I refer to Ramona Depares’ article ‘The demise of the public library’ (Culture and Entertainment, The Sunday Times of Malta, February 16).

One of the main problems I have with this article is using the Central Library’s dismal state as an example of the lack of interest in libraries by the public.

I also think it was wrong to ask whether it was a good idea to stop funding public libraries simply because the Floriana library hardly has any patrons. Perhaps if the author had visited more libraries and consulted actual librarians and maybe even contacted the Malta Library and Information Association instead of just two brief visits to one library, a more balanced perspective would have emerged.

It would be a great shame and a major disservice to our society and education if public libraries are threatened with more reductions because of a misconception that nobody uses them.