Library pulls in the holiday crowds

The Masterton Library has been going "crazy" since the start of the school holidays, says manager Sandy Green.

In just three and half hours last Saturday, almost 1000 items were issued, mostly fiction.

An average Saturday sees 400 to 600 issues.

People are not just getting out printed books either. Mrs Green has noted e-books are becoming increasingly popular.

"There's been a huge increase in use of the e-book service, it's a big part of what we are doing now."

It went to show the library was still a popular place and was embracing technology, Mrs Green said. "It's certainly not dropping off."

The library has had an e-book service since last year.

"The main borrowing is still actual books," said Mrs Green.

People also have access to 600,000 items through its SMART system, which allows users to borrow books from five other libraries in the lower North Island.

Mrs Green said that meant they could offer as many books as a bigger library such as the Wellington City Library.

Masterton's library has embraced other new technology such as self-issuing machines.

Mrs Green said there was a plan to have librarians out on the floor with wireless devices, possibly tablets, to help users.

Waiting in a long line to get out books could also become a thing of the past.

"Eventually we hope to issue the books out on the floor."

She said there would still be a service desk.