LIBRARIES across the borough could close to save cash, it has been revealed.

Bury Council's ruling Labour group says in a new report that it "anticipates that there will be a need for changes, including the possibility of a reduction in the number of libraries."

This, says the council report, is "in response to the continued pressures on council budgets" though the report does not say how much money any service cuts might save.

The borough has 14 libraries, including ones in Radcliffe, Prestwich and Whitefield. Three double up as adult learning centres and five double up as community centres.

The group has not yet come up with firm proposals for the libraries - but opposition councillors have accused Labour of hypocrisy after it successfully fought against plans to close several libraries in 2010.

Bury Conservative group leader, Cllr Iain Gartside, said: "Labour went ballistic in 2010 when we considered closing libraries. They came into power protesting against us considering closing libraries, though we didn't do it, yet here we are a few years later and their position has changed somewhat."

It is anticipated that, next Wednesday, Cabinet will trigger a public consultation, led by an external consultant at a cost of £13,000.

People will have from June 13 to September 5 to have their say and a report summarising feedback will go to Cabinet on October 19.

A second public consultation, including specific proposals, will take place from November to February and Cabinet will make a financial decision next March, with whatever it decides being implemented next July.

Some libraries offer archive and family history resources and sensory units providing specialist resources for people with sight and hearing problems.

In total, 55,000 adults and 15,000 juniors are members and there are 795,200 visits made each year.

Bury has 190,159 books, 15,000 of which are bought each year. Almost 488,000 books are borrowed annually from Bury libraries.

Each day, more than 100 people use libraries to look for work and the borough has four job clubs based at libraries.

Last year, more than 5,200 people used libraries to pay bills or buy things and the distribution of food caddies by libraries says the council £16,000 a year.

The report was written by the council's cabinet member for resources and regulation, Cllr Sandra Walmersley.

It says: "The council remains fully committed to retaining a high-quality library service in the borough.

"Despite (possible service reduction), the council will continue to provide a service that…supports the aspirations of residents of all ages for development of reading skills for the youngest, lifelong learning and access to books and information."

The report suggests the council could try to save money by moving more services online and adding to its 130-strong team of library volunteers and there is also the suggestion that some libraries could open longer.

"The council recognises the importance of libraries as community spaces and wishes to explore ways of working together with local communities to strengthen the role their local library plays in meeting community needs," the report says.

It adds: "During the consultation period, public meetings will be arranged at a number of libraries and special meetings will be organised with (people) including those representing sensory-impaired library users and more elderly people.

"There will also be opportunities for community groups to organise and hold meetings of their own, and consultation with the Youth Cabinet."

The report argues that any decision it makes could be open to a legal challenge if the council is seen to be taking a crude budget-cutting approach, rather than considering 'key principles' for the service, such as helping people learn.

There will be a particular focus on ensuring over 65s are heard, as they are "the most likely of the protected groups to face accessibility issues from any future rationalisation of library services," says the report.

Cllr Gartside added: "Without knowing how much Labour proposes to save from this plan it is difficult to be able to assess it or propose an alternative plan. We need more detail."

Bury Lib Dems leader Cllr Tim Pickstone said: "Libraries are often a vital local amenity for people who use them.

"They're not just about borrowing books or resources, but important as community hubs and helping reduce isolation.

"All of us are aware of the need for local councils to save money and operate efficiently, but this consultation raises significant alarm bells about the future of our libraries."

Visit tinyurl.com/burylibrarychanges to read the report.