FREE READING

Waihi Daily Telegraph, Volume XXXI, Issue 8837, 28 October 1942, Page 2

FREE READING

STATE LIBRARY SERVICE ADOPTION IN WAIHI COUNCIL TO CONSIDER MATTER Advocating the adoption of the Country Library Service in Waihi as a means not only of making a wider selection of matter available free to readers, and at a smaller cost to the ratepayer, a deputation consisting of Messrs Vryn Evans and H. lon waited on the Waihi Borough Council at its monthly meeting last Wednesday evening. System Outlined Mr Evans said that to encourage reading in rural districts the Government, some years ago, introduced a system of free libraries for boroughs with under 2000 of a» population and small country communities, and in 1940 the scheme was extended to include boroughs with populations of less than 10,000, said Mr Evans. The local authority was asked to administer the library, which was to be free to all ratepayers and occupiers. Mr Evans mentioned the case of Motueka, which, with fewer than 2000 people, had a subscribing library such as at Waihi. A meeting of citizens had persuaded the council to change to a free library, and 375 books, changed every four months, were added by the Country Library Service, and included volumes which could not be economically purchased by the council because of their limited appeal. At the time of the change-over there were 215 subscribers; but within six months there were 400 readers. As a -subscribing library, the ratepayers had to provide about 10s a reader—in Waihi he Onderstood it was nearer 15s—but when the new system was adopted the subsidy fell to 8s 3d a reader.

Some of the Advantages Other advantages were that readers could ask for any book they wished, and if it -were not on the shelves it could be procured from the service on loan, while there was also an “on request” service for technical books on any subject. If Waihi “went free,” a stock of 500 new books, 210 fiction and 290 non-fiction, "would be provided, and these "would be changed three times a year. Every adult would be entitled to take two books, one of fiction and one non-fiction. Popular light fiction such as westerns and detective stories was not supplied by the Country Library Service; these books were purchased by the library ail'd paid for by the system of threepence a book used by commercial libraries, while in some libraries the newest and most popular books cost sixpence an issue, and added considerably to the revenue of the institution. The library would be controlled by the Borough Council, and in most towns there was a Library Committee which included nominees of the council' and co-opt-ed members. There \<as no subscription except for Specially purchased “pay collection” volumes and for subscribers outside. the borough boundaries.

Investigation Asked For

“In conclusion, I can assure members of the council that I have no desire to rush them into a • scheme which might add to the financial difficulties of the borough,” said Mr Evans. “All I ask is that the Library Committee investigate the question of the Country Library Service independently to see if the great advantages of the service cannot be made available to the citizens of Waihi. Other progressive boroughs of the Thames Valley, including Thames, Paeroa, Te Aroha and Morrinsville, have all adopted this system, and from all accounts have been very pleased with the results. Modernising of premises would be needed, and I understand that the liaison lofficer of the Country Library Service has visited Waihi -and recommended extension of the premises of the library. This could be done by utilising the premises now occupied by an outside organisation. When you have heard Mr lon, I think you will be convinced that Jffiere is no need to fear the financial aspect as the existing rate, plus the revenue from the ‘pay collection,’ should provide ample funds for the administration of a free library. I may add that the High. School Committee has authorised me to introduce the Country Library Service into the High School so that the pupils will enjoy the advantages of this sys-’ tent.”

After the financial aspect had been outlined by Mr lon, the deputyMayor, Mr S. M. Hovel], congratulated the members of the deputation on the manner in which they had presented the case and moved that the Library Committee be asked to investigate and report on the subject to the next meeting.

“Question of Ways and Means” This was seconded by Cr. S. Bonnici. The Mayor, Mr W. M. Wallnutt, said a very strong case had been made out, but the first question for the council to consider was that of ways and means. The motion was carried.