TASTE IN READING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 97, 27 April 1939, Page 8

TASTE IN READING

THE WANGANUI PUBLIC LIBRARIAN’S OBSERVATIONS “During all my years of library work I have found that, year by year, some people will read nothing but books of fiction, while other readers of fiction take to reading travel books and others of a recreational nature, and find it hard to enjoy fiction again,” reported the city librarian. Miss A. M. Blackett, in her annual report. Should Public Libraries Be Free? “That the adult circulating department has even maintained its membership, in face of the opposition from commercial libraries, shows that consistent effort to meet the needs of the public has been successful. Other centres have found it impossible to withstand competition in spite of all effort. This matter has been discussed at meetings of the Library Association and members are agreed that the only solution is to give the Public Library its rightful place in the community by making it free. When this is done, purchase of books will not bo

influenced by subscription membership. “In making this statement I do not mean that most of the fiction should be cut out. I consider that the public are entitled to expect a supply of good fiction for recreational reading. It is difficult to keep up to the demand for travel books. “The number of books classified under literature increases year by year in the number issued. This is largely due to the drama section which receives special attention, as, with keen local interest in repertory and drama generally there is a demand for reading in this section. Drop in Demand for Religious Books. “There is a decided drop in number of religious books issued. This is no doubt due to a lack of books published recently which can be termed ‘popular,’ such as “For Sinners Only” and other titles by A. J. Russell, and “The Christ of Every Road" and others by E. S. Jones.”