OTAHUHU’S LIBRARY

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 750, 24 August 1929, Page 8

OTAHUHU’S LIBRARY

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES 4/- TO BUY NEW BOOKS The difficulties under which the Otaliuhu Library Committee is working were disclosed at Thursday’s meeting of the Otahuhu Borough Council, when a deputation representing the committee waited on the council and asked that the council provide accommodation for the library. Mr. Smith said that the position was intolerable, and the committee decided to interview the council. Since the public hall had changed hands the new owners asked £1 a week, which, after a conference was lowered to 10s, on the understanding that when the library’s financial position improved the committee would pay more. They were willing to dispense with the services of the librarian, and supervise tho work themselves, but this would be to the detriment of the books. After all expenses had been met the surplus for the purchase of new books would be 4s. Unless the rent is guaranteed or accommodation found, the library will have to be handed over to the council. In answer to Mr. Pearce the spokesman said that the membership was at present 65. Mr. Pearce said that out of a population of approximately 6,000 residents if there were only <35 members the library was of very little use to the public. It it were closed it would not be missed. After further discussion the question was referred to the Finance Committee to report to the council.