SIR – It is with dismay that I hear that St John’s library is under threat from Worcestershire County Council as it fails to demonstrate value for money.

This is just the latest savage proposal from a cash-strapped council, having to save millions because of government cuts and its own financial mismanagement.

St John’s Library is a loved and valued resource in the community west of the river. It is so much more than a lender of books. It holds training courses, toddlers groups, social events, a chess club and IT support for those without access to computers.

Labour councillors hold a monthly surgery for local residents there. There are rooms for community hire, ease of access and a bus stop right outside.

I recently attended a hugely popular film club meeting viewing a serious film about British industrial relations in the 50s which prompted interesting discussions amongst the large group of people there.

But the most important resource in St John’s library is its staff. Friendly and approachable, they offer all manner of help to library users. Books can be loaned and returned electronically but it is the people in the library that make it what it is, they organise events, support local people to  engage, help with form filling and advice.

It will be a tragedy if this is taken away from the people I represent.

I urge county councillors to think again about their definition of value for money, those who have made this proposal need to think about the people of St John’s who use this valuable resource, come and talk to them and see what difference it makes to their lives.

Cllr Chris Cawthorne

St John’s ward