PUBLIC LIBRARY

Southland Times, Issue 21716, 31 May 1932, Page 6

PUBLIC LIBRARY

YEAR’S OPERATIONS REVIEWED. SLIGHT DECLINE IN RETURNS. The past year shows a slight decline in the returns of the Invercargill Public Library, both in subscriptions, subscribers and visitors to the reading room, the figures, all round being less than the previous year, states the annual report of the Librarian (Mr H. B. Farnall). In past years, the Library account always carried forward a credit balance. This has been used up in renovating the Library and Colonial Chambers inside and out, the installation of a necessary fire alarm system throughout the Library building, and to alterations to offices in the Colonial Chambers. A further expense in connection with the purchase of books and periodicals for the Library is the very high rate of exchange, and to the increased New Zealand Customs duty. It is anticipated that the Library finances will improve during the coming years, and that it will be possible again to be able to show in all departments the improvements of previous years. The stock of books has been increased by the addition of 1336 volumes, making a total of 32,070 (reference and New Zealand 10,610; lendng and juvenile 21,370). Two hundred and forty-four volumes , were rebound, and 705 volumes withdrawn, nearly all of which were fiction, either worn out, soiled or duplicates which have outlived their usefulness. Donations to the Library amounted to 87 volumes, 14 from private individuals and 73 Nev/ Zealand Government publications. Parcels of withdrawn books were sent to Lome Farm and to the Waikawa Public School. In June last a local firm designed and had printed 10,000 book-markers, which were presented to the Library to be included in each new book issued. This marker is of a very neat design and contains an advertisement showing the rates of subscription, hours of opening, etc. Lending Department.

To the lending department were added 975 volumes, making a total of 18,231, and 690 volumes were withdrawn. The subscribers’ roll shows a total of 1095, a decrease of 100 on last year. Extra books issued amounted to 27,435, a decrease of 838, and books reserved 2,307, an increase of 79. The total number of books issued to subscribers amounted to 106,887 as compared with 110,201 the previous year, showing a decrease of 3,414. To make more room on the shelves of the travel and biography sections, the Librarian removed 899 volumes that are now out of date, some of which have never been taken out by subscribers, these have been placed on top of the book stacks in the lending department. The magazine library roll shows a total of 178 subscribers as compared with 203 last year. The issues amounted to 12,279, a decrease of 1117. The supply has been kept well up-to-date, but quite a number of the subscribers are frequently asking for more of the lighter and popular reading. Five hundred and forty-six monthly parts were bound to strengthen them for the use of subscribers. In the juvenile library the Librarian regrets to have to record a falling away in subscribers, accountable only to the lack of new books, only 25 volumes being added last year. The subscribers’ roll shows a total of 129, a decrease of 34. The issues show a very considerable falling off, 11,869 as against 13,621 last year, a decrease of 1752. The total stock amounts to 3139 volumes. Juveniles are voracious readers, and complaints are general among them regarding the lack of new books. The new situation in Dee street has proved itself Very popular with the juveniles, especially those who use it for reading purposes only, all the available seating being filled. Reference Library. Though there is a falling off in other departments the reference library continues to increase in popularity and usefulness. It is most gratifying to report that these rooms are being so well used by students, residents and visitors to the city. The latter frequently pass congratulatory remarks on the works of reference contained in the collection and also on its being kept so well up to date. The seating capacity on many afternoons is entirely' occupied, and on occasions, when a special subject is under discussion at the schools, such as Anzac Day, the pupils flock to the Library to procure their necessary notes, the whole of the staff being kept busy searching for information on their behalf. There were 212 volumes added to the stock making a total of 7596. Of these additions 13 volumes were gifts. To the New Zealand collection were added 124 volumes, making a total stock of 3104. These books are very popular with both visitors and subscribers. The collection is becoming a very valuable one, judging by the prices being asked for early printed books on New Zealand. The reading room continues its popularity and usefulness with both residents and visitors. In spite of the extra seating provided last year, it is often noticed that quite a number are compelled to stand round the room reading either papers or periodicals from the tables. The attendance figures compiled from the monthly count, show a slight falling off on last year, but are well ahead of previous years. The total number of readers amounted to 231,040 compared with 239,704, a daily average of 640 compared with 664 last year. « The cataloguing of all books added during the year has been completed, and the work of bringing the subject index of the whole of the departments up to date is being proceeded with as expeditiously as possible. About 8000 cards have been’ added to the various catalogue drawers. In concluding his report the Librarian expresses thanks to the local newspapers for publishing items of Library news; the members of the Library Committee, and the members of the staff for the willing assistance they have given him'in the working of the Library.