MUNICIPAL LIBRARY

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 162, 10 June 1929, Page 2

MUNICIPAL LIBRARY

IT’S MODEST BEGINNING. CIVIC NEED FULFILLED. Nearly half a century has elapsed since the cariy settlers of Palmerston North sought to establish the nucleus of a .library, and from that modest beginning in the dim ’eighties, there has developed an institution which now occupies a foremost place in tiro civic amenities of the town. To-day, tile new library building was officially opened, the structure, occupying a prominent site on the corner of the Square and Fitzherbert Avenue. The ceremony was the culmination to an undertaking at first roughly conceived, then slowly advanced, despite obstacles to its progress, until it has reached fitting maturity. Recollections of the foundation of •the library are few, for it is difficult to bridge the passage of time, and even to those able to recall them they are decidedly hazy. The inauguration of the movement to meet the needs of the community with a reading service, is buried deep in the past, and but scanty information is available, but it is known that a public library was established in Palmerston North in 1876. in the same building as that which contained the Borough Council and Manawatu Road Board offices. Strangely enough, too, it then occupied the site where the new building stands, circumstances having directed the library back to its place of origin. A STRANGE CIRCUMSTANCE.

Some critical periods in the growth of the library would be revealed if its development would be .accurately traced, but the early details of its existence are vague. The new building, however, covers the historic site on which stood the first town hall built in Palmerston North, and, later, the first municipal premises, which were destroyed by fire, together with all the early borough records, including the returns relating to the library. Commenced about 1892 the old Volunteer Fire Brigade library was established in the brigade’s social hall, situated, together, with the fire station, in Coleman Place. This library possessed between 8000 and 10,000 volumes and rendered valuable service to the town. There were about 150 or 200 honorary members, who contributed about £1 Is per annum. The institution was warmly appreciated and many friendships were cemented within its precincts. At the beginning of,the present century, however, the library was abandoned, owing to the activities embarked upon by the Borough Council to provide adequate facilities for the reading public with a cheap rate of subscription., The books were disposed of, some peing allocated to the High School, while others were sold, the proceeds being donated to the Children’s Home. The heavy bound volumes of the “Encvclopaedia Brittanica” were raffled for charitable purposes, a “Standard” reporter was informed, and thus a valuable movement in the intellectual life of this centre terminated. The municipal library had ceased to function for a period after the books were destroyed in the fire, but its activities were subsequently renewed in the old Colonial Bank building next to All Saints’ Church. The library site in Main street had become the point from which the town’s destines were directed, receiving the appellation of municipal chambers until IDOS. when a transfer was effected between the library and the council offices. These sites have since been retained until the growth of the library has necessitated improved accommodation.

It is understood that many years ago a loan proposal was submitted to the ratepayers in order to provide a suitable home for the- institution, but evidently, considering that tlig time was not opportune for such action, the- rejected it. With the passago of years, however, the urgency of the matter became increasingly apparent, and the citizens of Palmerston North changed their attitude, the way for a new library being made clear when the Occidental Hotel was destroyed by fire and the license was sold, the proceeds being devoted towards the cost of the new structure.

THE NEW BUILDING. The completion of the new library marks the consummation of an important civic undertaking and tho rultilment of a need long manifested. Of ornate design, yet with facades which convey a note of simplicity, the building has a handsome apearance, and is a striking architectural addition to the town, which can now boast of a library in keeping with the progress of the municipality. Utility 7 is always regarded as paramount in the construction of a library building, and the new structure conforms with every demand in this respect. Special lighting arrangements, in order to give the maximum of natural light to readers, are a feature, and the general lay-out of the institution is such as to earn approbation. Access to the library is provided by an imposing entrance on the Fitzherbert Avenuo frontage, and set in the right hand side wall is the inscribed marble slab commemorating the completion of the work. Tho largo vestibule is entered through heavy swing doors, and stairs lead from a commodious hall to the upstairs portion of the building, where the londing and reference libraries are situated, together with an adjacent repair room where attention can bo given to volumes well-thumbed, tattered and torn by constant usage. The reference library, which at present contains some '2500 volumes of leading works which are available for consultation, is immediately at the top of the stair landing, and ample space, is provided for requirements. Adjoining is the librarian’s office, from which observation can be had to both sections of the library on the upper lloor. The lending library is accommodated in the largest room of the building, comprising over 2200 square feet of floor space, and occupying tho whole of the Square frontage above the shops on the ground level. “Island” bookshelves have been placed in position in such a manner that selections may be made by readers without hampering one another’s movements.

Just as admirably conceived is the construction, of the reading and magazine rooms on tho lower lloor, leading from tho hall. Particular attention lias been given to theso rooms, and a subdued colour tone, without creating a sombre aspect, gives the essential atmosphere of quiet and rest which is sought by readers. Tho newspaper stands in tho reading rooms should provide the maximum of comfort. The magazine room is partitioned by a glazed screen. Ten shops are available as business premises on tho ground floor, and this extension of municipal enterprise in order to relievo tho ratepayers of interest charges, has been found to bo justified by the results achieved. The new library and furnishings actually cost £15,000, but as tho Borough Council received £4400 from the sale of tlie publican’s license and the amount of insurance paid in respect of tho destruction of the hotel which previously occupied the site, the ratepayers were asked only to find £II,OOO. The loan proposal submitted for their approval was sanctioned, and tho erection of the new library building was put in hand last year. On a conserva-

tive estimate it was expected that the rent yielded by the shops on the groud floor would be £I3OO per annum, while additional revenue would accrue from the library building vacated. Tho annual interest and sinking fund amounts to £935 per annum, and thus, when all the shops are let, the annual rentals, including £156 estimate from tho old building, should show a margin of £521. These expectations are being fulfilled, and a sufficient number of the shops is already occupied to more than meet interest and sinking fund charges on tho whole capital outlay. GROWTH OF INSTITUTION. It is comparatively easy to visualise the restricted facilities and small collection of books which had to suffice the intellectual needs of the community at the inception of the library, but now over 14,000 volumes are available for tho use of the public. Rapid expansion has been made in the service rendered during the past five years, during which period tho number of subscribers has increased from 280 to 1038, indicating the extent to which the institution is appreciated, apart from those who regularly scan tho pages of the newspapers in the reading room. , ... Unfortunately, as the early library records were destroyed in the disastrous fire, the first returns available are those for 1903, when there were 141 subscribers at 10s per annum, the library then comprising 1822 volumes, with 73 newspapers, 38 of tho latter being New Zealand publications and 13 Homo newspapers. The books for the main part consisted of fiction, and there was not a single work of reference. Twenty-five years later, the total number of books possessed is in excess of 14,000, and the number of subscribers 1038. Newspapers on file number 105.

The removal of the library from its former situation was undertaken during last week, and classification has since been proceeding.