AFTER 100 years of state education something is very wrong.

It's estimated about one in five of the population is illiterate and about 15 million cannot do simple sums. This is at a time when there is now an overflow of information.

It's exactly the time when more resources should be allocated to developing adult literacy and numeracy skills.

The Government's response to this is to cut library books and services and in some instances libraries as well.

I urge everyone to resist these cuts and defend these services. If the fascists burn books what of governments that restrict ideas, books and association?

It is further a retrograde action in that poorer individuals and families are further penalised. It is shameful for a labour government to act in such a mean and stupid way. If this is the information age it is a strange and foolish way to disorganise things. See www.librarycampaign.com/Home.

PATRICK COOPER-DUFFY, Eling.