Our Library and Reading Room.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1310, 17 April 1883, Page 2

Our Library and Reading Room.

In another column will be seen a letter from a correspondent making some sensible suggestions about the Library and Reading Rooms. There can be no doubt that one of the greatest wants of the Library at the present time is an energetic and persevering Secretary, one who would canvass diligently for subscribes, catalogue and repair the books, etc. There should also be occasional readings, addresses, and discussions, etc., given of an evening. The proposition of the President, Mr C. A. DeLatour, to hold a meeting shortly at which some attractions in the shape of music, singing, and addresses, will be given, is a step in the right direction, and we likewise hope the Committee will see the propriety of opening the Reading Room every evening. Up to the present time this institution has been conducted in a very loose and careless manner. Scarcely any effort has been made to make the thing popular. The books and papers have been destroyed, and stolen, and lost. We hear that the Secretary complains that his services arc out of all proportion when compared to the remuneration, but we feel assured that if the affair was more successful—and a great deal depends upon his individual efforts—the Committee would be most liberal in this respect. Smaller places than Gisborne support their institutions of this description in a most flourishing condition. We trust shortly to see this standing reproach removed, and that Gisborne will be able ere long to boast that her Library is not one of the most insignificant of her puolic institutions.