Fears for the future of Bracknell’s libraries were raised by concerned residents in reaction to cost-saving measures proposed by authorities.

Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) has no plans to close any of its libraries. However, it did propose to end its home library service when it published an early draft of the coming new budget in December last year. The service delivers books and other library loan items to housebound residents free of charge.

Council chiefs said ending the service could help save BFC £201,000  as part of a drive to keep making ends meet. But several members of the public begged them to keep it when the council asked people to share their thoughts on budget proposals.

One person said the service had helped them get through periods of lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic. They said: “Closing the home library service will impact on the most lonely and vulnerable old people in society.

“I received home deliveries of books during lockdown and it kept me going. This proposal is an absolute disgrace.”

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Others described the home library as a ‘valuable service for those who are unable to visit libraries,’ or warned that the move would ‘discriminate against the most vulnerable and isolated in the area.’

Following the feedback, a new draft of the budget now says the council will instead ‘review’ the home library service to find ‘alternative’ ways of providing it from April 2025. The service will still run until then. And council bosses said last month they could look to voluntary groups to keep it going.

Changes to the home library service would contribute £88,000 to a £201,000 savings plan that involves merging the management teams of libraries and customer services.

Although the plans did not suggest closing libraries, many people still worried about what the plans would mean for theirs.

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One person said: “I feel strongly that libraries should be protected, staffed and available for community use. Libraries represent far more than just a place for borrowing books.

“Making the cuts to our libraries is unacceptable and will adversely affect a huge number of disadvantaged people in our community.”

But in an article for Bracknell News last month, council leader Mary Temperton said libraries would stay open and not reduce their hours. She said: “There is no plan to close any of our libraries, reduce their opening hours or stop any of the wonderful activities they hold for our communities.”

Bracknell Forest Council’s leading group of councillors – the executive committee – will consider the proposals at a meeting on Tuesday, February 6. If they approve, the plans will then have to be voted on by the rest of the council on February 21.