LIBRARIES across Dorset could be saved but at the cost of jobs, opening hours and books.

Campaigners launched a fierce battle to save 13 Dorset libraries after Dorset County Council proposed to close the to fill a funding gap.

Now council chiefs are to consider a raft of measures to save the rural libraries from closure.

Cabinet members will meet on Wednesday to discuss far-reaching proposals aimed at meeting a £500,000 shortfall in Dorset's libraries budget.

If approved, all 34 libraries will remain open and local communities could take on a central role in running some of them.

However, opening hours will be cut and spending on the county's book fund will have to be reduced.

The county council is facing a massive funding shortfall over the next three years and to help fill the gap the library service last year launched an efficiency review to find savings of almost £850,000.

Savings of £306,000 have already been achieved, but the bulk of the money still has to be found.

As a result, alternatives proposals have been devised which would:

  • Offer library buildings to local communities for management and maintenance, and for other community uses
  • Increased income from the private sector and through charges for computer use.
  • Achieve staff savings by reducing opening hours across all 34 libraries and reducing the number of qualified librarians.
  • Provide the opportunity for some local communities to 'top up' opening hours at their libraries.

The county council would continue to provide books and other resources along with professional staff.

However, if approved by cabinet, this approach could pose major risks for the service. Some redundancies may be necessary, and there may be legal difficulties in transferring the service to communities.

Paul Leivers, head of cultural services at the county council, said: "These recommendations strike a very difficult balance. They aim to build on the consultations with communities and enable the council to show real leadership by talking to communities about transferring library buildings for wider community use - in addition to continued library use.

"They would enable services to be provided from all existing libraries. However, there are also risks, as well as likely impacts on the quality of the library service."

David Crowhurst, cabinet member for adult and community services, added: "I would like to thank all the communities whom we have consulted, and who have helped us to move forward with these alternative proposals. I am confident we can find a workable and acceptable solution which will continue to provide a quality service."