Learning to read is perhaps to some an old fashioned and reactionary practice which should have no place in this modern world.

On the other hand, people who have read a lot regret not having given more time to this indispensable preliminary to the enjoyment of modern life.

If we could not read at all the worse off among us would be in even more dire straits. For instance, there are the forms our 'benevolent' governments, insurance companies and health helpers send around to contend with, and what would become of our hire-purchase world?

The purpose of Library Week, however, is not so much to begin at the beginning - that belongs in the school and to what extent children are taught to read these days is another matter - but to encourage an appreciation of the value of reading, to stimulate the use of books and libraries, and to stress the importance of information services.

Port Macquarie's municipal library is not as complete as some would want it to be but it does offer tremendous advantages to those who make a start there. And readers have found the librarians helpful whenever something of a special nature is required and is not in the library.

Although the library is entirely free quite a number of local families have never used it, have never been inside its doors. And on its shelves a great range of fiction and non-fiction, technical and children's books, and untold experiences await all who use its services.

Be what you can be ... read.

This week is the second Australian Library Week and public libraries, bookshops and publishers are co-operating to publicise books and an appreciation for them. The Port Macquarie library's contribution to the promotion is mainly in the display of posters and in the bringing of new books into circulation.

A total of 2,600 people are members of the Port Macquarie library. Nearly nineteen hundred of these are adults; 550 visitors have used the library this year. Last year 85,000 books were borrowed by readers.

Masons New Temple to be Dedicated

The new Masonic Temple, in Burrawan Street Port Macquarie, constructed and furnished at a cost of $30,000, will be opened and dedicated on Saturday, June 7. At 2.30 the Deputy Grandmaster of the United Grand Lodge of N.S.W., Right Worshipful Brother R.H. Hammond will officially declare the new building open by unveiling a commemorative plaque.

A number of guests have been invited to attend the ceremony. The lodge will tyle at 6 p.m. and will be dedicated at 7.30 by the Deputy Grand Master. This ceremony will precede the annual installation of officers of Lodge Hastings during which Bro. M. A. Argent will be installed as Worshipful Master. Installing Master will be worshipful Brother R. G. Hannah the Immediate Past Master of the Lodge.

The new temple will be open for inspection by all interested on Sunday afternoon June 8 between 2 and 4 p.m. All of the cedar work in the furnishings of the new temple are made from timber removed from the old temple in Hay Street, now to be demolished.