AFTER a period of decline, library usage is now increasing again in York. We would like to foster this increase by more developments at the city's libraries, particularly by increasing the hours the libraries are open. Library staff are continually striving to make libraries more welcoming within a limited budget.

A five per cent council tax increase would sustain the present position. For more resources to be made available for our libraries, an increase that would bring York nearer to the income levels of other councils is needed.

Coun Chris Hogg,

Chair of Leisure and Heritage Scrutiny Board,

City of York Council,

Greystone Court,

Haxby, York.

Updated: 09:44 Tuesday, January 04, 2005