THE LIBRARY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21362, 3 June 1939, Page 5

THE LIBRARY

Winter Stimulates Reading Keen Demand for Books With the advent of the long winter evenings the lure of a good book at the fireside becomes increasingly stronger, and reading receives a stimulus which is already reflected in the book issues from the Timaru Public Library. Hobby enthusiasts also seek the assistance of the library in borrowing books and magazines devoted to their particular handicraft, A reporter who made inquiries yesterday in regard to winter reading was informed by the librarian. Miss A. K. Elliot, that there was still a keen demand for works on international affairs both in regard to Europe and the Far East. “Disgrace Abounding,” by Douglas T. Reed, the author of “Insanity Fair,” had aroused as keen a demand among readers as the author’s first book. Works on and Japan were still keenly sought after, but since the victory of the Republican Forces in Spain the demand for books dealing with the Spanish war had fallen off to a certain extent. “Across the Frontiers” (Sir Philip Gibbs), “News of England” (Beverly Nicholls) were still very popular, and of the more recent books "Union Now” (Street) and “Fallen Bastions” (G. E. Gedye) were in frequent demand. “Union Now” was a sincere attempt to offer constructive criticism on the European situation, and “Fallen Bastions” reviewed the warring elements in Europe from the American point of view. Effect of Royal Visit There was a keen demand for anything dealing with China and Japan, “Red Star Over China,” and “One Hundred Million Customers” being in frequent request. Miss Elliot mentioned that the Royal visit to Canada and the United States had greatly stimulated interest in those countries. The

use of a poster depicting the route of the tour had no doubt proved effective, as a large number of books dealing with both countries, which had been displayed, had proved popular. "Anthony Adverse” had introduced the vogue of the big novels, and it was still sought after, remarked Miss Elliot when referring to fiction. Stories such as “Gone With the Wind” and others dealing with the American War of Independence were popular. The present demand for good biographers was surprising, but, unfortunately in recent months, there did not appear to be so many of such works published. Women readers were very keen on travel and good biography; in fact, they reserved as many books on these subjects as did the men.- “Perfume from Provence” and "Sunset House” by Lady Fortesque, were keenly sought after, and Nina Murdock’s and Richard Halliburton’s travel books were also very popular. Medical Novels Popular Among the novels Cecil Roberts's “They Wanted to Live” and Hugh Walpole’s “Cheerful Delaneys,” a story which really lived up to its title, were very popular, and Dr. cronin’s “The Citadel” was still widely read. “The Healing Knife” (Savi) was also in keen demand, and good biographies by doctors were very popular with women readers. E. M. Young, Brett Young and Cecil Young were popular authors and the Stilwell books were also favourites. Coming nearer home there was a constant demand for Miss Nelle Scanlon’s New Zealand novels, and G. B. Lancaster’s “Promenade” and “Pageant” and Robin Hyde’s books were also keenly sought after. “South Riding,” by Winifred Holtby, was still popular and her “Life and Letters,” which was delightfully written, was in frequent demand by the discerning reader. Vera Brittain’s “Testament of Youth” was also still widely read. Miss Elliot mentioned that with the advent of winter sports there was a constant demand for books dealing with Rugby football, basketball, hockey, table tennis and badminton and skating, and she had recently been asked if the library could produce a book on roller skating, but she had had to confess that on this occasion she could not comply with the request. Hobbies Stimulated Books and magazines dealing with hobbies and handicrafts came into their own during the winter months, when enthusiasts in such subjects as woodwork. model engineering, radio, needlework and knitting and woolcrafts sought the latest information in regard to their hobbies. Miss Elliot mentioned that the approach of winter stimulated the demand for plays, and there was a steady depletion of the library's large stock of volumes. Books dealing with tire theatre end the ballet were also keenly sought after, and works on debating also had their devotee., during the win - ter months. As might be expected at this time of the year, the gardening books reposed on the shelves, only to be sought with renewed enthusiasm in the spring.