THE actions of City of York Council never fail to amaze me.

Having just announced cuts to both Stagecoach and Theatre Royal youth groups, amounting to £12,000, the council is now floating the idea of moving the central library, admitting that the cost of moving will be more than the money gained from selling the present site (January 23).

Does the council enjoy annoying the residents? It cannot find the funds to keep two well-used and valuable groups going, but can cough up £30 million for its own offices. Strange, isn't it?

Also, I am saddened by the news that 70 per cent of York residents don't use the library. This is the result of the changing times, with the increase in the internet's popularity and cheaper prices for books. It's a situation repeated across the country.

It will take more than a lick of paint to inspire more people to visit the library. All the features outlined in the libraries report are already available at the libraries all around York and the internet at home.

And home is far more convenient than Hungate. Then again, anywhere is more convenient to get to than Hungate.

Maybe the council should realise that it is not looks that count but what is inside; "don't judge a book library by its cover" so to speak.

Philip Lickley,

Wheatlands Grove, York.

Updated: 09:41 Wednesday, January 25, 2006