Pet sounds

Who will save our libraries (Report, 7 February)? The debate so far has polarised between those who feel libraries should continue to be funded by the state and others that see volunteers as a way of maintaining those threatened with closure. There is another way: setting up social enterprises to maintain a professional library service by using library buildings more effectively and generating a surplus. Such an approach is being used in Lewisham, where a computer-recycling social enterprise is maintaining a library on the Pepys estate in Deptford by generating sufficient income in the building to pay staff. This is a model that works and should be tried elsewhere.

Tony Rich


• I am writing on behalf of my cat Bertie, who wants to complain about Steve Bell's persistent cattism (Cartoons, 9 and 10 February). Bertie, although moderately stout, would like to make it clear that he has never had anything to do with bankers. He deplores the fact that they accepted a massive bailout from the last government, and are now using this to increase their own blubber.

Lesley Aers


• The Queen's Christmas broadcast in 2004 was a paean to multiculturalism, claiming that the mostly harmonious coexistence of different races, cultures and religions was one of Britain's great achievements. Has David Cameron (Comment, 10 February) told Her Majesty that multiculturalism has failed and explained to her why she was so mistaken?

Mike Crowley

Swindon, Wiltshire

• French also has two words for fart (Letters, 10 February). "La vesse" is silent whereas "le pet" delivers acoustically. Many English assistants in French schools, trying to brainstorm and write on the blackboard a list of hobbies, have regretted listing "pets" as a possibility.

Gordon Bernard

Maidstone, Kent

• I am delighted you celebrated Carole King's birthday (Birthdays, 9 February) and clearly she is an accomplished "singer and pianist", but you've omitted her greatest talent. She is a superlative songwriter. One of the finest.

Ruth Borthwick

National director, The Arvon Foundation

Today's best video

  • The NSA files trailblock image


Today in pictures

More from Brief letters