The Library.
At last evening’s meeting of the j Borough Council a deputation, introduced by Cr Moore, attended from the | boston Literary and Debating Society, 1 and ashed that in ordering new books ; for the library a gre iter variety should be aimed at. At present nine tenths of the volumes were fiction—standard works of English literature, science, and travel, etc., were remarkable for ( their absence. It was'necessary that the library should be brought more up-to-date, and books of more educational valued introduced. Mr W. S. Stewart, who acted as spokesman, said he was certain that with such an improved selection of books on the shelves a larger membership might be looked for. Rev. H, F. Wilson endorsed these remarks. He had looked through the volumes on the shelves, and tound about 1500 books, but the great majority was fiction. In the last lot \ bought only five out of 100 volumes ’ were not fiction ; the previous selection c mtained none that were not fiction. He hoped the council would endeavour to improve the library. Cr Baker supported these views. He I explained that the reason the selection 1 was so imperfect during the past two years was that the Library Committee had been hurried in their work. Cr Coley asked why, if the book- ( sellers had sent books not ordered, the | committee had accepted them. 1 Cr Stiles said that the reason was ! that books ordered were not in stock, , and in order to secure the Government 1 subsidy it was necessary to take what i could be got. In addition Cr Stiles ! said he thought the general desire was for fiction. j Cr Frankland thought the introcluc- | tion of 20 or 30 per cent ot more solid reading would not cause any diminution in the numbers of subscribers. 1 Cr Moore concurred in these views, and the Mayor also agreed that greater variety should obtain. The requirements of all classes of readers should be respected. The Library Committee will meet •n the 27th inst.
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Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3534, 13 June 1905, Page 2
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335The Library. Manawatu Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 3534, 13 June 1905, Page 2
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