" In the
course of his address the Mayor said: "It has been my lot now, during my
life, which has not been a short one, to aid a great many undertakings in
this city--insurance offices, spinning factories, waterworks, literary
and scientific institutions, and public charities; but I have never lent
my assistance to any undertaking which more entirely commends itself to
my judgment than that in which I am this day engaged in commencing" . . .
"and I must here say that Mr. Tillett has been the main-spring of this
undertaking, for he has never lost sight of it since the act placed it in
the hands of the Corporation."
After the erection of the building had been commenced it was considered
that it would be highly advantageous if the School of Art was connected
with and formed part of the Library, and the Council authorised the
expenditure of a further sum in order to add another story for the
accommodation of the School of Art. This involved some delay in the
progress of the building, and for various reasons the Library was not
ready for opening until March, 1857.
According to the first annual report issued on August 31st, 1858, a
special committee appointed by the Council estimated that the total cost
of the site and building would amount to 7428 pounds : 5 : 0.
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