I WRITE to express my profound disquiet at the proposed closure of York Minster Library.

As a member of the University of Manchester's School of History and Classics' support staff, I am appalled at the thought that any of our 1,200 students, many of whom have the capacity to be internationally-renowned scholars, may no longer be able to have free access to the Minster's Library to pursue their research.

To even consider this action is an affront to all that is decent, civilised and civilising in our society.

As a member of the Anglican communion, I respectfully suggest that in disposing of the Minster's books and recommending that the library operate on a "for profit" basis, the Dean and Chapter's decision runs counter to St Paul's teaching on stewardship (Titus 1:7), in as much as you would appear to be more interested in "filthy lucre" than in supporting those who exalt wisdom in order that she may promote them (Proverbs 4:8).

Pursue the option to close the library and they will be regarded for generations hereafter as a latter-day equivalent of those who chose to make the house of God a den of thieves rather than a house of prayer for all nations (Mark 11:17).

Mrs D Hague,

Range Lane,

Denshaw,

Oldham.

Updated: 12:27 Saturday, June 14, 2003