Agreeing to abide by a strict set of rules for loaning, reading and purchase of books they also paid a £5 admission fee and £2 per year for a continued membership.

[8] In May 1836, while expressing its unhappiness about the location of their new building, they were forced to move to upper floor Chief Justice Francis Forbes' residence, at Bridge and Gresham streets.

[9] In May 1840, they sold the allotments in Hyde Park and Rushcutters Bay to raise money to start work on a new building at Bent and Macquarie Streets.

[13][14] According to long-term member George Miller, this was done to imitate similar institutions in England and create a body of shareholders, "who would, in fact, be the holders of the property, and thus become interested in its welfare and advancement.

"[15] However, the limited number of shareholders caused ongoing financial difficulties for the library who finally decided in 1869 to offer the building and books to the Government to clear their debts.