TWO world-famous authors have slammed a decision to close "essential" public libraries.

Bestselling writers Terry Pratchett and Sir John Mortimer say libraries are an important part of community life and have called for them to be saved from closure.

Eight libraries, including Micklefield, West Wycombe and Little Chalfont, have been earmarked for closure.

Buckinghamshire County Council says they are under-used and their £6.68 million a year cost is too high to maintain.

Sir John Mortimer, famous for writing Rumpole of the Bailey, believes rural libraries should not be closed. He said: "They're an incredibly important part of life.

"So many aspects of rural life are disappearing; our pubs, our land and now our libraries.

"Of course we should have them. Mobile libraries won't offer the same convenience or choice."

Terry Pratchett, author of the famous Discworld novels and a former Free Press journalist, grew up in Beaconsfield and credits the library as his main source of education.

He said: "Libraries seem to have gone out of fashion and there has been a big expansion in bookshops.

"But not everyone can afford books, and they are the ones who really need access to them. I know I couldn't afford them."

Mr Pratchett believes that libraries should first and foremost be places of books. He said: "I think they have got carried away with discs and things like that. You should have shelves, and chairs to sit in."

Other literary figures joined in the call to save libraries in the area.

Edward Dawson, curator at poet John Milton's cottage in Chalfont, St Giles, said: "The cottage opened its doors in 1887 as a public reading room. Milton him-self would be horrified at these proposals, having campaigned to expand public library services into rural areas.

"It's a great shame that, as a recently renovated public reading space, we're surrounded by this sad fact of saving money."

When Glyn Ridgley, author of The Street School of Music, became homeless, he visited the library and wrote a novel which drew on his own experiences.

He said: "I lived in High Wycombe library as a teenager it was where I learnt about literature.

"I remember when Walters Ash library closed. It was a real loss to the community.

"For the elderly and young, reading at the library is a social lifeline. Mobile libraries can't match the accessibility for opening times or the range of books they carry."

Steve Cole, author of the "Astrosaurs" children's books, lives in Haddenham.

He said: "With demands on parents' money, buying novelty books or serials is something many can't afford.

"Libraries introduce children to so many different characters and worlds. Children in particular need to get into the habit early and prevent them being isolated."

Last week the council was awarded four stars out of four by the Audit Commission for "culture services" including libraries.

Peter Mussett, libraries development manager, said: "The assessment is made on a range of criteria, such as satisfaction with the libraries, number of loans per 1000 population and the cost per visit.

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