LIBRARY FOR CHILDREN

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25226, 3 July 1947, Page 3

LIBRARY FOR CHILDREN

3000 MEMBERS IN CHRISTCHURCH

BUSY SERVICE EACH AFTERNOON

Every .afternoon in the week between 3 and 5.30 p.m. children congregate at the Canterbury Public Library for it is then that their own section is open for changing books. Saturday mornings are also busy. The average dally attendance has risen to almost 300, and accommodation is taxed. This' is one section for which extensive improvements are envisaged when the library is further developed. Established nearly 40 years ago, this was the first free municipal library for children in New Zealand. It now has 300 Q, members and offers about 5000 books and about 30 periodicals of particular interest to young readers. The children usually like to make their own choice and are encouraged to become familiar with index and systems of arrangement. Those in charge, however, try to ensure that books suitable for the different ages are taken out. The membership ranges from eight to 16 years, so the type of literature varies considerably. Many teachers early in the school year bring their classes to the library so that they will know the facilities available. The service is linked closely with the schools in providing information for morning talks and project work. Some schools have occasional reading periods at the library. To stimulate interest in topical subjects special displays are regularly featured. The life of Princess Elizabeth was traced in picture and story during the royal tour in South Africa and her birthday celebrations. Schools’ Library Service

The schools’ library service is a separate section of the children’s library. It has a stock of about 6000 books which are allowed out on loan to libraries in 26 oity and suburban schools. Bulk collections are changed about once each year, giving variety to the schools' own selections.

Explaining the work of her department yesterday, the children’s librarian (Miss H. Cowey) said that most young members had a taste for constructive literature. Their interests were carefully studied and met whenever possible. The old fairy tales were still firm favourites with the younger children, especially the beautiful new editions. Animal stories and nature studies were most popular with the next age group, and the older groups, taking up hobbies, found plenty of books to consult. Material on various careers and books about other lands and peoples were always in demand. Miss Cowey said the construction of books was an important factor in a children’s library. Large, thin books were subject to damage, and stoiiv bindings were required. Generally the children took good care of books.