Older users of library being forced out by confusing technology

1:24pm Thursday 4th October 2007

HOW I would love to live in Cllr Reardon's world (Guardian, September 13) where simply having the technology meant everything worked or was protected. Sadly that world does not exist, in Waltham Forest at least.

And the technology is keeping some readers away. I have an uncle in his late 60s who no longer uses the library because of the checking-in/out machines and lack of staff to help him.

It's not simply a case of being shown what to do. Technology out-faces some older people.

Since the newly revamped Walthamstow Library opened, I have regularly visited and left my feedback, but my most consistent complaint of lack of books continues to fall on deaf ears.

I am pleased, however, to see there is a passable poetry section for young (or older) new explorers, even though it can't keep up with my own requirements.

Caroline McElwee, Melbourne Road, Leyton.