ABSTRACT

In a paper on the public free libraries of Manchester, by Mr. Councillor Harry Ransom-read at the fifteenth annual meeting of the Library Association in Paris in September last, and published in the Library, vol. 10, p. 292, the following passage occurs :-

" I think it a feature of the Manchester libraries worthy of special remark that they were the first in England to enga~e female assistants, whose services have been found m every way most satisfactory. In the boys' room especially, of which they are always placed in charge, it is believed that they exert a salutary influence over their young readers. Vacancies are eagerly sought after by the daughters of tradesmen and shopkeepers, who seldom leave us except to under".' take the duties of wedded life. . Their salaries vary according to experience and ability, from 10s. a. week to £80 per annum. There are now employed no fewer than . sixty young women in the various depart-. ments-which is in excess, I understand, of the total number engaged in all the · other libraries of the kingdom."