NBC in Canberra

The National Book Council is establishing a Committee in the A.C.T. and enquiries will be welcome from anyone interested in participating in the work of the National Book Council. Please send your name and address to NBC, 71 Collins Street, Melbourne 3000.

NBC Membership

An extensive membership campaign is being undertaken this year to help all those who would like to explore the world of books, to enable the Council to improve its services to members and more effectively to fulfil its aims. The Council will be glad to hear from you if you would like to join.

The Council is always pleased to receive comments and suggestions on any of its activities and especially for extending the impact of Australian Book Week, which this year will run from Friday 12 to Saturday 20 October.

Welcome Home to Michael Zifcak

As this column goes to press news is to hand of the return to Australia of Mr and Mrs Michael Zifcak. Michael retired as foundation chairman of NBC last year, but for most of this year so far he has been through several operations on his left eye. It is hoped that he returns from the most recent operation in the USA with the best of chances for a complete recovery. His many friends in the National Book Council extend a warm welcome home to them both.

Survey of Book Buying in Australia

The first survey on the reading, borrowing, and buying of books by Australians was completed last year for the Australian Council. The surveys were conducted by Philip Shrapnel & Co. Pty Ltd and the report on the surveys: ‘THE READING AND BUYING OF BOOKS IN AUSTRALIA’ is now available through the National Book Council.

The report reveals some quite unexpected trends in book reading, buying, and borrowing and provides a long needed factual basis for the future promotion of book reading, writing and publishing. As the National Book Council is a non-profit body and has no facilities for providing credit, it will be appreciated if payment is enclosed with orders.

The price is $14.50 plus packaging and postage (the postage costs vary considerably):

                                                            One Book       Two Books

Within Victoria                                   $1.65               $1.75

Metropolitan Area                              $1.40               $1.45

Tasmania                                             $2.75               $3.00

WA, Qld, and NT                               $3.10               $3.60

Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra

and Adelaide (Metrop. Areas)                        $2.50               $2.75

NSW, SA Country Areas                    $2.75               $3.00