Some Wolverhampton libraries facing loss of books

The number of books held by some libraries across Wolverhampton will fall as a result of controversial merger plans that will see some buildings close, it has emerged.

Wolverhampton City Council is running a consultation into plans to save more than £1million a year by merging libraries and community centres.

And it today emerged that job cuts will make up £600,000 with a further £225,000 coming from "library stock and subscriptions, furniture and fittings". The rest will come from reduced maintenance and repair costs.

More than 10,000 people have signed petitions against the plans, which will see up to nine libraries and seven community centres closed or merged to create "community hubs".

But there was a pledge today that the total number of books on offer across the city would be the same – despite stocks at individual libraries being reviewed.

The council is planning to review all its book stocks next year. Rob Willoughby, assistant director for leisure and communities, said: "We're investing in new software in terms of stock management and we will move stock around libraries. They may have more books or fewer books but on average probably a few less books."

Currently Finchfield Library, which is earmarked for closure, has almost 20,000 books and campaigners fear that they will lose out if it is moved to Bradmore or if community services move into the library and take up space.

The council has hailed the new £5.7m Blakenhall Community and Healthy Living Centre as the "flagship" for the community hub model.

Councillor Elias Mattu, who is overseeing the consultation, said: "We are facing an unprecedented level of funding cuts.

"We've made £80m of savings already and we have to make more over the next few years."