WHAT IS ASKED FOR AT THE PUBLIC LIBRARIES. [To THE
EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR,—The article on " Animals and the Limitations of Speeds " makes reference to the use of the public library, and ventures a sweeping assertion as regards the class of literature called for by the ordinary reader. The statement that " for sociology, technical works and poetry there has been no call at all " is quite at variance with the experience in the twenty-six libraries of the City of Manchester, as the daily records show. The pur- chases of such books each month by the committee, and the constant demand for the latest editions and most recent works in the classification mentioned, completely destroys the value of the statement made in the article. It is because I feel that the effect of such remarks may be injurious to this educational work that I beg the writer to correct the impression, based upon imperfect acquaintance with the public library systems of this country. Formerly it was the large percentage of fiction that provoked unwise comment, now an equally un- founded complaint is made. I have asked the librarians to forward some very interesting returns, which will, I hope, be useful to the writer of the article. With this expression of regret that it should be necessary.—I am, Sir, &c.,
T. C. Ansorr (Chairman of Committee, Manchester Libraries). Clarendon Club, Manchester.
Previous page
