Library 1930s
Reports from the School Magazines
1935
Since the last issue of the Magazine new shelves have been fixed in the Library, which can now be said to be completed, apart of course, from the continual purchasing of new books. There are only two forms which really borrow week after week - namely 3a and 3b, and I should like to see members of other forms using the Library a good deal more than they do at present. Two thousand five hundred books were loaned out this year - an average of roughly eighty two per week. This is not high enough. Incidentally, there are still some pupils who seem to have no idea of how to treat a book, and many return one with torn or turned down pages. B. Mulheir and Firman have been of great assistance this year, in their positions as assistants, and the Library owed a lot to their efforts.
1936
The number of books borrowed this term has maintained its fairly high level, and, on the whole, the books have been carefully handled. Some of the fiction books have now come to the end of their usefulness, for they have had very hard usage for fourteen years, so it has been decided to 'scrap' them. This means a somewhat depleted Library for next year, unless some fairy godmother or godfather comes along with a substantial donation towards new books. On the other hand, there are, I expect, many present pupils who would like to show their appreciation of what the Library has meant to them. If there are, now is their opportunity. A book, or books, or the money to buy the same, will be appreciated by all book-lovers in the School, and these donations can be given at any time during the year.
The following are books which have to be purchased. Perhaps the list will help would-be donors to decide. I can let them have the titles of other books if they want them.
L.C.
|
Title |
Author
|
Price
|
|
Omnibus
|
H.G. Wells
|
7s - 6d.
|
|
Wind in the Willows
|
Kenneth Graeme
|
2s - 6d |
|
The House of the Arrow
|
A.E.W. Mason
|
2s - 0d.
|
|
White Fang
|
Jack London
|
2s - 0d.
|
|
The Scarlet Pimpernel
|
Orozy
|
2s - 0d.
|
|
Three Men in a Boat
|
J.K. Jerome
|
2s - 0d.
|
|
Sir John Dering
|
Jeffery Farnol
|
2s - 0d.
|
1937
This year the School Library seems to have slightly increased in popularity, but even now it is not being as much used by members of the Upper School as it ought to be. Although there are over four hundred pupils in the School, only about one hundred and forty books are taken out each week, and since many people take out two books weekly, there must be a large number, particularly in the Upper Forms, who never take out a book.
The complaint has been raised that the School Library has not enough choice of books. This is a fault which is partly imaginary and partly true, but it lies within the power of the School to correct it. Last term an appeal was issued for more books, and although some Forms responded nobly and generously to this appeal, others merely ignored it, and there are still some empty shelves in the Fiction Section. Surely many members of the School have several quite good books at home, which they have read and no longer want. These are what the School Library needs and all gifts will be most gratefully received by the Librarian.
Then to turn to another side of the Library's activities,there are Reference Books in a variety of subjects. These books may be borrowed by members of the Fifth and Sixth Forms, subject to two conditions, - the first of these being that if they are taken out at 4 p.m. on one day they must be returned by 9 a.m. on the next; the second that they must be signed for in the book which hangs on the Library Notice-Board for that purpose. Many of these books are of great value to those taking the School and Higher School Certificates, and they are not being used by those concerned as much as they ought to be.
Then I would like to say something about the Library Rules. These are necessary, and it is essential to the smooth running and efficiency of the Library that they are properly carried out. The chief rule is the rule of ' 'Silence', and this is the one which is most often and most flagrantly broken. It is an essential rule because if this rule is not enfoced the Librarian and his assistants cannot carry out their work properly and efficiently. Next there is the rule which states that no one but a Library Assistant shall take books from the shelves. This is essential too because, as some members of the School know, the books are arranged in alphabetical order of authors, and if everyone had the right to take books from the shelves, or to return them thereto as they pleased, this arrangement could never be kept. So you can see that rules are essential, therefore please do your utmost to obey them.
Finally, to everyone concerned, I would say, utilise the Library to its fullest extent, observe its rules, help to provide fresh material for your own and other's enjoyment, and you will begin to realise the true value of a fine Library.
"Miffy' - A helper, Price.
1938
This year has seen a very large increase in the number of books borrowed, and the new system of 'cards' has worked very well indeed. More volumes have been added to the Fiction section than is usual in one year, but even now there seems to be a definite shortage of such material. There has been a great 'run' on works by Sabatini and Heyer. The Librarian is always pleased to see any gifts of books, and hopes that those who are leaving with pleasant memories of hours made happy with books, will show their appreciation in a practical manner. It is pleasant to see how the Assistant Librarians have taken such keen interest in their work, and thanks are due to them for their labours.
Books borrowed:
Autumn Term 1505
Spring Term 1430