TIMARU PUBLIC LIBRARY

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22791, 15 January 1944, Page 4

TIMARU PUBLIC LIBRARY

Increase In Book Issue* A general increase in the book issues from the Timaru Public Library' for December in comparison with the same month in 1942 is shown in the figures supplied by the librarian (Miss A. K. Elliot) in her report to the Library Committee of the Timaru Borough Council. Figures are as follows (with thosefor December, 1942, in parentheses):— General works, mostly magazines. 2503 ’ 2042); philosophy and religion 152 (165); sociology 274 (343); natural science 54 (52); useful arts 229 <23Q>; fine arts 245 (292); literature 951 (992 ); history 715 (590); travel 994 (911); biography 1027 (964); fiction 13.261 (12.830). Juvenile issues:—Fiction 2912 (3044); class books 1225 (1182). Total issues 24,547 (23,637). New borrowers 77 ( 80); fines, sales and subscriptions £62 4/6 (£49/19/11). Question of Cleaning “For some time now the cleaning in the library has not been up to standard,” added Miss Elliot, “as the cut in the caretaker s time and the increased use of it next door has led to much work being neglected in the library, or left until time was available, a very rare happening. Lamp shades, shelving tops, repairing, lino, newspaper racks, glass cases, indoor windows, workroom fittings, all need more attention than they are getting now. "The basement, third floor, now houses some valuable books and is in need of constant attention. At present members of the staff have electroluxed as much as possible here. The staff have also been doing the electroluxing and dusting of all shelving, and also pf the counter. "The possibility of a full-time cleaner should be considered in the near future as, with an old building, it becomes increasingly difficult to maintain a standard of cleanliness so necessary in a library.”

The committee, after considering the report, instructed the Town Clerk (Mr E. A. S. Killick) and the librarian to report further on the matter of cleaning.