THE LIBRARY

Southland Times, Issue 25309, 12 June 1935, Page 8

THE LIBRARY

ANNUAL REPORT.

LIBRARIAN’S REVIEW.

The annual report of the librarian (Mr H. B. Farnall) of the Invercargill Public Library presented to last nights meeting of the City Council contained (inter alia) the following interesting extracts: — , . , The exchange rate and increased primage duty increased costs by 28 per cent, thus materially affecting the quantity of books and periodicals purchased. „ ~T J In May last, Messrs Munn (United States) and Barr (Auckland) visited the library on their tour of inspection of N.Z. libraries under the auspices of the Carnegie Corporation of New York. After spending some time in examining the books, they very favourably commented on the splendid selection contained in the various departments. ■The total stock of books has been increased by the addition of 1867 volumes, making a total of 34,784, of which 11,739 are contained in the Reference and N.Z. collections, and 23,045 in the lending and juvenile departments. Donations to the library amounted to 69 volumes, of which 18 were received from the New Zealand Government. There were 581 volumes rebound, 353 lending department, 161 juvenile and 67 reference; 737 volumes were withdrawn for various reasons. The Savings Bank purchased 8 volumes at a total cost of £9 0/9. To the lending department were added 1211 volumes, making a total of 19,561; withdrawals totalled 465 of which 31 were found missing, eight lost and paid for by subscribers, and 426 withdrawn either worn out or having outlived their usefulness; most of the latter have been given away to various local institutions. Magazine Library.—This roll shows a total of 152, being 17 less than last year; the issues amounted to 10,056, a decline of 829. The supply has been kept well up to date by monthly additions, 570 of which were bound in stiff covers in order to strengthen them for the use of subscribers. Juvenile Library.—lt is to be regretted that here again there is a falling off of 53 subscribers. The present total is 360 compared with 413, with a corresponding decline in the issues, 24,370 against 26,517, a decrease of 2147; as in the lending department this decline is mostly in -the issue of fiction and periodicals, while the class subjects, useful arts and fine arts, show an increase. There were 165 volumes added, making a total of 3484; 223 were withdrawn being in a very bad state through popular use (juveniles are very hard on books); 161 volumes were rebound. In May last this library was transferred from premises in Dee street to a vacant office in the main building, with an entrance from Esk street; though the room is rather small there is a distinct advantage in having all the departments under one roof. Messrs Munn and Barr, during their visit, examined this department very thoroughly, and strongly advocated that it should be a free institution for the use of our juvenile population. They also made complimentary remarks on the excellent selection of books it contained.

Reading Room.—This room maintains its popularity with residents and visitors, though last year shows a slight decrease as compared with previous years, due no doubt, to the fine weather conditions prevailing throughout the summer. The number of visitors, compiled from a series of monthly checks, shows that 233,640 adults used the room, averaging 649 daily, as compared with 254,440, a daily average of 679 the previous year. The supply of papers and periodicals has been kept well up-to-date, and they are all filed for the use of readers immediately on their arrival.

Reference Library.—This department continues to increase in popularity and usefulness year by year, as it becomes better known to residents. Quite a number of new readers have been noticed using the books, and have stated that they wished they had known before that such an institution existed in the city. Owing to the expenditure having to be curtailed only 162 volumes were added during the year, making a total stock of 8325. Of these additions, 26 were donated, including 8 purchased from the Savings Bank Fund, 48 were annuals and volumes of current periodicals, so that only 88 volumes were purchased. As in previous years the number of inquiries for information on a diversity of subjects has been very noticeable. In most cases full information has been readily supplied, but occasionally the questions asked have necessitated the procuring of the required answers from outside sources. Numerous inquiries were also received by telephone. Messrs Munn and Bart were very much impressed with the contents of this room, and spoke accordingly. New Zealand Collection.—To this section were added 99 volumes, making a total of 3414; of these additions, 40 were donations* (including 18 New Zealand Government publications) and 16 were yearbooks, periodicals and bound magazines. Books from this collection are frequently borrowed by subscribers to the lending department and as a

whole it is being constantly used by visitors and residents. Estimates.—lt is to be regretted that the estimates, which were cut as fine as possible when being compiled, have been exceeded by over £3OO. This was caused by the following unforeseen circumstances: Loss of tenants and the transfer of the payment of rates to the library account; extra expense in the carrying out of repairs and alterations to the Colonial Chambers; and to the increase in our advertising, legal and inspection of endowments charge®. ,