LIBRARY AFFAIRS.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20230, 25 June 1937, Page 8

LIBRARY AFFAIRS.

COMPETITION DIBCUBBED. COVERING OF BOOKS. As a result of a discussion at the annual meeting of the Hamilton Public Library Committee last evening, on the increased competition of privatelyowned lending libraries in the town, it was decided, on the motion of the chairman, Mr H. D. Caro, that it should be a recommendation to the incoming committee that books issued by the library should be wrapped in attractive dust-covers. Initiating the discussion. Mr H. M. Baker referred to the recent increased activity of private circulating libraries in the town and said that he felt that such competition should be met by the Public Library. Mr G. K. Sinclair was of the opinion that the Public Library was still a much better proposition than any private one. and seemed likely to continue to be so. An excellently balanced selection of reading matter was available to subscribers. both in the circulating and the reference departments. The opinion was also expressed that competition should not be made too much of. It was good for the library and kept the service efficient. Non-fiction Reading. Figures indicative of the rapid growth in popularity of general nonfiction works over the last few years were given by Mr Sinclair, who said that in 193 4 the number of* non-fiction works Issued was 6865. The figure had risen to 9581 by 1935, in 1936 there had been an even greater rise, to 14,363. and the figure for the year just ended was 16.417. These figures were proof of the service that the library was giving to the reading public. Election of Officers. The retiring subscribers’ representatives on tiie committee were re-elected unopposed, so that the personnel of the committee for the ensuing year will be: Messrs 11. D. Garo (chairman), G. I\. Sinclair, S. B. Sims. B. C. Lowry, representing the Hamilton Borough Council, and Messrs K. A. Butt. H. M. Baker and 11. Mercer, representing tiie subscribers. Tiie annual report and accounts were taken ns read. Tiio meeting was concluded with votes of thanks to the library staff, t,O tiie chair anil to the press.