IN an attempt to help save almost £2 million Redditch Library could be made to share its building with other public, private and voluntary services and organisations.

The district hub would be integrated into Woodrow Library which would also see other services sharing its building.

The Libraries and Learning service has to save 28 per cent - or £1.8 million – as part of its contribution to Worcestershire County Council's BOLD programme which seeks to find at least £70million worth of savings by 2015.

The main aim is to try to reduce operating costs of the county council.

Councillor John Campion, the county council's cabinet member for localism and communities, said: "Faced with having to make such significant savings it would be much easier to simply cut and close services until we reached the savings target.

“However we really value the role libraries play in our communities, which is why we are being more innovative and creative in trying to make the savings in a way which ensure local people continue to have access to a comprehensive local library service.”

The county council’s Cabinet agreed plans which could see the libraries welcome new services in to their buildings at a recent meeting at county hall.

The work, which may also include the development of self issue/return machines, reduced operating hours and the use of volunteers, will start to take place next year.

It is understood no decisions will be taken without consultation with local residents first.

Mr Campion added: “What we have proposed for Redditch Library and Woodrow Library is evidence of that approach and will create real community hubs offering greater convenience for local people."

Councillor Brandon Clayton said that he is delighted that the libraries will work with other partners.

“I think it’s a wonderful idea, we’ve been looking forward to this for a while,” he said.

“I don’t think there is any danger of the service, or those using it, suffering. I think this move will only improve Redditch and Woodrow libraries and help substantiate them.”