GENERAL ASSEMBLY LIBRARY

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 62, 7 December 1918, Page 2

GENERAL ASSEMBLY LIBRARY

NEARING THE 100,000 MAHK. Some interesting facts with regard to the Genoral Assembly Library and its •usefulness to the public of 'Wellington are «et forth in the report' whioh the Chief Librarian (Mr. Clmrles Wilson) presented to the House of ( "Representatives ye?? terday. The extension'of'-recess privileges was so liberal durint? the nast yenr that 6*7 persons benefited and 11,659 volumes' were issued. Of all the books issued, not one-was lost, and at'the beginning of the session only, seven were not in the library.' They remained out on loan to Stato officials for reference purposes. Incidentally,. in speaking of the recess privileges to a' reporter yesterday. Mr. -Wilson- remarked- that no other Legislative Library iii the world permitted books- to be taken out. ■ . The number of volumes in the institution is rapidly approaching the 100,000 mark, the attainment of which, accordin? to a dictum nf the Hoti. Anmistine Birrall. places a library in line with the ereat, libraries of thn world* When the present Chief Librarian took chnrpra in 1!H)1 there wprp W.OOfl volumes. listed as against.the 9.1,000 now upon the shelves. •-While the annual vote for purchase of books and other publications • remains the same.- th<v/aver.agn annual acquisitions to the librnrv have increased since 1901 from 1500 to 8400; The library is being used hv every 'class of person, from the GovernorfTenernl end the- Chief Justice to a working blacksmith. " - :