Nearly 57,000 Books Issued At Greymouth Library

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 April 1947, Page 8

Nearly 57,000 Books Issued At Greymouth Library

During the year ended March 31, 1947, a total of 56,976 books was issuea oy tne Greymouth Municipal Library, according to the annual report which, the librarian presented to a meeting of the Greymouth Borough Council last evening. She added that there were 1057 registrations of borough residents and, in adition, 80 non-resident subscriptions and 492 children. The total of 56,976 books issued comprised:—Country library service: non-fictiqn 6,679; fiction 5,167. Own stock: noh-ficiion 6,445’; fiction 17,854; rentals 11,050; periodicals 5,614; juniors 4,107. New Stock The report added: “548 books have been added to the library’s own stock. Of these 93 were junior. There are big gaps in some classes of the non-fiction and among the classics, but these are gradually being filled. The junior stock is still most adequate but as it is hoped to have a more co-ordinated service to the Greyrnouth schools the question of junior stock has been held ever. Good use has been made of the request service whereby books on any subject may be obtained by the inter-library loan scheme. About 1000 books are on loan at a time through loan collections, request service, and from the van. “The major problem is that of overdue books. Borrowers show a lack of responsibility to public property and a laxity in conforming with the rules of the library which is alarming. The number of books which have been removed from the library and of which there is no trace is also causing concern. Since a fair proportion of these are Country 'Library Service books and are of some considerable value, these losses are a great liability. ‘The adult library has been completely rearranged to give more space". All that remains is for the large room upsairs in the library block to be completed and made available to groups for meetings', after the manner of a community centre. Hospital Service “The hospital service was commenced during the year. Stock was donated by the public and the Hospital Board made a grant of £5O for books and equipment. The organising and distribution of the service is undertaken by the library staff, assisted by members of the Red Cross Society. . The report was approved. Cr. J. B. Kent, reporting on a meeting of the library committee, said it was recommended that the librarian attend a conference of librarians in Christchurch; that the council support a remit to the effect that the National Library Association investigate the possibility of indenting books for library members; that the children’s library service be improved and that the support of school teachers be enlisted; and that steps be taken to give a better .information service at the library. Cr. P. Blanchfield said he did not see the necessity for the, librarian to go to the conference. He considered that any information which came out of the conference would be sent to her by mail. • The library committee’s report was adopted.