ALL of the borough's nine libraries will stay open following months of public consultation - though plans to introduce self-service technology has been met with criticism.

The Defend Our Community Services group had protested against emerging cuts in Bracknell's forest library service since they were first mooted around nine months ago, with a petition gathering more than 1,000 signatures.

Proposals to attempt to keep the borough's libraries - and in some cases extend opening hours - were approved by the council's executive members last Tuesday (March 14) and will now see new technology, such as self-service kiosks and technology assisted opening, installed throughout.

Services will be provided by experienced library staff, supported by trained volunteers.

However, Ed Glasson, secretary of Bracknell's Unite branch, said: "The notion that volunteers may slot seamlessly, with a modicum of training, into the shoes of existing staff is an insult to staff and library users alike. Libraries have been a cornerstone of our national life since the 19th century.

"A library should not be merely a pile of books on a table in the corner of a busy retail store or community centre supervised by unqualified volunteers. It should be a commanding feature of the local landscape, with every information resource and other facility that a local community with diverse needs may require, and supervised by a qualified, disciplined work force.

"BFC hopes to save £150k a year via its preferred option. But it has spent £90k on a consultant’s report, which for all its undoubted merits, could largely have been circumvented by a few well structured conversations with a limited number of local authorities.

"It has to be said, also, that cutting BFC members’ allowances to the average for nearby councils would save £100k per annum on a current allowances budget of approximately £600k a year."

Cllr Iain McCracken, executive member for culture, corporate services and public protection, said: “The public’s response to the consultation, which included public meetings, focus groups and the completion of more than 2,000 questionnaires, was very enlightening. It was also influential in determining how the council balances the need to make substantial economies in its library service, while providing a service that residents want.

“Residents told us they value the borough’s library services which continue to play a significant role in their communities. So rather than close libraries, as many other councils have done, we are embarking on a journey to help keep them open."