Letter: The need for leadership in libraries

From Ms Hazel Moffat

Sir: In all the advice offered to make libraries more attractive, no one, not least the Department of National Heritage, has acknowledged the value of joint ventures between libraries and museums.

Many museums have travelling displays, some developed by local community groups, which could provide a lively talking point and generate interest in further reading, if offered space in libraries.

This ideal combination of libraries and museums was recognised in the 19th century by civic authorities by putting both services under one roof, albeit now leaking.

Let us campaign for a decent level of funding for both services and encourage local authorities, as well as central government, to be imaginative in combining access to both museum and library resources.

Yours faithfully,

HAZEL MOFFAT

Guildford, Surrey