WEST BERKSHIRE'S under threat libraries could be run by volunteers and funded by financial contributions from the public.

Today (November 29) West Berkshire Council wrote to the county's town and parish councils asking for £150,000, to be used towards the continued operation of the seven libraries within West Berkshire.

That amounts to roughly £1 per person living in the area. 

In addition, towns and parishes have been offered volunteer training and help with the purchase and distribution of books along with building maintenance, allowing the libraries to be run in a low cost, localised manner.

Councillor Alan Macro, deputy Liberal Democrat group leader, said: "Residents are being asked to pay twice.

"They pay to the West Berkshire Council and now an increase in council tax precept.

"I suspect the way things are may be the only way forward. When you consider the sums of money per resident it doesn't seem like a lot, but this could be the thin end of the wedge.

"I think parish councils have to get some kind of answer as to what the sum is likely to be next year."

Cllr Macro also suggested that certain parishes, such as Tilehurst where residents typically use libraries within Reading boundaries, would be resistant to the proposals.

The council's executive member for culture, Cllr Dominic Boeck, said: “We have no choice but to ask because demand for council services is rising, and at the same time we are receiving less funding from central government.

"We have to adapt our library service to meet future need so that we can continue providing a good service while at the same time balancing our budget each year.

"I’m confident that in the coming months we will be able to achieve this."

A public consultation on changes to the library service closes on December 11. To have your say, click here.