Library Review

MACLEOD, R.D.

1945 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/eb012072

WE deeply regret to record the passing of Mr. L. Stanley Jast, which occurred on Christmas Day at his home in Twickenham Park, Middlesex. Mr. Jast had been living in retirement since demitting office as Chief Librarian of the Manchester Public Libraries in 1931. He had resigned his post in Manchester while he yet had time to go. He retired gracefully and in good health which continued with him for some years, but latterly he suffered the ailments of old age.

GREEN, EDWARD

1945 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/eb012073

The introduction of the new Education Act and other agencies for continuing education, including the Service of Youth movement, is an appropriate time for considering an extended use of books and libraries. In this connexion it is most gratifying to note that since the war started and the blackout and other restrictions have been in vogue there has been a great increase in reading, as measured by the circulation of books from public and other libraries. So great has been the demand that, with paper and other shortages, it has been difficult to replace wornout stock and acquire sufficient new volumes. Perhaps, though, this scarcity has turned readers to some of the older and neglected books and revealed sources of interest hitherto overlooked.

WEIR, JOHN L.

1945 Library Review

doi: 10.1108/eb012074

There is no more fascinating type of bedside book than the catalogue of a great private library. Bedside book I say but that is hardly just, for I would willingly retire to a desert island as all the best people appear to be prepared to do these days with a comfortable handful of such records of greatness. These can conjure up visions for me as no other books can. I find the Abbotsford catalogue as spellbinding as The Three Musketeers, and old Kirkpatrick Sharpe's curious collections as intriguing as the adventures of young Waverley. Are there others who share my taste I hope so, though I admit that it is not everyone's meat. Might I be pardoned for trying to suggest why I like this byeway Bear with me while in the manner of Hill Burton I summon up a few of the famous bookmen of a former day. And pardon me again if it be found that they are all Scots.