"ONLY barbarians destroy libraries" is the slogan of the protest movement against the closure of the York Minster library, and it has stirred up a real hornet's nest.

The summary action of the Dean and Chapter in announcing the closure of the library is intellectually and morally indefensible, and quite probably illegal too.

The Minster library is a national and international treasure which Dean and Chapter hold in trust for future generations of scholars. York should be proud of it.

Those who use the library are appalled that this action has been taken without consultation: the small and devoted staff are already under notice of dismissal in September, and the books, apparently, to be dispersed.

Will the acting Dean and canons please think again, and have the grace, and humility, to admit that this decision is simply wrong? They have time to rescind it - but not much time.

Kathleen Jones,

Emeritus Professor of Social Policy, University of York,

West Moor Lane,

Heslington, York.

...READING all the articles and comments in relation to the Minister library, entrance fees and the alleged mismanagement of funds, are we not missing the point?

The church is one of the wealthiest landowners in the land - just as the Catholic church has enormous capital assets. They are just very careful not to part with them.

Christ never extolled the virtues of wealth, land and property as the primary duty of the church and Martin Luther would, no doubt, turn in his grave. It seems the lessons of history and the bible have been lost on the clergy, regardless of denomination.

As with most corporations and ageing institutions, those with real power in the church clutch their pursestrings with a tenacity sadly lacking from their pulpits.

The church has the money; it just wants the hapless public to pay. I wonder, when they introduce compulsory fees, what will happen if people refuse to pay to visit a house of God and site of rich cultural history - will we ever see people being turned away by security guards?

What a sad state the church is in: not only managerially lacking, but morally wanting.

Stephen Green,

Fossgate, York.

Updated: 10:45 Monday, June 23, 2003