10 MAY 1975, Page 6

Library economies

From Lady Antonia Fraser and Francis King

Sir: The decision by Bucks County Libraries to save money by ceasing to buy new fiction and children's books is a double blow to literature. Obviously it will immediately reduce sales of books in these two categories. It will also diminish not only their present, but their future readership — for if children are deprived of new and attractive reading matter, what inducement have they to read at all?

We appeal to all libraries to recognise the future consequences of such shortsighted and unfair policies.

Antonia Fraser Chairman Committee of Management Francis King Deputy Chairman

The Society of Authors, 84 Drayton Gardens, London SW10