Letter: Literature under the hammer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Will someone please tell me what is happening to the stock of British public libraries? I recently visited the Chelsea Library in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea to do some research and was informed that the celebrated botany collection (with original editions and prints) is being sent for auction at Sotheby's in the next few months. I was also told it had been decided that, as there was 'no place for literature in reference libraries', the specially bound copies of works by Dickens and other great English writers would be accorded the same fate.
Furthermore, I understand that Westminster City Libraries is sending for auction its volumes of Le Vedute di Roma and Capricciosa by Piranesi. There seems to be a conspiracy among avaricious local authorities to sell works of art and books (many of them bequests to libraries) for the sake of replenishing their coffers. Several dedicated librarians and curators have spent years building up these magnificent collections for the use of the community and posterity. Must they be allowed to be hewn down by uncaring councillors at the drop of an auctioneer's hammer?
Yours sincerely,
NORMAN PIERCE
London, W10
10 May
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments