MAY I make a response to your recent report of the last town council meeting.

The Tavistock Subscription Library dates back to 1799 and despite a chequered history, it has occupied the site in Court Gate since the Duke of Bedford granted in 1831 a 15-year, rent-free lease. This in compensation for the demolition of our own building. At that time, the Subscription Library was granted both the floors of Court Gate with the cottage next door being the 'home' of the librarian and later the caretaker.

The mention of the town council's purchase of the property from the Duke for £4,250 in 1964 was due largely to the efforts of Subscription Library member Mr Prance, who by raising public subscription of £750 enabled the council to conclude the purchase.

One of our present council members, a lapsed member of the library, who claims that we have outlived our usefulness, has not appraised himself of the recent events. During 1999 celebrating our 200 years of existence, the Association of Independent Libraries gathered in Tavistock for the annual general meeting. Thirty five delegates from throughout the UK enjoyed two days of seminars and visits to the locality.

Local historical research is under way using some of our unique material. This cannot be pursued elsewhere. A local writers' group, each week, read and compose within our four walls, whilst members use the facilities each and every day.

Membership is open to all; the subscription is kept as low as possible (10 per annum) to allow anyone of limited means opportunity to belong. Each has an access key and can therefore use the facility at will. Most of the costs are raised by donations and the various fundraising efforts of the members.

It would appear that some of our council members and indeed local people have little understanding of the meaning of heritage, nor indeed its value in bonding a local community into a cohesive whole. I hope that this 'Moving to the heart of town' will be carried out thoughtfully and with the consideration of all. The Tavistock Subscription Library has nowhere else to go.

John Gale

Honorary secretary

Tavistock Subscription Library