CAMP LIBRARIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20107, 29 November 1939, Page 3

CAMP LIBRARIES

APPEAL FOR BOOKS DEMAND FOR FICTION GENERAL LITERATURE (Special to (hi* Herald.) WELLINGTON, this day. "Although New Zealand is at war with Germany, so; far the majority of us are going about our usual work not greatly disturbed. But may I remind you that many thousands of our young men and women are already actively training as nurses, soldiers, sailors and airmen, and are now far away from their homes in camps. Others are on the high seas, in our cruisers and minc-sweo.pers. in l-oncly outposts in the Pacific, and at isolated defence posts in many parts of New Zealand. 1 would make an appeal to you for books and magazines for our men and women Who have enlisted.” stated the Hon. F. Waite, M.L.C., chairman of the library sub-committee of the National Patriotic Council, in an address given last evening. The Speaker gave an outline of the responsibilities which the National Patriotic Council had undertaken, and gave specific attention to the work of hi'S sub-committee, whicii had accepted the task of providing reading matter for the men and women in camps, aboard ships, and in the various locations in which national service was being performed in connection with the war. Hospital libraries whore soldiers had access to them also were 'wjjhin the sphere of the sub-committee. The Government has undertaken, on its part, to provide accommodation for the camp libraries where the number of men or women in training warrants that course, and the council sub-committee is also fortunate in having the co-operation of the country library service, which has a pool of literature and an expert organisation, both now at the service of the enlisted men. Organisation of Services The organisation of library services at Tren'tham was one c-f the early steps taken under the auspices of the sub-committee, a large number of book's from the country library service and the principal newspapers being made available, the latter through the good offices of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association. Similar provision is to ibe made at other camps in’ which large numbers of men are being trained.

"To keep the reading rooms well furnished with reading matter.” said Mr. Waite, "a continuing and fruitful flow of books, magazines and reviews is necessary. Obviously the principal demand will be for fiction, but as the volunteers represent fairly accurately a cross-section of the whole community, it is safe to assume, that any well-written book will be welcomed by a group of readers, so long as if is clean and in good order." ißooks and papers intended for camp libraries might be deposited with any ■public library for dispatch to headquarters. the speaker added. The sorting and selection would be carried out by the Country Library Service in Wellington, and the New Zealand Library Association had undertaken to give every assistance that might be required. Books should be parcelled up and addressed: "Library Service. Military Camps,’’ before being handed in at the public libraries.

According to instructions received by the librarian of the Turanganui Public Library. Miss B. S. Cox. books received on behalf of the National Patriotic Council’s sub-committee are to be held until further instructions are given for their disposal. In the meantime the books and periodicals are to be classified according to their contents and condition, and a return is to be made to the central authority. That authority will draw upon the available local stocks as requirements develop.