LIBRARY AFFAIRS

Waipa Post, Volume 45, Issue 3251, 5 November 1932, Page 5

LIBRARY AFFAIRS

ANNUAL MEETING OF SUBSCRIBERS. ELECTION OP EXECUTIVE. The annual meeting of subscribers to the Te Awamutu public library and the general public was held in the Town Hall on Thursday evening, the Library Committee chairman, Mr L. G. Armstrong, presiding. The attendance was well below expectations, there being only 17 present. The chairman apologised for the absence of the Mayor, and Mr W. H. Davis, a committeeman. Mr Armstrong gave some particulars of the interest displayed in the library, mentioning that new subscribers totalled 71. The library had been begun about four years ago with 3000 volumes, and 450 new books had been purchased, which with 425 last year the total was nearer 4000, but many old books had been withdrawn from circulation. In the year just closed a total of 15,000 books had been issued, as compared with 12,000 for the previous year, and 4000 in 1930. The expense of conducting the library had been covered by revenue. r In reviewing the balance sheet the chairman showed that subscriptions totalled £144 17s this year as compared with £lsl 13s 9d for the previous year. Other comparisons were: Rent £25 and £32 10s, interest earned £1 4s 6d and £2 6s 4d, new books £llo 19s 6d and £99 14s 2d, lighting and heating £3 4s lOd and £1 10s, insurance £2 0s lOd and £2 Is, advertising £1 10s and £1 7s, stationery £1 10s 9d and 10s 6d, cash on hand £3? 2s 4d and -S- £3B 6s 9d. ~, . . Mr Armstrong said the library had functioned throughout the year, and thus kept faith with the public. Reserve funds had not been drawn upon. He had not heard of any complaint* about the conduct of the library, and he had pleasure in complimenting the ladies who had acted as honorary librarians upon their conscientious, work. The great increase in the number of books issued was an indication of the public interest and the growth of the service provided. Continuing, the chairman referred to the question of the site for the new ' library and reading room. He said it had been desired that the new building should be erected on the triangle, but strong opposition had been presented. As an alternative, a site had been acquired adjoining the triangle, and he believed that under the existing circumstances it was the best available site. It really meant that a choice had to be made between section 100 and the triangle. He was convinced there was .no probability of getting the latter, so a compromise resulted, and a purchase of the adjoining property was decided upon. He asked the subscribers to remember that as the triangle site was strongly opposed in the Borough Council, which controlled the money side of the endeavour, another choice had to be made. Maybe the site purchased was not the ideal one, but it had many advantages, and he believed that when the library is functioning in its new home it would continue to do good work and extend its sphere of usefulness. He, for one, would willingly carry on and do his level best to make the library the success it deserved to be. To a question, Mr Armstrong said the .number of subscribers declined from 185 to 154, and he understood this falling dff was very largely due to the economic conditions. At this stage a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the hon. auditor, Mr D. G. McCallum, for his valued assistance. Mention was made of a complaint that new books added to the library were rarely available to ordinary subscribers for many weeks, while committee members all read them first. This brought the reply that the complaint could not be substantiated. Several subscribers stated that their experience was distinctly satisfying. The j books have to be read by at least one member of the committee before being put on the shelves. Quite a number of books submitted were read and rejected as unsuitable. Mr Shepherd, referring to the new site, advised subscribers and those interested to accept Paddy's advice: " If you can't get what you like,' like what you've got." He added that even though the new property was not the ideal of all, all should make the best of it and work unitedly to make the library the success it deserved to be.

The election of a new committee was then proceeded with and resulted: Mesdames W. H. Davis, W. Jeffery, R. Dawson, S. J. Nobes, A. J. McGovern, W. D. R. McCurdie, Miss J. Davis, Messrs L. 6. Armstrong, R. Dawson, S. J. Nobes, W. H. Davis, W. D. R. McCurdie and J. Walker, with two Borough Councillors to be appointed. A suggestion was made that the new executive consider the advisability of establishing a children's section of the library. It was explained that with the curtailment of subsidies and grants from the Government and education authorities, the library at the local school is not prospering. To Mr Shepherd, the chairman said the Borough Council would decide as to the ground rent received from Mr Barchell. It may be that the Council would, in its wisdom, conserve that money for expenditure at a later date on a new building, or on additions and alterations to the premises recently acquired. Mr Shepherd said the rent paid in the would doubtless be available for -payment of a librarian. The chairman said a policy would have to be evolved. It should be realised that with a reading room the ex"perise of upkeep would be greater than formerly. He was assured that £SO 'at least annually would be needed for -the provision of newspapers, periodicals and magazines. To further questions, the chairman explained the advice given to the Borough Council by its solicitor as to the power of the Council regarding the disposal of rents. Mr Walker referred to the ungrudging work so capably done by members of the committee in the past four years, and advocated consideration by the committee of the appointment of a paid librarian or caretaker. It was

unfair to ask the ladies to continue their onerous work, though he knew they were willing to carry on the work for some time ahead. The chairman said the suggestions would be considered by the committee. A conference with the Borough Council would be advisable, for there was a number of matters to be decided about. It was decided to recommend the new committee to take steps to arrange a conference with the Borough Council. The outgoing committee was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for invaluable work throughout the year. At a subsequent meeting of the committee Mr Armstrong was appointed chairman, Mrs Dawson treasurer, and Mr McCurdie secretary.