THE TIMES BOOK CLUB.

Otago Witness, Issue 2921, 9 March 1910, Page 52

THE TIMES BOOK CLUB.

Established at the outset for the benefit of subscribers to The Times, The Times Book Club has long since passed beyond this initial stage, and is now, it is claimed, not only the best-managed circulating library in the kingdom, but is the largest purveyor of books —new and second-hand, English and foreign—to thousands of clients all over the globe, of whom a large proportion are, indeed, not subscribers to the library. It is claimed, in short, that it is at once the best library, and the largest and greatest book shop in the world. Not only does it keep its clients regularly supplied with carefully annotated catalogues of the newest books on almost every subject as soon as they are published, and with lists of its surplus library volumes and many othei books which, by reason of its gigantic purchases, it is able to offer at greac reductions from the published prices, but to anyone who is interested in particular subjects it will send from time to time specially compiled lists dealing solely with the literature of these. A reader or student, whether a member of The Times Book Club or not, has only to addi'ess to it a letter of inquiry to be kept fully informed on all such matters at no cost or trouble to himself.

For this purpose it maintains a spscial intelligence bureau, and no trouble is spared in order to give to every inquirer, without distinction of person, the information required, together with a list of the best books dealing with the subject of his inquiry. Where these are not in print or obtainable from • the publishers, it will, if desired, advertise for second-hand copies of them without putting him to any cost for the advertisement, and supply them at the cheapest rates. Although the use of the Book Club Library is, in the case of individuals, confined to subscribers to The Times, favourable arrangements are in operation whereby the loan of large numbers of books is made to groups of readers, to whom, for various reasons, copies of The Times could not well be to the messes of H.M. battleships, the great transatlantic liners, and other vessels, regiments stationed abroad, etc.,—and advantage is also taken of these facilities by Government offices, libraries, clubs, and other large institutions. For the regular subscribers to The Times who are actual members of the Book Club this institution aims at being very much more than a name, and at offering them, in addition to other advantages, many of tho conveniences of a West End club. For a slight additional subscription country or

foreign members can make full use or ihe establishment as a club and a* a London address, and arrange to receive their letters and meet their friends there; while London members have at their disposal a conrtortably furnished lounge and a reading room supplied with all the daily and weekly publications, as well as a valuable reference library. Ladies can thus use the club rooms as a convenient centre when shopping, and, if they like, have their parcels sent there to be taken care of till they are ready to leave. Teas and light refreshments are served in the lounge, while the reading room is well supplied with stationery and all conveniences for writing. For the convenience, too, of those who are desirous of keeping absent friends g;»j>plitd with books and magazines The Times Book Club will undertake, for a small annual fee, to send monthly, post free to any address throughout the world, one or more recent novels or works of miscellaneous literature as may be desired.