THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 8581, 1 June 1891, Page 3

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l see by your paper of to-day: that ~ the new books for the Free Library are now ' available for public use. It was with long- V ing regret that I read the announcement. ' Alas, that for me as for the great majority of those residing in the suburbs, the 'Free Library exists in name < only. . At the ■ one time of the day when it is possible for busy, people to use it that is when they - leave oil ■ business before returning to their homes—its. doors are closed tc them. , A short time ago I' % read in your valuable paper something to the effect that it was a pity the Public Library was not taken more advantage of by the young people of Auckland. But a exeat number reside in .the suburbs, and are employed during the day in town. Is it to bo ; expected that they willreturnto their home? • at Remuera, Parnell, Mount Eden—after- ' business hours, and then''walk ; back 'into- '• town to go to the Lvbrary "when its doors are opened at seven p.m. ? They must either do this or walk about the streets until the tuna comes when they are permitted to enter, I have done this myself, and know what an -awful trial of patience and temper it is. No. • this splendid Library, which all should be-so * - proud of, is practically closed to those who. » do not live near it, or who have , not leisure " during the day.' Others may look at the out- ' side of it, and that is all. -If the, hours are too long- for the attendants, surely it would not have been an injury to so many if it had ~ been closed in the morning or earlier in the ■ afternoon. The excuse that it was in order to save gas can ho longer be brought forward, ' ' as during the summer months, when no gaa' > was needed, it was closed just" the . same from five p.m. to seven p.m.—l am, &c., ; May 21st, 1891. , Subtjrea^.