Four failing libraries to close

Four libraries in Cumbria are to close after a campaign to boost borrowing failed to make an impact.

Earlier this year more flexible working hours were introduced at branches in Ormsgill, Coniston, Great Broughton and Abbeytown by the county council.

But the scheme has failed to increase borrowing and the libraries are to be replaced by mobile services and mini-libraries in shops by April 2008.

Housebound people will continue to receive a home delivery service.

None of the affected libraries are open for more than 11 hours each week and books in some branches are borrowed on average just once every two years.

Best efforts

Recent improvements introduced at Kells and St. Bees libraries have attracted more users and they will remain open.

Councillor Roger Bingham, cabinet member responsible for the county's library service, said: "The changes agreed will help to boost borrowing from our mobile libraries and communities where traditional static library services have begun to wither on the vine.

"When we announced plans to improve library services in the county's most underused branches at the end of last year, we were very clear that if the changes proved unsuccessful, we would look at making more radical changes this year.

"While the changes introduced in Kells and St. Bees have led to improvements in use, it is clear that despite the best efforts of library staff, this has not been reflected in Ormsgill, Abbeytown, Coniston and Great Broughton."