A NUMBER of libraries in the West Somerset area are under threat from proposals put forward by Somerset County Council.
A consultation begins on Monday aimed at making the library service across the county sustainable for the future at a time when budgets are under pressure.
Libraries at risk include Watchet, Dulverton, Bishops Lydeard and Wiveliscombe, where members of the community have branded the potential changes “a step too far”.
The county council said this week that it aims to keep as many library buildings as possible open, but options being consulted on include a need for community support to help achieve this, or provision of alternative venues or mobile services.
“These are challenging financial times and we must put libraries on a sustainable financial footing for the long-term, whilst still delivering a modern thriving library service across our county,” said Cllr David Hall, cabinet member for resources and economic development.
“Library services will continue across Somerset whatever the response from this consultation.”
A report by the council said that although financial implications can only be estimated at this stage, the options developed are forecast to deliver an annual saving of between £300,000 and £520,000, depending on the option chosen for different areas.
The options for the libraries at Watchet, Wiveliscombe, Dulverton and Bishops Lydeard all include providing a service through a partnership with the local community to maintain the library building, or making them a stop for a mobile library.
At Dulverton, there is also an option of no change to existing services.
There are no proposals for changes at Minehead, Porlock – which already has a partnership in place with the local community – or Williton.