LIBRARY SUBSIDY.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 2 April 1919, Page 3

LIBRARY SUBSIDY.

HOW SHALL IT BE EXPENDED?

At-ii meeting of the Otaid.Library Committee, held yesterday, an intimation was received from the Education Department to the effect that the sum of flu 11s Gd had been allocated to the library as subsidy for the year. Tbo conditions attached to the subsidy were that tlic whole of tho sum should be expended in the purchase of books, and also' that a due proportion of the books should bo works of more than passing interest.

Satisfaction was expressed at the receipt of the subsidy, the amount bcinrr the largest allotted to any country library. Last year no Government subsidy was received. Au interesting discussion ensued v.ith respect to the purchase of books uof more than passing interest.” The librarian remarked that the library subscribers wanted' novels, and nothing else. If they bought a lot of historical works or books of reference they would bo left on the shelves untouched.

The acting-chairman (Mr W. 11. Smith) said that there was a minute 0 n the library's books to the eilcctthat at least 20 per cent of all new books purchased should be other than novels. He contended that tho majority of the new books now available (novels) were mere trash, and thought that works such as Geott’s, Dickens’, etc., might well be classed as “books of more than passing interest.” Such books would bo of lasting value to tho library. Of course they had lo consult the wishes of subscribers, and tho great bulk of the new books were novels.

Xt was resolved to recommend the book selection sub-committee to purchase a thoroughly up-to-date dictionary, it being pointed out that the one in use at present was antiquated.

After some little discussion it was resolved to leave tho matter of the purchase of books to the sub-committee.

The chairman again pointed out that a suggestion book was furnished, and the sub-committee endeavoured to secure any books suggested by subscribers, within reason. Unfortunately, said Mr Smith, the suggestion book was very little used.