LIBRARY LOSSES.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20539, 14 February 1935, Page 14

LIBRARY LOSSES.

Need for Action Against Erring Subscribers. The need for registration of the rules to permit of legal action against defaulters was urged by speakers at the annual meeting of subscribers of the Addington Public Library last night. It was stated that the library lost many books, stolen or unlawfully retained, and could not at present take any action. Air W. W. Flintoff said he regretted to have to say that some subscribers had stolen books. The committee had taken legal advice, but it was found that no action could be taken until the rules were registered. Mr P. Gordon said that for about ten years the library had been losing hundreds of books. People would not treat the trades people that way. “For the sake of £2 2s why should we not go ahead and protect ourselves?” added Mr Gordon. “If we make an example of one defaulter others will bring the books back.” Mr Gordon also suggested a defaulters’ list for the benefit of all Christchurch suburban libraries. Mr G. A. Gyde said that he did not think the books were stolen in most cases. People shifted from the district and forgot to return their books before leaving. Fie himself knew of people who had had books out for so long that they were ashamed to return them. “It is no use making excuses,” declared the newly-elected president, Mr IT. Glubb. "The books are stolen and they even take the magazines from the reading room. We need to go on with this.” The rules were read and endorsed in readiness for registration if that course should be decided upon by the incomine committee. R jpresentatives of other suburban libraries spoke in approval of the proposal to register the rules and also commented favourably on the suggestion to establish a defaulters’ list.