Public Library

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31113, 16 July 1966, Page 14

Public Library

Sir,—ln my high school and student days I much appreciated the service afforded by the reference section of the Canterbury Public Library. All sections of reference, including back numbers of newspapers, were then available until 9 p.m. on week days and for a large part of Saturday. Since the library building has been remodelled the reference section has been extended and it is now attractive and comfortable; but back numbers of newspapers are available only in the New Zealand section, which closes at 5.30 p.m. on week days and is not open at all on Saturdays because of shortage of staff. The most important part of a local reference library is the part which deals with local and national affairs and I urge that the New Zealand section be kept open in the evenings and for a part of Saturday when working folk could use it as freely as they wish.— Yours, etc., READER. July 13, 1966. [The acting City Librarian (Mr J E. D. Stringleman) replies: “For the last year the New Zealand room has been open until 9 p.m. daily, but because of limited staff, access after 5.30 p.m. is through the main reference room. From 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. on Saturdays the librarian on duty in the reference room obtains books or newspapers from the New Zealand room on request”]