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Libraries are changing whether we like it or not. That is the clear message from a detailed library assessment being put forward by Lincolnshire county council. It's been done as part of a drive to make libraries more efficient, while providing a comprehensive service that is accessible to all.
In Lincolnshire, 82% of the population do not borrow books from the library. Book stock issued to libraries has reduced significantly from five million to under three million in the last 10 years. The upsurge in the use of tablets, smartphones and e-readers has meant that most books can now be purchased online and as a result we need to look at how libraries can adapt to suit changing needs.
Lincolnshire currently has 45 static libraries in the county and 494 mobile library stops, which pop up weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
Under the new proposals, this number will be reduced to 10 libraries that will be open for 50 hours a week. We will also have a further five libraries that will be open for 25 hours a week. These core libraries will form the bones of the statutory provision and will be within a 30-minute drive for all residents.
What's more, for 70% of Lincolnshire's population, these libraries will be accessible in 30 minutes by public transport.
For those without a car and unable to reach public transport, there will continue to be a targeted home delivery service. In addition, all services provided by the library will be accessible online.
That will leave us 30 static libraries and we are inviting local communities to submit expressions of interest to run them for a minimum of six hours a week.
Communities will be supported by the county council in putting business plans together and it will continue to help if they wish to take on the running of the libraries. They will not be left on their own.
Pilot schemes over the last two years have shown that community-run libraries in Sutton Bridge, Waddington and Saxilby have generated greater footfall and been open for considerably longer hours than previously provided in council-run facilities. Lincolnshire Co-operative Pharmacy is currently run the Waddington library and others are run by parish councils; one by a district council as part of a larger service centre making it a sustainable facility in the long term.
If no one in the local community comes forward to run these community libraries, then the fall-back position will be to provide a four-hour fortnightly mobile stop. We will also provide 126 mobile stops covering 66 different communities in Lincolnshire.
Lincolnshire county council believes that this will offer a comprehensive and efficient library service.
Nick Worth is executive member for Libraries, Culture and Heritage at Lincolnshire county council.
The council's scrutiny committee decided on June 26 that the closure proposals should not be put out for public consultation. That recommendation now goes to the council's executive committee at its meeting Tuesday July 2.
• What do you think? Email sarah.marsh@guardian.co.uk if you want to contribute an article to this debate
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