Page:Library Construction, Architecture, Fittings, and Furniture.djvu/45

Rh Shakespeare and Staunton collections; the Welsh University Library in 1885; the library of Congress at Washington in 1851; and the University Library at Brussels in 1886. Fires have also recently taken place in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Manchester libraries, but fortunately without doing irremediable harm.

The National Library at Paris has for many years been in danger of destruction by fire by reason of its situation, as it is enclosed by four narrow streets in a busy commercial locality. Up to a short time ago, indeed, parts of the building were sublet for shops and dwelling-houses. It has been apparent to the authorities for a long time that the library should be removed, and plans were made for a new building, to be placed between the Louvre and the Tuileries. This for some reason fell through, and then an attempt was made to transfer the collection to the Luxembourg. This suggestion also was not carried into effect, and the custodians seem now to have arrived at the conclusion that they must make the best of their present site. Much of the old building, some of which was built by Mazarin, has been pulled down, and new reading-rooms and book stores erected worthy of the collection.

In the construction of a new library of any importance an attempt should be made to make it fireproof. Of course it is impossible to make a building which has to be artificially lighted and heated, and containing wood, paper, furniture, and other inflammable material, entirely so, but