SIR – Now the events celebrating the opening of not one but two new libraries in the centre of Bradford is over, those of us who enjoy researching the past of our city can return to our studies in spacious new surroundings on the ground floor of the ‘old’ Central Library.

When the library’s closure was announced, many of us felt dubious as to whether we would ever see the Local Studies department re-open, other than as a shadow of its former self. But we have been surprised and pleased that Council officers and Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, have been responsive and, despite ongoing financial problems, we have ended up with a department to be proud of. We would like to express our appreciation for all the time they have given us, and the effort they made to ensure the new department opened as soon as possible.

Bradford has a unique and unusual past, and people come from all over the world.

Our Friends of Bradford Archives and Local Studies group will continue to support the new service and its staff, who have all worked incredibly hard to reopen on time. We hope to be able to advise and guide people who come to the library.

Dr Christine Alvin, chairman, Friends of Bradford Archives and Local Studies, Thackley View, Bradford