Our friends of libraries are a powerful resource

Published: 14 April, 2011

• THE Friends of the Heath library in Keats Grove was formed about 15 years ago in response to threatened closure. 

Thanks to the annual book sale each October money raised funds book and periodical purchases.

Last figures available detail £751 given to the library for books while magazine subscriptions cost the Friends £565. 

Over the years a coffee machine was presented and also CDs and DVDs etcetera.

There is no reason why Friends groups elsewhere should not emulate such efforts, thus benefiting their branch as well.

Yvonne Greene (Poorer areas need libraries, April 7) should realise that, while there is wealth in the South End Green area, there are also many council estates a short distance away, housing ordinary earners. The library service is once again under threat and not for the first time in Camden.

Councillors Pat Callaghan and Tulip Siddiq vow they do not want to close any. 

Let them persuade the cabinet not to close any.

In the depths of World War II and the austerity 1950s that followed, access to literature and information was never denied.

SKIP MURPHY
Prince of Wales Road, NW1