In response to the question posed recently in the letters column “What has happened to our libraries?”, I offer the following response.
Yes, of course libraries have changed. In the past libraries were rather tomb-like spaces where one tiptoed about and even the odd squeaking boot would raise eyebrows.
Now they are lively, well-staffed centres of knowledge and learning whatever the age range or requirement.
The definition of the word “gossip” is to talk about other people and their private lives. I think that the “ladies of a certain age” would find that rather insulting.
The noisy children referred to are in fact bright and intelligent young people and are always well supervised.
There is no substitute for books in the life of a child and to stifle their enthusiasm would be counter-productive.
Perhaps your correspondent should seek an enclosed order….with books.
Name and address supplied
