AT a time when concern has been expressed about the decline in literacy ("Poverty link to language skills", The Herald, June 29, and Letters, June 29 and July 1), why is that public libraries are regarded as prime targets for cuts during periods of economic difficulty?

Why is it that many graduate chartered librarians finish their careers on a salary similar to that at which a probationer teacher starts his or her career?

It would seem that literacy, learning, reading for pleasure and librarianship are grossly undervalued. No wonder standards are declining.

Margaret MH Lyth,

26 Gradenshide Street, Uddingston.