The Shakespeare Memorial Library, though to all intents and purposes part and parcel of the Reference Library, has a separate and distinct history.  Mr. Sam.  Timmins, who is generally credited with having (in 1858) first suggested the formation of a library, which should consist solely of Shakespeare’s works, and Shakespeareana of all possible kinds, said, at the tercentenary meeting, that the idea originated with George Dawson, but perhaps the honour should be divided, as their mutual appreciation of the greatest poet whose genius has found utterance in our language is well known.  The first practical step taken was the meeting, held (July 10, 1863) of gentlemen interested in the tercentenary, for the purpose of considering a proposal to celebrate that event by the formation of a Shakespearean library.  The Rev. Charles Evans, head master of King Edward’s School, presided.  The following resolution, moved by Mr. G. Dawson, and seconded by the Rev. S. Bache, was adopted:—­“That it is desirable to celebrate the tercentenary of the birth of Shakespeare by the formation of a Shakespearean library, comprising the various editions of the poet’s works, and the literature and works of art connected therewith, and to associate such library with the Borough Central Reference Library, in order that it may be permanently preserved.”  A hundred pounds were subscribed at this meeting, and a committee formed to proceed with the project.  In a very few months funds rolled in, and Shakespeareans from all parts of the world sent willing contributions to this the first Shakespearean library ever thought of.  It was determined to call it a “Memorial” library, in honour of the tercentenary of 1864, and on the poet’s day of that year, the library was formally presented to the town at a breakfast given at Nock’s Hotel by the Mayor (Mr. W. Holliday).  Dr. Miller, George Dawson, M.D.  Hill (Recorder), T.C.S.  Kynnersley, R.W.  Dale, Sam.  Timmins, and others took part in the proceedings, and the Mayor, on behalf of the Free Libraries Committee, accepted the gift on the terms agreed to by the Town Council, viz., that the Library should be called “The Shakespearean Memorial Library,” that a room should be specially and exclusively appropriated for the purposes thereof; that the library should be under the same regulations as the Reference Library; and that the Free Libraries’ Committee should maintain and augment it, and accept all works appertaining to Shakespeare that might be presented, &c.  As George Dawson prophesied on that occasion, the library in a few years become the finest collection of Shakespearean literature in Europe therein being gathered from every land which the poet’s fame had reached, not only the multitudinous editions of his works, but also every available scrap of literature bearing thereon, from the massive folios and quaint quartoes of the old times to the veriest trifle of current gossip culled from the columns of the newspapers.  Nothing