THE TIMES [Letters] : 7th January
Libraries are Vital

Sir,

There may well be people who misguidedly endorse the closure of public libraries on the ground of cost, but it is a surprise to find that the advocate of this policy is Roy Clare, chief executive of the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (letter, Jan 5).  Some 400 libraries are closing around the country (the total is still rising) and no matter how much Mr Clare pontificates about "digital media and 24/7 access", people want local libraries that are open shop-hours, with plenty of books, quiet areas to study and knowledgeable staff.  Savings from closing small libraries will be minimal, but the impact on communities will be devastating and irreversible.
DR AMANDA J FIELD
Gosport, Hants

Sir,
In Essex, not only have reference books and a splendid music library disappeared but professional librarians are also a vanishing species, having been replaced by library assistants.  To add to the dumbing down we are told that information may be obtained from the "hello desk".
SYLVIA SAUNDERS
Witham, Essex

 

 

Frances Hendrix

Martin House Farm, Hilltop Lane, Whittle le Woods, Chorley, Lancs, PR6 7QR

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