LIBRARY BULLETIN

Evening Star, Issue 20252, 13 August 1929, Page 8

LIBRARY BULLETIN

first issue ev mmma A COMMENDABLE IHKOVATIOH Em- a library, tbo .issue of a monthly bulletin by tbo Dunedin Atiimumiiii and Mechanics’ Institute is a distinct innovation Tiic first issue to-day is a creditable effort, and it will supply the need of members for a publication, contributed to by men of note in literature and the arts, giving well reasoned guidance as to tho best of modern literature, both fiction : -.d general. “ Tbo committee has deckled to make an experiment in tbo issue of an inionnal monthly ‘ Bulletin,’ which it trusts may be of interest and use to Ibe members of the Athenaeum.” states tlu* .journal. ‘‘ Hrielly, llui idea is to supply short notes on two matters—-(li-st, the progress of the institution, and second, current literature as it arrives from abroad, it is thought that, considering the mass of, in particular, fiction that is placed on the shelves, a guide to books worth reading might be attempted through short, critiques by readers. The puffs and notices of publishers arc becoming every day more unreliable—books of live minutes are bailed as books of the month. Perhaps candid, criticisms may ho as useful as discoveries of unheralded books of real merit. Members arc asked to assist tho committee by supplying short, frank notices of any books they may have read. Such contributions will be gratefully welcomed The success of tho ‘ Bulletin ’ will be assured if tbo effort is co-operative.’’ Subscribers are to receive the first copy free ol charge, but the experiment trill be continued at Id per issue. The ’ Bulletin ’ is very newsy. Statistical information of the remarkable progress of the library ■ includes the report that book issues for the past six months reached the- record ‘number of 87.1i10, exclusive of ' magazines in circulation. For 1925, the year prior to tho appointment of Air H. Greenwood, as librarian, the total issue for the -your was 77,439. Tbo advance of the ’institution is tine largely tq Mr Greenwood’s efforts, and tho latest departure is another of his schemes to make the library a 'more valuable centre in the community. Besides literary nates, appropriate and informative, the latest issues of books arc given tlmmb-uai! reviews. The committee comprises men- whoso opinions mu literature are sound, and their criticisms of the bonks arc pithy. The additions to the shelv’s during the month will also interest members, as the list will shorten their =carch among ths thousands of volumes for the latest bonks. . ■ Tho iiltentiion is to use the short critiques of books bv members in later issues. The , ‘ Bulletin ’ is a co-opera-tive effort, and the initial issue is commendable. not only, for the 'worthiness of its aiui, but for flic merit'of its contents.

The Citj at 6.22 1; chimney it' old Fit""', daina go wi ■ Fire Brigade was'called out st ovi'Tiiiirf to extinguish a re in the residence of Dr Gerin High street. No ts clone. '