Book & Print in New Zealand : A Guide to Print Culture in Aotearoa
The Country Library Service bookvans which operated from 1938 to 1988 are remembered fondly by people who lived in more remote parts of the country, and they also offered an unusual and satisfying lifestyle for the librarians who provided the service. When the National Library phased out the bookvan service a personalised 'books by mail' service was introduced, but this was soon discontinued and local and regional authorities assumed greater responsibility for the information needs of their res…
The Country Library Service bookvans which operated from 1938 to 1988 are remembered fondly by people who lived in more remote parts of the country, and they also offered an unusual and satisfying lifestyle for the librarians who provided the service. When the National Library phased out the bookvan service a personalised 'books by mail' service was introduced, but this was soon discontinued and local and regional authorities assumed greater responsibility for the information needs of their residents. This National Publicity Studios photograph (c.1950) shows librarian Evelyn Franklin delivering books at Ngāhinapōuri, in the Waikato back-country. (National Archives: National Publicity Studios Photographic Collection [Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, NZ, reference number F-33976-1/2- (A2197)])