Library economies
Sir: Bucks County Libraries have had their estimate for the purchase of new books and binding cut from £303,050 to £76,645. As a result, the libraries will be buying no fiction, no children's books, and only one copy of apt3roved non-fiction titles for the whole county. Only file copies of newspapers and periodicals will be bought. The reference stock will be maintained.
This decision appears to contravene the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, which states: It shall be the duty of every library authority to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service for all persons desiring to make use thereof, and for 'that purpose to employ such officers, to provide and maintain such buildings and equipment, and such books and other materials, and to do such other things as may be requisite ...'
Bucks has had the highest rate in the country; 58.119 pence in the pound goes to Education, Library and Museum services. We have some fine new branch libraries, but soon we shall have no books.
Margaret Yorke Oriel Cottage, Long Crendon, Bucks.
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