I WAS deeply saddened to discover that four libraries in the Forest are to be closed unless they can be run on a voluntary basis. I have used Cinderford library, one of those proposed for closure, on a regular basis since the 1970s. I would like to say a massive 'thank you' to all the staff at the library, who, over the years, have provided such an excellent, helpful service. It is my belief that professionals should continue to run the professional, perfectly relevant service that they have always provided so well. Cinderford library is a bustling hive of activity. I have never known the library not to be a welcoming, friendly place, serving members across the community. There are fun activities for children, all the way through to clubs for older people. There is free internet access, as well as free access to books.

In our media-saturated society, it is easy to forget what books can do. They open up worlds that are different from our own. They speak of other times when things were done differently. They allow us to empathise with others. Books give us the tools to be critical. A society without books is one which has ceased to try and learn from the lessons of history. Perhaps that is why a brazen, regressive political elite is being allowed to get away with manipulating a painful economic crisis as an opportunity for its destructive ideological agenda.

If we really are 'all in this together' and voluntary work is all the 'Big Society' has left to offer, perhaps better decisions about public services could be made if those at management level were volunteers too?

– Matthew Macer-Wright (by e-mail).