PLANS to save nearly £700,00 by handing over 14 libraries to volunteers will not be breaking the law, a council boss says.

A public consultation is under way on proposals for ‘community libraries’ as Buckinghamshire County Council seeks to slash its spending.

But questions have been raised over similar proposals in Gloucestershire.

Campaigners against the idea claimed it could breach the terms of the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.

Former librarians in Gloucestershire wrote to culture minister Ed Vaizey, saying the law requires the county council to provide 'a comprehensive and efficient library service' and said the cuts went too far.

Council bosses in Gloucestershire have based their plans on three Buckinghamshire libraries which have already been taken over by volunteers.

West Wycombe, Chalfont St Giles and Little Chalfont have been hailed as ‘success stories’ and are being cited as the model to follow for BCC’s own proposals.

See related articles below.

Cllr Patricia Birchley, responsible for libraries, said: “We are confident that the proposals to change the way library services are delivered in Buckinghamshire are compliant with the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.”

BCC has to find about £94m of savings over four years.

Having already slashed the library running costs by £1.2m in the past year, it estimates a further £668,000 needs to be cut.

Cllr Birchley, Cabinet Member for Adults and Family Wellbeing, said: “We are asking people to tell us what library service they want and need so we can work together to provide a sustainable service that is tailored to local need.

“We are not proposing to close libraries, just the way that they are currently delivered.

“We want to keep our libraries open and very much at the heart of the community, and in discussion with the local communities will ensure we can meet their needs within available resources.”

Under the plans all information technology services will still be provided by the council.

Meetings have been taking place at the libraries earmarked to be run by volunteers.

The latest is at Gerrards Cross tomorrow night.