The problem of local authorities trying to save money by closing public libraries or reducing opening hours is indeed far too common. About ten years ago, when I lived on the outskirts of Aberdeen city, one of the local libraries near me was slated for closure, but the local population decided to do something about it. The community council organised a compaign to re-open it, got facts and figures, travel distances to other libraries, difficulties with transport, lack of consideration of expanding the facilities to attract more users, etc. They produced a report which showed that the council had not properly explored the possible options, and got financial support from other bodies for offering educational facilities via computers in the library, etc., and THEY WON! The library was reopened a couple of months later, with new and better facilities, and the publicity meant that more of the local community realised the value of their library and used it more. Fight to save your library! Gordon.