Sir, – Library users across North Yorkshire will have been both pleased and puzzled over Coun Metcalfe’s confidence that the eight libraries under threat of closure will be able to remain open (D&S, October 7).

The reason for the pleasure is obvious, but the puzzlement requires some explanation. According to your report, North Yorkshire County Council has already received a proposal from Great Ayton, which includes a number of promising ideas.

In fact, we are still working on a draft business plan for our library.

This plan envisages the library managed by the community in partnership with both North Yorkshire County Council and Great Ayton Parish Council, with a team of volunteers.

The plan will not be submitted to both councils until mid-October.

Great Ayton residents have made it very clear that they want to keep the library in its present building, with at least some paid staff.

To achieve this, a reliable source of income is essential.

It is unrealistic to think that local fundraising could generate the income required to cover the running costs of the building and some staffing costs. The only reliable sources of income that appear to be available are from the county council and the parish council, the latter via the precept (the part of the council tax bill retained by the local parish).

It is to be hoped that both councils will support our plan.

One thing is certain. Unless money can be found to cover the essential operating costs of our proposed community- managed library, or unless Coun Metcalfe knows something we don’t know, the Great Ayton library is scheduled to close on March 31, 2012.

IAN PEARCE Dikes Lane, Great Ayton.