BOOKLOVERS have expressed anger at a previously undisclosed council policy which has forced libraries to get rid of books and put the information on computers instead.

Users at South Woodford Library are furious that around half of the building’s reference section has disappeared in recent weeks, and are worried that other libraries across the borough could also be affected.

Julian Walker, 54, who works at the British Library, has been a member of the South Woodford branch since he was ten years old.

He said: “One day I went to consult Grove’s Dictionary of Music and I discovered two out of the four book cases were empty. I was told that the book I wanted was only available online instead.

“The library’s online service is very good but it excludes all people who aren’t computer literate. They have been left completely disenfranchised by this.

“And if you want to teach children to research properly they should be using books, where research can be so much more fruitful.

“This sends the message to children that they should do their research online by using search engines, which just isn’t as effective a research method. It’s almost as if the council is becoming part of the Google empire.”

He added: “It will be extremely sad for the area if they continue to do this.”

A council spokesman said: “The council has been placing some reference works on line where they are accessible to more customers who are then able to access them from home and other locations. As well as being more convenient , it is also cheaper to provide records online.

“Customers who still prefer to access reference volumes can still do so at Ilford Central Library.

“Books which are removed from the bookshelves to be placed online are supplied to other libraries if they are still in good condition. Otherwise they are sold to contribute to the Library Service’s revenue.”

He added: “The council is constantly reviewing its services to ensure we are meeting the needs of our residents and providing them with value for money services.”