EIGHT West Berkshire Libraries could remain open by asking residents to pay more tax through parish and town council precepts.

West Berkshire Council ran a Library Service Review over the summer to identify ways of plugging a major funding gap and preventing the possible closure of a number of libraries in the area.

Now the council is hoping to harness the enthusiasm and goodwill of local communities to help meet the shortfall, and raise £150,000.

The council has already been in discussion with Parish and Town Councils, as well as community groups and local organisations about how they want to be involved in shaping the future of West Berkshire libraries.

In order to achieve this, parish and town Councils have been asked to add a small amount as a per resident precept, which will be added to tax bills next year.

Already, Thatcham Town Council has responded by calling an extraordinary meeting of the council on January 4, when the sole item will be "to receive a presentation from West Berkshire Council on the proposed changes to the library service and consider a request for an annual contribution of £24,480 towards the service". 

West Berkshire Council's Councillor Dominic Boeck, Executive Member for Culture, said that they had made the proposal after more than 1,200 people responded to their recent Library Service Review.

He believes that many residents will be prepared to pay higher tax bills. 

He said: "It is resoundingly clear that local people want to be involved in saving this much valued service.  

"Although we were faced with many challenges, it was hugely encouraging to see positive and innovative ideas coming through from Parish and Town Councils and communities who want to help deliver this much valued service.

“We are now analysing the responses ahead of a final decision. 

"The future of libraries is in the hands of our communities and I now urge Parish and Town Councils to support the proposal by adding an amount to their precept. A small investment now will provide long term library service benefits.”

A decision, based on the findings of the review and the responses from communities will be made at a special meeting of West Berkshire District Council on Tuesday, February 7.