While they may not be as well-used as they once were, there is no doubt that many people still regard our libraries as a vital and precious resource which allows them to be entertained and educated absolutely free of charge.

Modern technology and cheaper retailing of books has undoubtedly impacted on the number of users of the service, but for those who still rely on them, libraries are a vital service.

So it is sad to see such a high number of people prepared to abuse that service by not paying fines and not returning books.

Bradford Council estimates that the value of unreturned books over the last ten years is £680,000, and added to that there is around £115,000 outstanding in unpaid fines.

While that might not seem a huge sum in the great scheme of things, it is still a significant amount, and when there is so much pressure on public spending, any money lost is worth trying to claw back.

It may be that those who are responsible for taking books and not returning them have given it little thought and don't believe it is of any consequence.

However, it is not overstating the case to say that failing to take a book back and keeping it for yourself is an act of theft. And it is a selfish act that is depriving others of the use of that particular book.

Our libraries must be cherished in the face of changing reading habits, and preserved for those who have no other way of accessing books.

That is why those who abuse them in this way should take a good, hard look at themselves and take some responsibility and pay their fines, return their books, or cover the cost of books they may have lost.