FIVE libraries could be run by volunteers, under plans drawn up by a North-East council.
Gateshead Council has identified 12 of its libraries as a ‘core network’ but is offering to hand over the remaining five to residents as community-run facilities.
The five are: Sunderland Road, Low Fell, Winlaton, Lobley Hill and Ryton.
Bosses say nearly 80 per cent of residents would still be within a mile of a council-run library.
The council is also looking into having its Readers at Home Service, which delivers library services to housebound residents, run by volunteers managed by the council or a voluntary group.
Consultation on the proposals runs until January 19. A series of public consultation meetings is planned for between November 20 and December 1.
For more information, visit consultation.gateshead.gov.uk
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