Books—A member referred to the appropriation for Books which had been increased from $7,000 to $10,000. Of this sum it was noted that the Librarian proposed to earmark 10 per cent, for the purchase of Chinese books instead of 20 per cent. as before, in view of the small demand for Chinese books. The view was expressed in Committee that the old percentage allocation for Chinese books should be adhered to. It was recalled that an additional sum of $1,000 was provided in the Budget last year for the purchase of books suitable for Chinese readers, and it was felt that this should be continued.
Members were informed that the number of subscribers had increased, since he beginning of last year, from 714 to 865, of which 336 were Chinese and 829 foreigners. Very few of the Chinese subscribers took out Chinese books. The number of Chinese books issued last month was approximately 6 per cent. of the total number of books (12913) in circulation, A member stated that in view of the rapid increase of subscribers and the high cost of books he was of the opinion that the $10,000 appropriation for Books was very He felt that the provision for this item should be at least 50 per cent. of the total expenditure of the Library. It was pointed out that the Library could not buy many new books with $10,000, which was about $700 in U. S. currency. The Librarian stated that owing to the scarcity of new books as the result of the situation in Europe, $10,000 was sufficient to meet the monthly requirements. He suggested that any increased appropriation be spent on reference and standard works. If possible, he would like to have $60,000 for this purpose. The Chairman remarked that the manner of buying new books with the increased appropriation would be left to future arrangements. A member observed that, although Shanghai was reputed to be the sixth biggest city.|in the World, its Municipal Library was indeed one of the smallest. Members concurred in a suggestion that the appropriation for Books be in-cressed to $20,000.
The Assistant Treasurer reminded members that the rent of the prem-isos occupied by the Library was not included in the Library budget and at present this amounted to $9,600 per annum. The lease expired in May next and it was certain that a considerably increased rental would have to be paid thereafter. This might affect the possibility of an increase in the Sopropeiation 4 for books. the suggestion re-
Only Two Books per Person for a subscriber to take out at one The Librarian stated that under the Library's by-laws subscribers are permitted to take out four books and one magazine at one and the same time, and they are not allowed to lend to non-subscribers. It had come to his knowledge that this privilege was being abused. He felt that if they were limited to two books and one magazine, it was likely that the number of subscribers would increase, thus increasing the Library's income without the necessity of an increase in subscription fees. Members felt that two books and one magazine were quite sufficient and the same time, and accordingly adopted the Librarian's suggestion.
It was unanimously decided that, subject to any further necessary adjustments by the Treasurer in conjunction with the Librarian, the Annual Estimates for the Public Library for 1940 be approved for submission to the Finance Committee, and it was recommended:—(a) that the budget provision for new books be increased to $20,000 during 1940, and (b) that the number of books which a subscriber may have out of the Library at one and the same time be limited to two books and one magazine.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.