Britain’s libraries need a funding boost
SIR disagree with the claim by the former managing director of Waterstones that Britain’s libraries are struggling because they offer too many activities (report, June 9).
I believe that the real reason is money. In Bristol, my home town, there was a plan to close half the libraries because of a lack of funding. Furthermore, most libraries there are still Victorian or Sixties buildings that have changed little since they were built.
In Auckland, New Zealand, where I have lived for 15 years, we have a network of 56 libraries, with 3.3 million books and 250,000 ebooks, along with computers. While the patronage has remained static over the last few years, our borrowing numbers have been increasing.
The libraries also offer ancillary but related activities, such as language classes and reading classes for children, which are particularly valuable for those from deprived areas. Investment has ensured our continuing growth. Andrew Parsons
Auckland, New Zealand