I refer to the letter (May 29) by Philip Borg, as director of the National Library of Malta, in which he tried to explain away some of the deficiencies The Times had brought to the attention of the public in its editorial of May 5.

In regard to the inaccessibility of the large Melitensia collection in the Galea Bequest, Mr Borg assured us that arrangements were being made "to ensure that the Galea Bequest is always accessible to the public also on a Saturday".

On May 31, taking Mr Borg at his word, after court business, I ran along to the National Library hoping to view three books from the Galea Bequest I had been unsuccessful in seeing on various occasions. Surprisingly, I was told I could not even see them this time as both the director and his secretary were out. I protested vehemently and referred to Mr Borg's letter of two days before in The Times.

After about 10 minutes I was told that Mr Borg's secretary had been contacted and she would be at the library in 30 minutes' time. This was about 11.30 a.m. At 12.20 p.m. I had to leave. After wasting a whole hour, I was told that now they were in the process of locating the books I had ordered.

How is that for service at the supposedly "National Library"? And what about the ravages of bookworm and many other matters the Malta Historical Society brought to public attention in its press release?