• WHILE I support the view that the Belsize Library is a purpose-built and beautiful building, and could be a community asset, I can only agree with Anita Brooks’s letter (Philistinism!, March 9) and assume that neither Myra Newman (Library a civic hub) nor Lulu James (‘Wrong turn’ surprise), both featured on March 16, have visited it in the morning, when it is supposed to be open as a library.

In fact on the three occasions I have called in there it was totally occupied by what is virtually a crèche, complete with noisy children, their mothers, and toys and buggies all over the place. To call it a library in those conditions is a travesty of the truth.

I understand that this is linked with the “Winch” project management who are responsible for running it; but whatever the reason, if this situation is to continue, it is only fair to the average library visitor to show clearly that the library is closed and only for use as a crèche in the morning or whenever it finishes, when it should then revert to its proper function.

The library hours should therefore be advertised on that basis – as to try to use it in the morning under those conditions is virtually impossible. Now that, after strenuous efforts, supporters have managed to open it on an additional day, this is even more important to ensure it is used for its proper purpose.

I hope it succeeds as a community asset but they really need to sort out what it is used for and when instead of the present chaotic arrangement which is very misleading.

When I visited in the supposed morning opening hours it was also very difficult to work out who was supposed to be the librarian in charge. Or perhaps there wasn’t one.

JOHN STRATTON
Thurlow Road, NW3