THE LIBRARY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLII, Issue XLII, 13 April 1922, Page 4

THE LIBRARY.

REPORT BY LIBRARIAN.

The following report for the year ending December 31, iy2l ; was presented by the librarian (Miss Newland) to the Borough Council last evening: In reporting to the Council on the year's work at the Library for 1921, 1 have much pleasure in stating that it has been a record one both as regards the amount taken in subscriptions and also in the number books bought. It may be of interest to mention that there has been a steady increase in meml>erehip since February, 1918, with 215, reaching 300 in October, 1919, and 400 in March, 1921. In July the numoer increased to 450, and was maintained through August, September, October and November. There is a great deal of carelessness shown by some members over the non-return of books when leaving Hawera, which gives me no end oi trouble, and extra work; books are left at boardinghouses or hotels and often with friends to be. returned, with the result that they are not returned, and I see nothing of them for cuonths/ and in all probability they would be completely lost to the Library if 1 did not make special-efforts to get them back; it takes valuable time, and letters have to be written in order to follow up defaulters. On the whole, members aie most iconsiderate in returning books quickly, particularly the new novels, which is very necessary. 1 have also noticed, after many appeals, the books are getting more careful handling; certainly there is still room for improvement in the way of dirty fingermarks, etc. The present day sSpshop methods of binding and shocking quality of paper used are responsible for the short time of usefulness, and indeed, if it were not for the careful mending of every loose leaf there would scarcely be a complete novel available. Many members help me in this matter to a very great extent, calling my attention to loose pages on return and often mending books themselves, and I am most grateful for this help. There are numbers of splendid novels which never come to New Zealand at all, and sending to Melbourne has been useless. They are not ready sellers, and the only way to get them is by sending to England when the next general literature list goes. Our Library is quite up-to-date, judging by my visits to other libraries and by lists received from the leading business houses. Almost all the new novels by popular authors are on our shelves, but with so many different tastes to cater for many books asked for cannot be bought. The success of the. Library and keeping up an increasing and interested membership depends almost entirely upon the people being able to find what they want, and so a wide choice is very necessary. Now that books are likely to be cheaper we may be able to replace many of the good 'and popular novels which have been so much mended in order >to keep. them on the shelves. Two cases of "books arrived from The Times Book Club, England, in July, and contained a lot of valuable general literature which has been appreciated by many of the members. It was a varied and well-chosen lot to suit ail tastes. A number of novels also came at the same time. Altogether 746 books were bought during the year, an average of over 60 a month—a good number for Hawera and its small and unpretentious building. There have been a few presents of second-hand books from members, a very welcome addition. Mr F. JJ. King still continues to forward" tae Overseas Daily Mail for the news room, and Mr Foot the Theosophical paper; many thanks to them. The Star and Mr Ekdahl have been very goodin printing most regularly all lists given in throughout the year, and their kindness is, a tremendous help to the .Library. The following classification may be of interest: Travel and History, 68; Biography, 21; Miscellaneous,' 46; Juvenile, ■ 115; Science, 5; Fiction, 491; total for year, 746.' In February, Mr Fletcher secured a lot of good secondhand books for the juvenile section at greatly reduced prices, which have been keenly appreciated by the numerous children who enjoy the privilege of being able to take out a book for themselves.' They are now asking for more, and as the time goe.B on the Library must look to many of them for its future members, and so every encouragement should be given and plenty of good aud suitable books supplied. The January and February numbers of the National Geographic Magazine have been received so far. Its wonderful popularity increases everyday. Being full of splendid illustrations and. instructive reading matter, it cereainly is a valueable addition to the list of magazines. One copy a, month is not enough. Tie most popular authors are: Peter Kyno, Brijte Burroughs, Zane Grey, John Buchan, Jackson Gregory, Edgar "Wallace, H. Bell Wright, De V. Stacpoole, Sax Rohmer, W. McL. Raine, Phillpotts, H. Walpole, J. O. Curwood R. Uullinan, Galsworthy, Locke, Lincoln. Birmingham, H. Jenkins, M. F,. Rinehart, E. M. Dell, G. Richmond, Miss Buckrose, and others. Altogether the full and busy year, with so many people and books, has been a very interesting and successful one. and I have found much pl-nsure in working for such an apprerir—e crowd of members. There are st:i! a few members'on the list who have h .i members since the beginning of L:',..try times in Hawera.