THE county council's proposal to reduce funding for youth and library services reported in the Times (April 10) is a great incentive to greater independence of the council. Several leisure clubs such as those engaged in photography and tennis welcome 'young blood' and membership subscriptions are reputedly remarkably low. For the 'loner' home entertainment is provided by over 20 television channels covered by the annual licence which also provides for a wide range of national and regional radio programmes. Tavistock has had a subscription library since 1799 with a very low membership fee. The principle of paid membership for facilities other than book loans from local stock would secure the future of the public service. The Devon public library, one of the highest rated in the country, is an immense source of information and entertainment on paper and computer and the Tavistock staff are supremely helpful and friendly. Less dedicated 'loners' of all age groups have readers' clubs that meet on Tuesday and Fridays with the support of staff. G Kirkpatrick Tavistock