Sundays at library

Press, 24 July 1987, Page 16

Sundays at library

Sir,—With reference to Mrs J. N. Taylor’s letter (July 20) concerning library attendances on Sundays, I am pleased to note that she has sympathy for some people who have nowhere to go during the winter months to keep warm. While agreeing with the points she has made about heavy rates, etc., I was appalled that she suggests we should have someone policing the reading rooms to put these unfortunate people out in the cold. There, but for the grace of God, goes she. I cannot believe that Christchurch people are so lacking in Christian charity that this could happen. Could more chairs be the answer? Not all the occupants are old people. — Yours, etc., (Mrs) V. M. GROFSKI. July 20, 1987.

Sir,—What a pity that the odd lounger-sleeper (July 20) arouses such a negative response, insulting the intelligence and integrity of serious readers who regularly use the library on Sundays when it is, generally, a hive of activity — the one day a week when parents can accompany children to work on school projects or read. Local and overseas newspapers are popular; the photocopiers and toilets are in constant demand. Regarding the rate burden and operating costs, expenditure shows $5,782,000 needed from rates ("The Press,” June 24); salaries and wages cost 52.5 c in each dollar; $44,000 has been granted to extend Saturday services. Three Sunday workers each receive $9.06 gross an hour on a broken shift of five hours —

an annual cost of $7067 or total cost of $135.90 a Sunday. The Art Gallery promotes extended Sunday hours. To close the “safe house", and tourist attraction of the library will be a retrograde step. — Yours, etc., W. MARGARET DENNIS. July 20, 1987.