THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3472, 28 April 1920, Page 4

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

‘The new Public Library Committee are not allowing the grass to grow under their feet. During the time it has been in existence it has converted a library'in name only into being one in fact. The growth of this valuable institution must «of necessity be slow as its sources of finance are not of a character to place it in the category of respectable libraries in‘ a comparatively short space of time. The deputation which waited on the Borough Council last Friday evening cannot complain at the success met With: they asked for £25 and were given all they asked for. The -public library is, however, an institution of which every townsman should be able to sh-o-w pride, and we have faith in the love of learning and literature in this district, to believe that ready assistance would come from ‘the general public if some popular means were taken to collect it The town really needs a good library; Taihape is lagging behind in this connection and it is not a condition that invokes pride. Most smaller towns have much superior libraries, libraries in fact, :not merely in name. The deputation‘ ,who waited on the Council -have capably. energetically and successfully put their hand to the library plough, and it is earnestly hoped they will push on until an institution is -built up commensurate with this great and growing district’s needs. It is as well to recognise that few public institutions in Taihape are as favourably situated as/they might and should «be, a--happening peculiar to most rapidly growing young towns The library is, however, one in which public interest could domuch to rescue it from lagging behind If nothing else, most ro:‘.idents could present a new book to the library, leaving the selection committee, duly appointed, to choose the book People of moderate means would no-t be unduly taxed in presenting a book costing only a few shillirfgs, while men’ of more ample means might present more costly works on scientific and other subjects. All would have the pleasure of knowing" the)’ had given something towards building up a library that a town of '.l‘aiha.pe’s size should not-‘be wi-blrout. It is a I'epl‘oaCh rthatniight with combined intere-st ‘be, soon-'l'-ernoved,. and it’ any resident will-; send their contribution to this ofiice we will gladly give acknowledgement through our news columns