We can save libraries – by sharing with police (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

We can save libraries – by sharing with police

10:40am Saturday 30th June 2012 in News

LIBRARIES could be shared with police or relocated to schools as part of a plan to avoid them closing.

Bosses at Worcestershire county council have insisted they are on track to avoid any shutting down.

The council wants to cut £1.8 million from the libraries budget, 28 per cent of the total, by culling staff, reducing opening hours and sharing facilities with other bodies.

A report is due out in October outlining firm plans, with talks currently under way.

Councillor John Campion, cabinet member for localism and communities, said: “I want to make sure all options are explored for each library, which is making it very time-intense and has led to some dead ends, but that’s not a sign of weakness, it shows we are doing the right thing.”

Neil Anderson, head of culture and community, said: “Closing libraries down is not something the cabinet wants to do.

"Libraries in Worcestershire will evolve, but they will stay open.

"We genuinely think our motives are right and that we are engaging with communities. It would be easy to close some and take the flak, but that isn’t what this is about.”

The cuts, which include up to 30 job losses, could also lead to volunteers being recruited.