VPRS 12389 Grants to Free Libraries, Mechanics' Institutes and Museums

Libraries, galleries and museums, together with other agencies concerned with the Arts, were grouped in the Chief Secretary's portfolio from 1855. The Free Libraries Act of 1885 established the granting of funds to free libraries on a half-yearly basis, for various purposes such as the acquisition of library stock and building maintenance amongst others.This series consisted of ledgers maintained by the Chief Secretary's Office, documenting the financial details of the half-yearly grants given to such institutions. It also contains related notes and correspondence from library trustees requesting further funding, or debentures for upcoming half-yearly grants.