till 10 o'Clock. | October 1854.' Very little is to be discovered regarding this society. In November 1842 the City of London Magazine reported approvingly the 'establishment of an Elocution Class, and of a Manuscript Magazine, contributed to solely by Members of the Society'. From the collection of Frederick Turner, historian of Brentford.

1p., 12mo. In fair condition, on aged paper. The heading reads (with manuscript additions in square brackets): 'No. [358] | LUTTERWORTH | New Book Society, | 1839-40. | To be kept [7] Days. | Ordered by [Mr G. Bottrill] | Price [6/-].' Three columns follow, headed 'When sent', 'To whom sent' and 'When returned'. The middle column contains the printed names of 31 male individuals, from 'Mr. C. Burdett' to 'Mr. Stiles', with the addition of one manuscript name. Dates are written in manuscript in the first and third column. At foot of leaf: 'N.B. Any member, keeping a work longer than the time allowed for reading the same, will be fined One Penny per day. (Rule 2).' No record has been discovered of this Book Society: Alston records a 'Lutterworth Book Society' between 1758 and 1792, and also notes a 'Bottrill's Circulating Library', without dates. Image on request.