MR Quarrie is concerned that libraries are no longer peaceful, quiet places and singles out Acomb Library in particular (Letters, January 7).

I am delighted that Mr Quarrie finds us helpful and pleasant, but I am afraid that the noise is a difficult issue.

Libraries are community facilities and we welcome everyone to read, relax, find information and meet people.

More and more libraries are installing tea and coffee facilities because people enjoy the chance to relax with a book in what is their own community facility.

The study area in Acomb Library is being converted into a new computer learning centre where people will have free access to the Internet and opportunities to undertake a variety of courses.

I believe this is part of our job - to give people the chance to learn and to try out new technology.

We are providing study facilities elsewhere in the library but I am afraid I can make no guarantees that any of our community libraries will be very quiet, although we do have an excellent reference section in the Central Library where many people come to study.

In fact, I would be a little worried if the libraries were too quiet if this meant some people felt that they could not come and enjoy using them with their families, for example.

I am afraid that the days of 'shh!' being a librarian's byword are past and "how can we help you" is the phrase we now prefer.

Annie Mauger,

Head of Library Services,

City of York Council,

York Library,

Museum Street, York.

Updated: 12:34 Saturday, January 19, 2002