AS a regular library user for 25 years, I disagree strongly with Naomi Schrecker's judgement on the provision of stock at Prestwich Library (Bury Times, Oct 4).

Naturally, the library cannot stock every book, video, compact disc or magazine that someone, sometime may want to borrow. However, in my view, it makes an excellent attempt to cover as wide a range as possible.

Speaking of the socially excluded, as she does, Naomi should be impressed at the choice of large print books and of story tapes available, as well as the opportunity to sit in a warm, dry, comfortable environment and read the papers instead of buying them. Is she aware that borrowers can even take out maps?

There is an excellent children's collection, with many story sessions, competitions and special events for young readers, and probably a better selection of what one might call "quality films" than most commercial video shops? There are also several ballet and dance videos, albeit the better-known ones, as well as items such as Gilbert and Sullivan operas and Songs of Praise videos which are particularly popular with some of the older members.

Naomi may not have noticed that there is a lot of new stock arriving in the library on a very regular basis, and it is clear that the much-maligned council has made generous increases in funding. Furthermore, any published book, tape etc which is not on the shelves can be requested, even if it is not in the local collection. I even had an out-of-print book obtained for a very modest fee from the British Library.

Finally, I note from the article that a spokesperson for the library was "unavailable for comment". What this probably means is that the council officers who give us such a good service are not allowed to defend themselves against unfair criticism. That is why those of us who are satisfied and appreciative customers should speak up in support of the service.

DELIA KOCZWARA (Mrs),

St Ann's Road,

Prestwich.