AT the beginning of the year 1837, Mr. Mortimer opened a “Library for
Sunday Reading.” It contained, at first, about 150 volumes, and, as the
books were very much read by all classes of persons, about 100 more were
afterwards added to the number, all of which were furnished at his own
cost. They were lent gratuitously, and were changed weekly in the
vestry. The different readers were furnished with a printed catalogue of
the books, that they might have the opportunity of selecting those that
they preferred, as being most suitable to their taste or circumstances.
These books were in circulation up to the time of his death.
About the same time an attempt was made to establish a “Library of Useful
Knowledge,” at Thornhill, the object of which was to promote useful
information to “Farmers, Mechanics, and Artizans,” at a cost so trifling
as to bring it easily within their reach; the terms of subscription being
five shillings annually, or a penny-a-week for each volume. This
endeavour, which was made with the hope of improving the habits and
character of a large portion of the population, by furnishing profitable
employment for leisure hours usually spent in idleness or frivolous
amusements, was mainly seconded by Mr. Mortimer, who made a handsome
donation towards it in money, besides about eighteen volumes, most of
which, though scientific or literary works, were distinguished for their
religious tendency. Most of the gentlemen in the neighbourhood also
contributed towards this library. It was found, however, for the most
part, that there was no taste for this style of reading among the class
for whom the library was intended; only ten or a dozen persons availed
themselves of the use of the books, and in rather more than a year
applications for them ceased to be made.