THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 20 November 1917, Page 3

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

APPEAL FOR FINANCIAL ASSIST. ANCE. The Borough Librarian, Mr Garden, er, reminded the Borough, Council at last night's meeting of his report to last meeting on the public library. The Mayor said the figures showed the library was a steadily increasing liability on the rates and! more borrowers were making use of the institution. If they wanted to maintain its efficiency and public service they must get more money somewhere. It wae hardly fair tliia|s the ratepayers should have to pay more and the Mayor thought some scheme should be evolved whereby the money would be made available for the purchase of a steady supply of new books. Iti was a free library under the terms of the Carnegie grant. The Horowhenua County Council paidl £25 a. year and he did not know if that grani oould be increased. He hardly thought money could be raised by entertainments as these were all devoted to other and perhaps worthier ends, but he did think the public should take (the matter in hand.

Or MoKenzie said the position had been discussed by the library committee, but nothing could be added to what the Mayor had said. The publie seemed to think it was ncC incumbent upon them to keep the library going. 'If the Council could disabuse their minds of that idea they might come forward and subscribe towards the improvement of the institution. Or. Matheson: Why not cut down the number of boo'ks each person is entitled to. Give two free books and make a charge for all over that, number. The Mayor: The public will hiave to realise the position and thajfc would bring it homo to them. Or. Parker considered the ratepayers? shouldl not have to bear all the iburden. Cr. Aitken expressed the opinion that the publicity given in (tihe pness would have a goodi effect and the* Council should give the public a chance to make good. He believed they would look upon it in the right- light. Failing that, the Council would have to go into the matter and devise some other method of putting the finances of the library on a better footing. The Mayor suggested that the reports be followed up with a circular to boolk borrowers pointing out': the posit, ion. They should not let the library run down until it was absolutely -valueless. Or McKenzie considered) the fact should be made clear that if additional funds were not availablei it would he necessary to cut down the privilege** of the library. The Town Clerk, Mr Gardener, said the publicity given to the matter sn

the "Chronicle" and the appeal card put up in the library bad already had an effect as last week he had received 253 or 30s in donations. Since 1914 the number of borrowers hadl doubled. [The matter of making a small maintenance charge had been brought before Mr Carnegie some years ago, but he stipulated! that these libraries must be absolutely free. Hesuggcsted watiing to see the effect of the publicity given to 'iho matter before taking further steps. Cr. Aitken considered the Council should not harass the public unduly by threatening them what would be done if the money was not forthcoming. Tho Mayor said there was no threat, simply a sjmtement of fact that unless mciro funds were available the Council would be unable to maintain the supply of new books. It was decided, on the Mayor's motion seconded by Cr. [Lancaster, to dlraft a circular to the boot borrowers representing the position to them.