THE Minster library is the best place I have found for the books I need for my research, then I go to York University libraries and others in London.

But Canon Theologian Draper says its books "can usually be found elsewhere".

What a misrepresentation of the truth! The recently-retired Dean and the Chapter took no steps to find the library a home. They are careless of the future of the library and even wish to tear it up.

A new statement has just appeared.

It reads like something from George Orwell's 1984: "The Minster Library building is not closing." So that's all right... but the Minster Library is just the same.

Does this Chapter know what it's doing?

It all makes me doubt their competence at managing anything, let alone York Minster. I cannot be the only one who must now alter their will.

But what can those who, during the years and centuries, have given books to the library, do?

Now Chapter Clerk Brigadier Lyddon says an uncertain number of stonemasons, gardeners and painters will have to leave the Minster.

But don't worry men, the Chapter is full of compassion for you - well they must be, they're Christians, aren't they?

But how were the Minster library staff told about the closure? Not by the retiring Dean, not by the Canon Theologian and without a mention in the public statements - "someone was sent over to tell us."

The whole Chapter should resign, we can't afford them.

Rita Wood,

St Andrewgate, York.

Updated: 10:24 Tuesday, June 03, 2003