PUBLIC LIBRARY

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22906, 30 December 1939, Page 3

PUBLIC LIBRARY

SUCCESSFUL YEAR ISSUES AN]5 ACCESSIONS The librarian of the Canterbury Public Library (Mr E. J. Bell) reports that 1939 was quite successful and although the issue of books has not been so large as that of 1938, the quality of the literature borrowed has been, of a higher standard. Altogether more than 300,000 volumes have been used in all departments. In the lending library during 1938, 123,326 fiction and 66.756 non-fiction were borrowed, a total of 190,082 books. During 1939, 116,000 fiction and 67,000 non-fiction have been taken out, a total of 183,000 volumes. About 2000 new books have been added. Of these, 610 are excellent non-fiction and all have been in demand, particularly those dealing with international affairs. The membership has increased slightly compared with 1938, 21 more subscriptions having been received. In the reference library 88,000 volumes have been consulted compared with 89,728 last year. Here also some excellent books have been added, 524 having been purchased or given. A considerable amount of rebinding has been carried out so that the stock is now in good order. The children’s library has had a successful year and more than 40,000 volumes have been taken out for home reading compared with 41,417 for last year. To this department were added 738 attractive books. In addition nearly 2000 school children participated in the school library service - which operated in 18 schools. It is estimated that during the last year nearly 30,000 issues have been recorded at the schools. The coming year may prove somewhat difficult because of import restrictions on books arid periodicals, but it is hoped to secure copies of the best books and magazines arriving from overseas.