SIR: I am writing in reply to the article (BEN, January 13) about Washacre School. As someone who has worked closely with the school over several years, I found it hard to believe they were talking about the same school.

Far from having empty shelves, the school buys books on a regular basis. In addition, staff work hard to promote books, reading and libraries.

The school arranges regular book weeks, and I have been in to school to read stories and promote libraries. Classes of children from the school have been to visit Westhoughton Library on many occasions.

Whenever I visit Washacre I always enjoy the atmosphere in the school, and the children have shown their enthusiasm for books and reading. I have many letters and pictures sent to me over the years by Washacre children which show how much they enjoy the efforts made by staff to promote books and reading.

I felt that I needed to write to reassure parents and governors of the school that, far from being a school without books, Washacre takes pride in promoting books and reading, and the children's enthusiasm proves this.

Ann Melmoth

Children's and Schools' Librarian

Bolton Metro

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