WHAT WE READ.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 24, 28 January 1921, Page 4

WHAT WE READ.

It is difficult to say whether the large increase in the number of books taken out from the different public libraries in Auckland is due to an increased taste for reading on the part of the public, or is due to tho fact that the cost of books has increased so enormously that many people who formerly bought books are now compelled to borrow them from the circulating library. The figures are certainly remarkable, showing an increase of 60,535 over last year, or an "increase of 28 per cent. The increase has been mainly in fiction and magazines, and it is in these that the rise in price has l*ecn most marked. Of the books taken out from the lending department of the Public Library nearly two-thirds are represented by fiction, and the American novel seems to be still the most popular. This is largely due to the fact that most American novels deal with life in the open and with situations more closely in touch with our own life than novels depicting English scenes. The English novel depends largely on character development and social situations. It is often weak in incident and the excitement of adventure. It demands from the reader some acquaintance with English life and customs, while many of the most popular American novels only demand a liking for adventure and a love of nature. It has tbe added advantage that the pictures have familiarised thousands of readers with conditions ol life in America and made them eager to know mure of tbe country and its people. In regard to more serious reading, it is interesting to note that the demand for historical works is still increasing, more than a tenth of tnc books consulted in the reference department being works of history or biography. Hooks of travel, on the other band, show a marked decline—over 25 per cent — this being the only class for which the figures are lower than last year. Perhaps the reason for this is to'be found in the fact that so many of our young men have been themselves in foreign lands, and are able to recount their advantures at first hand. There is, however, a largely increased demand for bonks dealing with language and literature, showing that increased travelling has stimulated an interest in the thoughts of other natiohf. An increasing use is being made of the school branch libraries, thus showing that the very excellent books provided for the modern child are meeting with the appreciation they deserve. Few thiligs nave been more noticeable in recent years than Hie attractive manner in which history, biography, travel, anil general knowledge are presented to the young. Many really useful works of history are now written in a style that captivities the young mind with all the romantic interest of a story book. The figures of our public libraries show that there has been no diminution in the taste for reading, in spite of the fact thai the book has nowsuch a serious competitor in the moving picture show.