Carnegie's Library,

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 January 1913, Page 2

Carnegie's Library,

NEEDS VOLUNTARY SUPPORT

Levin Borough Council dfeeussed last night tho affairs of the local Carnegie- Public Library. Tho question of how best to secure contributions from tho many non-resi-dents of Levin who uso the library was spoken to, and some wero of opinion that the Horowhenua County Council should ho asked to pay a subsidy for its "Wirokino Ward ratepayers, hut no resolution was proposed. It was also said that provided a systematic appeal was mado (for voluntary contributions) to the non-borough residents who iischl tho library there would he no need for a formal levy hy the County Council. The discussion arose out of an j official report made by tho librarian to tho library committee. Tt road as follows:—"I may say that during tho year ended 31st December tho reading room has been made good use of and the rules fairly well kept. Trouble for a while was experienced with persons talking, and throwing fruit and refuse about, but such behaviour now is a thing of the past. Another had practice is persons cutting pieces out of papers and scri'bh-

ling on niaga/.inos. T ;mi fony to say I have not hoon a hie to trace the offenders in either inst:nict>. A had defect in the library arrangements is the sloj>o of the paper stands; the slope is insufficient, and at night readers stand in their own light.

'Pile lending department works through unfairly under the present system. Ratepayers not only have to font the hill for the library's upkeep, hut many of them are asked In make themselves liahlo for nonratepayers and outsiders. With o.'o or two exceptions it is the business people that are. called upon to pav; they do not like it, but <lo not wish to offend customers and probable customers. 80 far T have not had to call upon anyone to make good; ! have either called on the dilatory or if beyond calling distance written io them. Quite a. number of birds of passage havo made great use of Ihe lending department without contributing a (single penny; this also applies to non-ratepayers and people outside the borough.— Jam, etc., E. Palmer."