6 IT was really good to read Paul Stammers' story about the Archive of the Royal Philharmonic Society that the British Library hopes to buy for £1m and that the proceeds will be devoted to aiding young musicians (Evening News, March 22).

We anticipate raising £600,000 from our own resources and the Heritage Lottery Fund. This leaves £400,000, and the Library is actively seeking to raise this from an appeal - to grant-giving bodies, to music lovers and the public worldwide, and all who wish to help keep this unique collection in the country.

Sir Colin Davis, Principal Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra who is patron of the Appeal, has urged support. He says: "The RPS Archive is a vital part of the musical heritage of the United Kingdom and Europe.

Essential

"It is essential that this resource is acquired by the British Library where it will be open to the public from all over the world."

I do hope that lovers of Elgar (and classical music) among your readers will contribute. Details of the appeal may be obtained from Paola Barbarino in the Development Office at The British Library, tel 020 7412 7013, fax 020 7412 7168, e-mail RPS@bl.uk - to whom donations may be sent.

BART SMITH (DR),

Press Officer

The British Library

96 Euston Road

London NW1 2DB

e-m bart.smith@bl.uk

tel 020 7412 7114