Vickipedia

LIBRARIES’ ACTS. Though there is no systematic provision of libraries for public use, at the expense of the state, except the British Museum Library in London, an attempt has been made by the legislature of late years to empower districts to establish libraries, and to tax the inhabitants for that purpose. The act, 13 and 14 Vict. c. 65, passed in 1850 for England, has repealed by subsequent amended and extended acts, the last of which is 29 and 30 Vict. c. 114, in 1866. It is applicable to any burgh, district, or parish, whatever the amount of the population a meeting of the ratepayers may be obtained by the requisition of ten of their number addressed to the town-council, or other board, and the adoption of the act is decided by a simple majority of those present at the meeting. The rate to be levied in all such cases is not to exceed 1d. in the pound. All such libraries to be open to the public, free of all charge. A similar act extended the first English act to Ireland and Scotland; but by amended acts, passed in 1867 and 1871, Scotland has been on a similar footing to England for the adoption of the act.