Warwickshire Library Service - consultation begins

A consultation has begun on the future of library services in Warwickshire.

Warwickshire County Council will ask people to give their views over the next 12 weeks.

The Conservative-run council has proposed closing 16 of the 34 buildings it currently operates because of a reduced budget.

As well as allowing comments through the council's website, the authority is also planning displays, posters, roadshows and community events.

'Stark fact'

A council spokesman said the authority had to reduce its budget by up to £60m across all services, and must cut £2m from its £7.4m Libraries and Information Service budget.

Councillor Colin Hayfield, portfolio holder for customers, workforce and partnerships, said a review of the libraries network and opening times was taking place, with consultations being held.

"It is a stark fact that 90% of our library visitors use only half of our libraries," he said.

The library buildings facing closure have been identified as being "no longer sustainable in their current form".

They are: Baddesley, Harbury, Bedworth Heath, Hartshill, Bidford on Avon, Henley in Arden, Binley Woods, Keresley, Bulkington, Kineton, Camp Hill, Kingsbury, Dordon, Studley, Dunchurch and Water Orton.

Other libraries could have their opening hours cut.

The consultation will finish on 9 June 2011.