BOOKS FOR BACKBLOCK HOMES

Wairarapa Age, 9 March 1927, Page 5

BOOKS FOR BACKBLOCK HOMES

V WOMEN’S DIVISION SCHEME. A GOOD BEGINNING. One of a number of schemes inaugurated by the Women’s Divi- • sion of the Farmers’ Union in its practical efforts to brighten the lot of the wives of fanners, particularly th<>se who live in outlying localities, is the formation of a Book Club. The object of this organisation is to maintain a supply of books on circulating library lines, but in such a way as to meet the requirements of dwellers in the backblocks.

Though the scheme has not been long in operation, it is already proving a success. Letters of thanks have been received from recipients of books in backblock districts, and the writers speak most appreciatively of what the Division is doing to bring pleasure into their lives. The scheme was launched in the first instance with the donation of books by supporters in Wellington and the Waikato. The stock of books is being added to, and the whole Dominion will in time be brought under the scheme, but at present books are being circulated only in those districts in which branches of the Division are actively functioning. Already the operations of the Book Club are well spread over the North Island, and a beginning has been made in one district in the South * Island.

The various districts are divided into groups, and a responsible officer in each group is appointed to the position of “Big Sister.” Her work is thbt of librarian. She is custodian of all books provided for her group, and is responsible for their circulation to all homes in the group area. The method at present adopted is to dispatch the books to the homestead furthest away from the circulating centre so that all books in circulation from the time of reaching their first destination, are gradually working back to the charge of the “Big Sister.” Each home is allowed to keep the books for one week. No charge is made for the use of the books, but inside the cover of each is a slip informing the recipient of the work of the Division in inaugurating the Book dub, and inviting them to become members of the Division at an annual subscription of 2s. 6d. With the books already donated, the scheme has been got fairly under way, and is making rapid progress. The Division intends to appeal shortly for more books, and as the scheme develops, and funds permit, a consignment of new books will be purchased. Mrs. C. C. Jackson, Dominion Treasurer of the Women’s Division, is in charge of the operations in the Wairarapa and is being assisted in the work by Mrs. T. R. Barrcr, of the Masterton Women’s Division.