The official objectives of the institute, as stated in the visitors' guide of 1906 are: "To establish and maintain a Free Public Library and Reading Room, and also to promote literary culture and technical education, and to advance in other ways the intellectual development and social welfare of the community. Provision is made for rational recreation, and encouragement is offered for the formation of Classes, Clubs and Societies, associated with the Institute, under such regulations as may be framed from time to time, or approved by the Committee of Management."
