Plans to boost library borrowing

Steps are to be taken to increase borrowing at Cumbria's libraries.

Initial plans for the county's six least-used libraries include more flexible opening hours and access to a wider choice of books and other items.

If they are unsuccessful, more changes, such as books borrowed through a shop and branches replaced with an expanded mobile service, may be looked at.

The plans will be considered by Cumbria County Council's cabinet next week and include plans for the mobile service.

The suggested improvements are for libraries in Ormsgill, Abbeytown, Kells, Coniston, St Bees and Great Broughton.

The plans for the mobile service, which has seen a 20% drop in lending over the last five years, include fewer individual stops, enabling them to stay open for longer.