PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18551, 28 November 1925, Page 18

PUBLIC LIBRARY.

A BUSY MONTH. .Tho past four weeks have been exceedingly busy in- all departments of the Public Library. During this period a record number of books has been placed into stock. Two consignments of important non-fiction, works were received direct from London, over one hundred of these volumes being for the circulating library. In addition, over 200 novels were added, 36 miscellaneous volumes were added to the reference library, and 120 to the juvenile department, a grand total of close upon 500 volumes for the month.

Subscribers to the library will be pleased to know that the Board of Governors recently considered the annual estimates, and the sum of £BOO was voted for circulating books for the year 1926, this being an increase of £2OO over the sum voted for 1925. In addition to this amount, over £2OO will bo spent upon periodicals and magazines. The reference library vote has also been increased from £250 to £3OO, and the Juvenile vote from £IOO to £125.

During the last ten years the work of the library has grown tremendously; the membership alone has increased from 1000 to close upon 3000. This year it was found necessary to increase the staff by the. appointment of another female assistant, this making a total staff of ten.

That the Canterbury Public Library plays an important part in New Zealand librarianship is evidenced by the large number of letters received by the librarian from library authorities iiTall parts of the Dominion. These letters request information dealing with the administration of a library, and asking advice upon various matters. Such letters have been received from Methven, Gisborne, Leithfield, Hokitika, Palmerston North, Hamilton, Mount Somers, Waiau, Cheviot, Greymouth, Eangiora, Hastings, Westport, Invercargill, Oamarn, Levin, Glenroy Geraldine, Wanganui, Ngakawau, Stockton, Loweliffe, Waiuku, and others.