THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3459, 13 April 1920, Page 4

THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE.

The Municipal Library Coniniittce came into existence a year ago as the result. of -a few book-lovers’ efforts. They were given ten pounds with which to start a library fund for the purchase of new books: Of course, !such a sum only ’p'e'rmitted a pastime improvement to be made, and that of :3. particularly limited character. The 'only source of income was the Counfcil’s £lO and £25 17/ collected from enthusiastic subscribers. During the year the"‘Committee spent £2B 3/4; on ‘books and magazines, £3 11/ on furnishing, £1 10/ on petty cash and bank charges, and they have a ‘balance to credit of £2 12/'B.‘ They have asgcts, including cash, valued at. £25 6/6, and their total liabilities-are £4 11./3. We are compelled to admit that the Library Committee has virtually reversed the old story about the mountain being in labour and bringing "forth a molehill, for it. seems that it is the molehill that has brought forth a. mountain, a comparatively small one, perhaps, but still a mountain. Now, the town has its young li"brary"mountain, what are the people and the Borough Council . going to do with it Are they going to allow it to perish in its infancy for want of that sustenance upon which libraries only can live Faced with preliminary expense of organisation, lfurnishing, and business equipment. I the Committee has been able to spend over £2B of its total income of £35 17/ on new books. It goes Without saying that all time and labour must. have been gratis. But should not such useful, admirable work be better oncouraged so that it might be largely extended. The duties of a librarian have not, been charged fo.r, but if the town desires to have a library where visitors may spend sonic of their time it is necessary that it should be kept ‘open many more hours per week than i it now is. The basis of library govern'ment is democratic. in essence, as the subscribers thereto elect their own committees, who have the appointment of their own oliicers. Next Friday the subscribers will hold their first annual meeting, and appoint. a. new coniinittee and oflicers for the ensuing year, and. it is earnestly hoped that before, or on 1 the meeting "day there will be a large influx of new members, representing a ] section of readers who are not satisfied 1 with that mental food t'urnished by: modern fiction. If the 111en1bersh?ip' can be extended to one hundred a. paid ! librarian will be engaged. enabling the library to be opened every evening if desi.i’-'e’c‘l, and, at least three i afternoons in each week. Country peoI ple should realise that they can secure !the best works of known authors,‘ 1 every evening and on -three afternoons in each week, keeping them ' in good‘ reading matter a whole year for thel insignificant amount charged for 'becoming a subscriber to the library. Another paltry fifty pounds would make the Taihape Public Library of incal-E culably greater_-benefit to the town and. district community. It will be seen that a much more diversified catalogue of books could he‘ submitted if‘ people would only become members.

The Borough Council will probably realise that the librarx must not be allowed to die for want oi sumcient sustenance to make its new life safe from starvation; and as the‘ library is already patronised by as many residents in the country as in the town, the Rangitikei County Council might be disposed to extend the librar-y’s usefulness in its jurisdiction by a small donation to rescue it from its infantile troubles and put it on the road to a healthy manhood. All have duties to their less fortunate neighbours, and we sincerely hope for the good name of the town, men who would not miss five pounds, will see to it that the community does not remain. under the reproach of being virtually libraryless.