THE EDITOR, Sir:

I noted with alarm, Bruce Golding's statement in the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday, November 21, that he visited the Parliament's library and discovered that he was 'locked out'.

Mr. Golding has been a long-time patron of the library. The library's staff had grown quite close to him as he has been the only Member of Parliament who has been personally consulting the library to undertake his researches. (The others just send their bearers for documents which they need to borrow). Please note that the library staff has bent backwards for Mr. Golding on many occasions. I believe, however, that he is unaware that the library has been short-staffed since September when there was one termination and one resignation.

Two members of staff

There are currently two members of staff functioning in this very busy library which serves not just the Members of Parliament, but attorneys, employees of the various ministries and departments, other libraries, also students and the general public. If one person is absent for a day and the other has to go for lunch or even to the rest room, the library's doors have to be closed temporarily to protect the valuable documents which are stored in this venerable facility.

I take this forum to apologise to Mr. Golding for the inconvenience caused to him that afternoon when he came to the Parliament's library and found the doors closed because the librarian was absent due to a medical emergency and the records officer had gone for a late lunch.

I am, etc.,

ENID GRAY

grayradway@hotmail.com

Librarian