_Parochial Libraries_ (Vol. vi., p. 432. Vol. vii. _passim._).--A parochial
library was for many years deposited in the room over the south entrance of
Beccles Church. The books consist chiefly of old divinity, &c., and appear
to have been gifts from various persons; among whom were Bishop Trimnel (of
Norwich), Sir Samuel Barnardiston, Sir Edmund Bacon of Gillingham, Sir John
Playters, Mrs. Anna North, and Mr. Ridgly of London. There is a copy of
Walton's _Polyglot Bible_, 1655-7, besides an odd volume of the same work
(Job to Malachi), 1656, uncut. It is probable that many of the books have
been lost, as the room in which they were kept was used as a repository for
discarded ecclesiastical appliances, and, latterly, for charity blankets
during summer. In 1840, with the consent of the late bishop of Norwich, and
of the rector and churchwardens of the parish, the remaining volumes (about
170) were removed to the public library room, and placed under the care of
the committee of that institution. A catalogue of them was then printed.
The greater part have been repaired, with the aid of a donation of 10l.
from a former inhabitant, who had reason to believe that some of the works
had been lost in consequence of their having been in his hands many years
ago. Are there not numerous instances elsewhere in which this example might
be copied with propriety?