SCHOOL LIBRARIES

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 31, 31 October 1932, Page 10

SCHOOL LIBRARIES

Mr. J. E. F. Perry Honoured SUCCESS OF SCHEME Singular and well-deserved honour was done Mr. J. E. F. Perry, assistant public librarian, by the Wellington Headmasters’ Association on Saturday morning, when over the morning teacups at the association’s rooms the heads of the primary schools expressed their warm appreciation for the work he had done in connection with the school library scheme. Mr. J. K. Edie, president of the association, said that Mr. Perry had shown great enthusiasm, and his unfailing tact and courtesy had been largely instrumental in the success of the school library system. Mr. J. B. Hopkirk said there were libraries in all the schools in the city and some in the country, and it was a rare treat at Christmas time to see Mr. Perry at work with his boxes of books, carrying on in his jovial happy way. He wished him “God speed” and many happy years to come. Libraries Well Patronised. Mr. T. Forsyth, chairman of the Education Board, said he remembered when the scheme had been organised under Mr. Baillie, late chief librarian, and how after a chat with Mr. Grundy, the headmaster of the Clyde Quay School, he made a grab for it when they found they were getting something for nothing, and it was in that school that it was first tried. The scheme had been economically worked out. He was sure the City Council appreciated the need for it, and knew that it would be carried on. “There have been reports in the papers that the libraries are not paying,” said Mr. Forsyth, “but we know that they are flourishing and are well patronised. There has been no retrogression, and any talk of closing down in any of its activities will meet with opposition on the part of most of the councillors.” Mr. Forsyth joined withthe others in wishing Mr. Perry many years of happiness. Mr. 11. A. Parkinson said that parents owed a debt of gratitude to Mr. Perry as much as did the children, as they usually read the books the children took home. Mr. J. Norrie, public librarian, said that the school book scheme originated in 190 S, but it was not started until 1912, and from then to 1915 3676 books were distributed in nine schools. Now 37 schools were being served, with an issue last year of 203,000 books. The library could not continue the supplementary supply unless financial assistance was forthcoming, as the council had reduced the grant. Reaping the Harvest. In reply, Mr. Perry said the work he had done in connection with the scheme over twenty years had been a real pleasure, and never once had he had a disagreement with a teacher or headmaster. The libraries were just now reaping the harvest from the seed the scheme had sown, and under Mr. Norrie he hoped It would go On and on. Credit for the success ofthe school library system was largely due to the teachers,-as without the kindly help and sympathy of the teachers and headmasters the scheme would not have been a success. “Give the children a love of reading,” said Mr. Perry, "and they will never (ie dependent on anything else for entertainment.” Mr. Perry recalled that at the time of the institution of the scheme some of the schools had libraries, usually books donated by the parents, most unsuitable as a rule to children; and the greater portion of which had to be consigned to the destructor. Some three years ago Mr. Norrie had decided to make a really big purchase of books to place the system on a sound footing, but unfortunately tlie depression came and no purchases were made. Each year through wear and tear some hundreds of volumes had to be thrown out. He hoped the headmasters would give sympathetic assistance to those who would be running the scheme in the future. “If I get as much pleasure out of my retirement as I have out of my work, I am going to be a happy man,” said. Mr. Perry in conclusion.