“WILLIAM” BOOKS PROVE POPULAR

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29334, 13 October 1960, Page 11

“WILLIAM” BOOKS PROVE POPULAR

More Titles Added To Library The children’s section of the Canterbury Public Library now has 10 titles ot the well-known “William” books available for borrowing, instead of one, as formerly—and they are already proving very popular. There is a waiting list for some titles. The former lone “William” book in the children’s section was the first of Richmal Crompton’s long series of about 30 titles. Two copies each of the following nine titles in the series have now been added to the shelves, in the only edition available—an Australian one, which unfortunately is in very small print. The previous lack of “William” books in the children’s section was criticised by “H.L.G.” on the literary page of “The Prbss” last April. “H.L.G.” said that far too many popular books which children loved were not to be found, and instanced the "William” books—“a wonderful series of well-beloved books” —as one of the most surprising omissions. The lone “William” volume was in such demand that it could only be had for borrowing by written application, “H.L.G.” pointed out. “H.L.G. also criticised an apparent “behind - the - scenes group” which appeared to ’’influence or control” the buying of books for children’s libraries in New Zealand.