LIBRARIES tend to be quite noisy places these days. I would quickly wish to add that it would be quite unfair to single out Penarth Library for criticism.

While there have been occasions when the noise level there seemed high and excessive, what I write would be equally or more valid for, say, Barry Library, which I visited several times this summer, or a number of libraries in Cardiff, including the quite newly-refurbished library in Canton.

I for one cannot demand, or expect, complete peace and quiet, but quiet conversation would be acceptable in the way that shouting and running around would not.

Children's libraries are an excellent idea but young patrons should sometimes modulate their excitability and show some consideration for those adults reading or using computers.

Another theme is the way libraries have become multi-media establishments, with paintings and music as well as books.

I have reservations about this approach, one losing the focus on books in the process, but other readers may well disagree with these opinions.

Michael O'Neill

Penarth