FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3831, 16 August 1927, Page 23

FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

A

BUSY YEAR

INCREASED ACCOMMODATION NECESSARY. The place occupied by the City Free Library in the life of the community forms the subject of a report to the City Council by Mr W. B. M’Ewan, the librarian. He says that the statistics show that the year was a very busy one in all departments of the Library, and there is a marked increase on the records of the previous year. But for the lending library being closed for nearly six weeks, 1926-27 would have been the most progressive year since the inception of the department. The number of books consulted in the reference library was 50,010 volumes. This is the first year that a record has been kept of the number of books used by students, and the result is beyond our expectations. The figures represent the number of books returned to the shelves by the library staff. The attendance is estimated at 36.585 persons. Last year the figures were 28,822, an increase of 8063. From these statistics a clear indication is obtained of the progress made by the department, and they form a reliable guide to the large number of students and others who appreciate the opportunity for reading and study within the library building. The stock of books has reached a total of 7610 volumes, and of this number 271 were added during the period now being reviewed.

Though the circulating d.purtment was closed for cleaning and painting during a period of six weeks, the number of books issued was 195,943, compared with 184,844 in the previous twelve months, an increase of 11,099 volumes. The new books numbered 1453. Books withdrawn 1324, and 300 volumes were replaced. Readers’ tickets were supplied to 7695 persons. Notwithstanding the books withdrawn, the congestion in this department has become extremely acute, and solving is required for 3000 volumes. More accommodation is wanted both for readers and books, and the question c f xtension should be earnestly grappled with in the ensuing year. It the meantime the work is being carried out under difficulties, and, as was indicated last year, the staff are handicapped by the overcrowding. There is no doubt the progress of the department is suffering from the want of adequate accommodation to meet public requirements. In the work of the juvenile department 33,471 books were taken out for home reading, and this department in common with .he others, showed a much increased circulation of books. The figures last year were 26,196. One hundred and twenty-one new books were added, 24 withdrawn, and the net stocK is 5195 volumes, 1563 children availed themselves of readers’ tickets.

The City Council, having approved of a scheme for the promotion of school libraries, a sum of money w.as placed on the estimates and a large number of books have been purchased- Fiirthc provision has been made for adding to the stock in the ensuing twelve months, and it is hoped to make a start later on in the year. The number of volumes available is not yet adequate to give a satisfactory service. The attendance- in the reading rooms was 187,596, an increase of 8342 on last year.