Library closures to save £500,000

TWO libraries will close under cost-cutting plans unveiled by council bosses yesterday, while opening hours at other branches will also be cut.

Rotherham Council said it had carried out an “assessment of need” over the past few months which had revealed which libraries were best used.

It is hoped that the move will save around £500,000 but the authority insisted it was still committed to providing a library for every citizen.

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Libraries spokesman Elenore Fisher said: “The modern library service, with all it has to offer, has to be in a position to respond to their needs.

“Our research has shown that not every community necessarily needs a library building and the hours during which the service is available may not be as appropriate as they once were.

“In the current economic climate, it is also vital that every penny we spend gives the best possible value for money and we believe our proposals will deliver that.”

Both Brinsworth and Brinsworth Park libraries will close, while opening houes at other libraries will be cut by between half an hour and 10 hours a week.