BANNOCKBURN LIBRARY.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 212, 2 December 1873, Page 6

BANNOCKBURN LIBRARY.

To the Editor of the Cromwell Argus, Sir, -In the last two issues of the Argus, letters have appeared from correspondents on the subject of tho removal of the Piannockburn Public Library. I am glad to see that some interest is being taken in the institution, as lately, from tho apathy that has been displayed by the reading public of this district, the library has had very little chance of progressing. Some time ago, I received a copy of minutes passed at a public meeting, affirming the advisability of removing the library to a more central place, and suggesting the Schoolroom as suitable. I at once called a meeting of subscribers (by advertisement). There were four besides myself I who attended ; of these, only ouc had been pre-

sent at the public meeting. Of course the meeting was adjourned. As it seems to be the wish that the library should be now centrally situated, I think that some of the subscribers who had attended the public meeting should have shown sufficient interest in tho matter to have been present, and stated their opinions on the question. " Nemo," in his letter, very rightly says that it is desirable that the accounts, &c, should be published. I quite agree with him, and will willingly do so on instructions from the Committee, but I can inform " Nemo" that I believe this has been worked cheaper than any other library in the Province ; for with the exception of the rather handsome sum of one pound per annum to Mrs Stuart for acting as librarian, not a single shilling has been spent in working expenses during the five years of its existence,-—stationery, postage, &c, having been found by myself. 1 trust, now the subject has arisen, it will not be allowed to die out, as the thing sadly wants some vitality putting into it. It is most surprising that, with the large population we have here, the average number of subscribers has never been beyond thirty. Whether the Schoolroom would be a suitable place, I think is open to question, as book-cases would have to be provided, and newspapers, periodicals, &c., would have to be locked up, or would be likely to be got hold of by the children ; -while a very little extra cost would build a small room,—say adjoining the School, or the new residence about to be built for the master. Surely with a little effort among our present population, sufficient funds could be raised for this purpose. In any case I hope this ventilation of the matter will do some good in causing an addition to the number of our subscribers and, if desirable, in getting a suitable place for the library.—l am, &c, Jas. Marshall,, Hon. Sec. Bannockburn Library. Bannockburn, Nov. 22, 1873.