SERIOUS READING

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 195, 15 May 1941, Page 5

SERIOUS READING

Increasing Demand For Non-Fictional Books

"Emphasis in the popular library has again been on the subjects of a more serious nature, though much of the provision of home reading of this nature is now made by the reference and general lending library,” stated the annual report of the Wellington Public Libraries, adopted by the Wellington City Council yesterday. “There is still, and always will be. a substantial demand for fiction, and this is encouraged. provided always the -proportion of the lighter grades of fiction does not asstime unduly large proportions.”

Increases in the various classes are shown in order of percentage increases, figures relating to the Central Library only: —Fiction, 15.5 per cent; general works (including magazines). 21.0 JHtr coni.; history and travel. 34.2 per cent.; biography. 3-1." pet' cent.: literature, 41.2 per cent.; philosophy. 45.5 per cent.; junior. 45.1 i>er cent.: language. 45.2 per cent.: science, 48.3 per cent.: religion. 50.9 per cent.: sociology, 55.2 per cent.; useful arts. 69.0 per cent.; fine arts, 76.3 per cent.; tolal increase, 27.3 per cent. “The largest percentage increases are in fine arts and useful arts: the smallest in general works and magazines, and in Helion —a striking example of the veering over lo more serious reading which Ims been noticeable of recent years,” the report added.