PUBLIC LIBRARY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 125, 30 May 1932, Page 8

PUBLIC LIBRARY

THE YEAR IN REVIEW CHIEF LIBRARIAN’S REPORT. Reporting on the activities of the Wanganui Public Library for the past year, Miss A. M. Beckett, Chief Libraria, says: —“The New Zealand Librariies’ Association appealed for books to assist tho libraries which had suffered in the Hawke’s Bay earthquake. The Library Committee authorised the sending of number of duplicate volumes from, tho shelves. These were sent during May aud were gratefully received.”

“At the annual stocktaking eighteen volumes of fiction were missing, as against ten for last year; also eight uon-fictiou works, the same number as last year. A number of these books always find their way back again. The staff has done all book repairs, 2877 volumes having received minor repairs, and 618 volumes have been rebacked. It will be seen that a larger number of books than usual has been withdrawn from circulation. Between four and five hundred of these were books which were obsolete and not worth replacing. Much needed shelf space was gained and the combing-out necessary before moving into the new Library has been started.

H Thi» number of books purchased shows a largo increase on the previous year. As mentioned in last year’s an nual report, the initial cosi of establishii!;, r the new room for young people had not been estimated, and in order to keep within the estimates, other items were robbed, mainly books. At the end of the year this was being felt, and in order to try to meet the demand, more books were purchased during tho last year. The supply has not by any means exceeded the demand. Although tho total number of adult subscribers shows a decrease, this is accounted for by the cancelling of forty-live defaulting members who took book* and we have been unable to trace them. This covers a period of several years previous to 1931, so that the actual number of active members is Only two less than last year. Alembers are making much more us of the Library as is shown by the number of books issued, books being changed more often. Referenco Department. “This department has grown in value during the past year, and 208 books have been placed Ou the shelves, 16 of which were presented and 71 being for the New Zealand collection. Many enquiries have been received, necessitating research. Tho books in this department are necessarily of a permanent nature and are more expensive. 1 regret to have to report that two volumes are missing. “The Scott’s Kitchen,” a book dealing with the history and methods of Scotch cooking, aud Pitman’s “Auditing for Australia and New Zealand.” Perhaps those who have borrowed them will be kind enough to return them and so consider others who rely on the privileges the Library offers.

“The Chamber of Commerce continues to supply the various periodicals which they receive. These are an asset to the department, greatly assisting the commercial section. Young People’s Library. “The members of this department love their room and spend many happy hours there. 7391 books were issued for home reading as against 6592 for tho last year. Volumes purchased: Fiction 283; non-fiction 24; total 307. 139 books were cancelled, being unlit for issue.

“At stocktaking two volumes were missing, the same number as for the previous year. The number of books repaired at tho department were 593, and 96 were taken to the main Library for rebacking. During the year 125 new member* were enrolled. 103 closed their subscriptions, and 12 defaulting members wore cancelled, giving a total of 253 active members, an increase of 10 on last year. As in the case of the Adult Library, the defaulting members covered a long period. Seven boys and girls have taken advantage of the new rule allowing their transference to the Adult Library at a concession for the first year.

“On November 6, 1931, Mr. Johannes AudcTsen gave an address to the members on “The Songs and Habits of New Zealand Birds.” always, Mr. Andersen’s visit was warmly appreciated. Although he leads an exceptionally busy life, Nir. Andersen is never too busy to talk to boys and girls, who are fortunate in having the opportunity of hearing him. Routine Work. “The increasing number of books issued has, of course, resulted in an increase of routine work, more books having to bo handled in and out, mended and shelved. The replacing of worn-out fiction in leather binding, which last for several years, haa eased the mending, a big problem in all lib-

raries. Although to the casual visitor to the Library the work seems to consist of taking in and handing out books, a largo amount of work is necessary to keep all records up to date. Each fictioi book requires three entries, sometimes four; other books require four entries, sometimes five or six. Consequently, when books are cancelled, all these entries must be cancelled. No library can be made to render good service without a good catalogue. As Carlyle said: *A collection of books without a good catalogue is a Polyphemus with no eye in his head.’ The duties are many and varied that go to make up the working day in a public library, and tho days that are busiest often leave less tangible evidence of the work done. “Our thanks are due to the Press, who aro always ready to assist bv pub hshing articles of interest; to the Chamber of Commerce for commercial periodicals; also to the Government Printer lor various publications roecived. Tn conclusion, T should like to thanks His Worship the Mayor, the councillors, and the members of the Library Committee for their courteous co-operation; also the members of the -JalT for loyn 1 service.’ ’