Library trips lead to more children's interest

Ruapehu Bulletin, 26 March 1991, Page 7

Library trips lead to more children's interest

Regular trips to the Raetihi library for some Raetihi School classes have led to some changed usage patterns at the library. Two Raetihi Primary School teachers have been taking their classes to the Raetihi Public library every fortnight because the school library is being used for storage while the school's junior block is being remodeled. Every fortnight on a Tuesday Raetihi School teacher Colette Taylor takes her Form 2 class and Alison McGregor takes her Form 1 and 2 class every second Thursday. "The trips to the library are such a success that even when the remodeling is finished the visits will continue," said Mrs Taylor. "There

is a much greater selection of books available especially for boys who are interested in things like hunting and trucks". Since the visits began most of the class have joined the library and are also going in their own time. Librarian Margot Webb said there has been a lot of misunderstanding over library charges introduced by the Ruapehu District Council last year. There is no charge for children's books, non-fic-tion, national library books or large print books. Charges made are $1 for new fiction, 70c for older fiction and 50c for paperbacks. For people who read a lot there is a family card available for $40 a year. There are heavy fines for books returned late,

accounts for lost books are sent out - about $50 - usually the cost of replacing the book. Many more free books are taken out each week than books that have to be paid for, said Mrs Webb. "Young children and preschoolers are not coming to the library the way they used to before the charges were introduced," said Mrs Webb. "It would appear that many parents do not realise that there is no charge on children's books." There is also a jigsaw library available for preschoolers. This has a fee of $5 a year. If anyone would like a book or books that are not in the library they can be requested through the Ohakune and Taumarunui libraries, or the National Library in Palmerston North. A book usually takes 2-3 weeks to arrive. The person requesting the book has to pay the postage one way and the book is available for one month. Since the National Library van no longer visits Mrs Webb visits the library in Palmerston North about three times a year to exchange books. Usually about 150-200 books are changed each visit.