THREATENED Dorset libraries have been saved from the axe - but at the cost of opening hours, books and jobs.

Members of Dorset County Council's cabinet yesterday approved a package of proposals to save 13 rural libraries from closure.

The measures, which will meet a funding shortfall of £500,000 in the county library budget, include reducing opening hours in all 34 Dorset libraries, cutting the budget for new books and reducing the number of qualified librarians.

But local communities who fought a fierce battle to save their facilities are being encouraged to get involved with the day-to-day running of the service, which could see hours increased and the facility available for wider community use.

The proposals follow months of consultation between library chiefs and local community representatives.

Coun Geoff Brierley said: "What's come out of this is a very satisfactory solution."

Coun Hilary Cox said: "It's a radical approach but it's one worth following. I am quite happy to wait an extra two weeks for my next Joanna Trollope and I am sure that others will too."

Leader of the council Coun Angus Campbell said: "It's groundbreaking stuff as would be expected from Dorset."

Paul Leivers, head of cultural services at the county council, said: "These recommendations strike a very difficult balance.

"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."

The full county council will consider the move on Thursday and if approved the county's four main libraries - including ones in Dorchester and Weymouth - will see their opening hours cut to 45.

Dorset's community libraries at Crossways, Wool, Charmouth, Corfe Castle, Burton Bradstock and Puddletown will have their opening hours reduced to six hours a week.

Libraries at Portland Underhill, Stalbridge and Beaminster will have their hours reduced to 12 and Chickerell to nine.

The book fund and money spent on newspapers and periodicals will also be cut.