EPSOM BRANCH LIBRARY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 205, 28 August 1918, Page 3

EPSOM BRANCH LIBRARY.

THE OFFICIAL OPENING. The extension of the branch library system by the Auckland City Council to the Epsom district was hailed with enthusiasm by residents last evening, when the Mayor "(Mr. J. H. Gunson) officially opened the building which is to serve the purpose. Miss ]". Melville, chairwoman of the Library Committee of the City Council, outlined the progress made in the library movement in Auckland. Ar, far back as ISBO the main library was established, and for four years it remained under the supervision of one librarian. In the intervening period the staff had grown until to-day it numbered 15. With the establishment of suburban branches it was destined to grow to large dimensions. Already, in addition to the central library, branches had been established in Ponsonby, Parnell, Grafton, Remuera- Epsom. Tlie support accorded the various institutions was highly satisfactory. The Mayor considered one of the most wonderful features of tbe last four years was the manner in which the civic, commercial and social activities of the community had been maintained. In a few words he referred to the Ctoußcil's policy in regard to libraries, the total provision for which amounted to about £7000 a year. The policy of library extension had been justified by results.

An instructive lecture on the current phases of the war, illustrated by lantern slides, by the Rer. W. G. Moneiton followed. In this way the lecturer illustrated the strategy of the Allied command from the time of the last German offensive to the present, and the Russian and Balkan situations.