Sir, – The library consultation process in North Yorkshire haunts us again. From Scarborough to Skipton, from Stokesley to Selby –across Ryedale, Hambleton,Harrogate-the whole magnificent library system (over 30 libraries) is threatened with near-annihilation.

The scheme put up by the county council would take away many smaller libraries, which jointly offer a vital resource for the huge area that is North Yorkshire, and completely remove support in any meaningful sense to the ordinary reading public.

Our libraries offer people the chance to study, to learn, to use computers under proper supervision, to have access to properly arranged selections of books. These activities are part of what it is to be human, with many social aspects. I have recently seen young people coming straight into libraries to bridge the school-home time gap. Echoes of one’s youth.

There are campaigns under way, Save North Yorkshire Libraries, and people need to show their appreciation of libraries in every way possible. The consultation document is the main way to represent your views to the county council. You may be able to speak with senior county council staff at a library drop in. Note if they write down your points. This is not just an idle ‘brush-by’ chat-or it ought not to be.

Remember: whether you are signing a petition in Stokesley High Street and elsewhere or speaking to the newspapers, as here, you are trying to avoid having an imposed rump provision from NYCC.

Remember: Save North Yorkshire Libraries.

John Dean

Beadlam, near Helmsley.