No rhyme or reason

EDUcAtIOn Secretary Damian Hinds has announced millions will be spent to help parents improve their children’s vocabulary through reading and reciting nursery rhymes.

At the same time, 600 libraries are in danger of closure or severe cutbacks along with the removal of many school library services.

councils are following the so-called ‘sustainable library policy’, which means replacing purpose- built libraries with a couple of shelves of books in a leisure centre foyer.

the chance for nurseries and playgroups to visit libraries for storytelling and author visits will disappear through lack of space and the loss of committed staff.

As a former librarian who has promoted reading to children, I despair at this short- sighted approach and the effect on the language and literacy development of our children. BeRYL HOLMeS, Warkworth, Northumberland.