Big shake-up for Sandwell's libraries

Libraries in Sandwell could close and move into shops and community buildings as the council slashes budgets by almost £1 million.

Staff could lose their jobs as part of a swathe of cuts by bosses, who hope to axe paid workers in favour of volunteers and self-service machines.

Reduced opening hours could also be on the cards under new plans.

Sandwell currently has 19 libraries, with 126 full-time staff. Five already share buildings with other services including community rooms and children's centres, and Sandwell Council now plans to move more. Bosses are also looking at working with "partners" including youth clubs and shops.

A report to be discussed by leisure chiefs next Thursday reveals the number of hours put in by volunteers rose by more than 100 per cent last year, when 4,009 hours were put in by unpaid workers. Now the authority is planning to recruit more.

Deputy leader Steve Eling said: "This paper looks at options for improving the council's library services while at the same time dealing with swingeing budget cuts imposed by central Government. As a council, we have managed to deal with over £30m of Government budget cuts for the current year without closing any libraries."

Volunteers are currently used to provide services such as the cafe at Smethwick Library. The authority is also installing self-service machines in 12 libraries.