 The Victorian government between 1860 and 1895 spent around £220,000 on grants.The increase in the number of institutes founded after 1860, especially in the country areas, was a direct result of the grants which were made available.The conditions attached to the grant, for the purchase of books and for public access, was influential in making the library the main activity of the institutes and achieved the aim of allowing many Victorians in the late 19th century to enjoy access to a reasonable library service.