Swiss Cottage library, one of nine that Camden runs directly

• I WRITE to correct an impression created by the otherwise good report by Harry Taylor about the future of our Camden libraries which included comments I supplied to him, (Union fights to stop job losses in Camden’s library reorganisation, April 29).

I actually said that I have always regarded libraries as the friendly face of councils. I always say they are welcoming places where no one is cross with you or shouts at you and the only money they might ask of you is for an unpaid fine on an overdue book.

I never said librarians shout at you demanding money – which is what some people were led to think! I spoke very highly of libraries (and their staff) and their role as places which are, or should be at the heart of local communities.

This is a view I have held for many years since I first arrived in London and joined my local library then; as I remember, a narrow building on the Euston Road near where the fire station is now. A friendly place for a stranger to London.

My home library in Somerset had been quite a pleasant, airy building which was staffed by efficient but scary librarians (we were sternly told off for making a noise!).

However, in retrospect, in some ways it was actually a hub, mainly for teenagers who got together hidden from sight behind the shelves in the non- fiction section.

Like me, libraries may have changed but they have always had a lot of pleasure to offer me.

With regard to the present, like so many of our public services, libraries need to adapt and grow, but not at the expense of experienced and professional staff, nor by shrinking their original function of supplying books, education and information to the general public.

We need to bring more people in, not throw people out.

I forgive Harry Taylor, but it goes to show the power of the word – one misplaced or misquoted can provide an entirely different story! Long live our libraries!

FLICK REA, NW6