Sir – Hugh Jaeger’s comments re the proposed New Bodleian Library (Letters, June 3) need some considered response. True that Pevsner did not give his approval for Giles Gilbert Scott’s design, but Pevsner did not like either of his other Oxford efforts.

Prior to the New Bod (1937-40), Scott designed a range in Magdalen College (“totally unrousing”) 1928-30, and a block in St Anne’s College, in 1938, which is not commented on either way in his Buildings of England: Oxfordshire tome.

The £78m is being spent partially to allow public access to what is normally an area only open to Bodleian card holders, principally academics and University staff.

Any process which allows the opening of previously limited venues to the general public can only be a positive step.

The question of the actual design of the building is down to personal choice.

I agree that it is not a building of any note. It could do with some cleaning of the stonework which would at least make its appearance better. But demolition? Such a drastic step might result in a 21st-century glass and steel design, of the type that is proposed at the old Radcliffe Infirmary site.

Would that be a visual improvement in such a location? A public square would be nice, but where would all the books go?

Granted that it’s a shame very old buildings have been pulled down to make way for progress, but we can’t change the past, only preserve what we have for the future.

S.Wyatt, Oxford