WITH reference to your headline “Union dismay at library volunteers”

(The Press, December 30).

Bearing in mind the importance historically, socially and educationally of the public library system, it seems to me that any proposals to diminish its role would be tantamount to a kind of sociological suicide.

Thousands of people, young and old, in North Yorkshire use the wealth of services and facilities provided by their local library.

Beyond this and the so-called economics of the public sector, we must not forget the hard-working people who staff the libraries.

North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) seems to be treating these front line staff with a cynical “thanks, but no thanks” attitude.

Meanwhile, no amount of tinkering with cheap-jack alternative staffing arrangements (managed by a privileged few further up the NYCC chain of command) can replace the present excellent system.

Finally on this issue, the ultimate accusatory finger should be pointed at the Conservative/Lib- Dem coalition and their Thatcherite austerity measures.

What price the grass-roots institutions of Great Britain?

HO Griffiths, Main Street, Aislaby, Pickering.