THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Evening Star, Issue 22452, 24 September 1936, Page 15

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—l do nob altogether agree with all of “ A INI ere Borrower’s ” criticism of the now lending scheme at the Public Library, as I think any attempt to install comparatively new books in place of the dreadful out-of-date rubbish the borrower has had to contend with in the past has something to recommend it. My chief complaint lies in the fact that the borrower receives no kind of receipt on the return of books. This is obviously a very unsatisfactory state of affairs, as any book mysteriously “ going missing,” which must happen fairly often in any public library of importance, will, of course, be accredited to the last borrower who signed for it.—l am, etc.. Mere Borrower Ko. 2. September 23. [When the matter was referred to the librarian, lie said it was not worth while planning complicated routine to cope with an occasional error. The matter could always be straightened out hv explaining the' position afc the issue desk.—Ed. E.S.]

4 To TUE EDITOR. .Sir,-- 111 reply to “ Merc Borrower’s ’ letter, ,1 agree with everything he says 1 have tried every day. from Monday to .Friday, to get a book,

but have got so disgusted that I have burned my ticket, and I am only one of hundreds who feel the same. The new system is a complete failure. We used to be able to get a good novel by such authors as Annie Swan, Hocking, Savi,” Maud Divers, etc., but now you can only get some dry -works, which very few women want. Let us get back to the old system. It is the ratepayers who have to foot the bill, so have they not the right to demand satisfaction? And we are not satisfied with this new system, and it must cost a great deal more in wages. Trusting something will be done to alter the existing conditions. —I am, etc., Another Borrower. September 24.