RESHAPED plans for the future of libraries across North Yorkshire are set to be rubber-stamped later this month.

North Yorkshire County Council’s executive will decide whether to put in place proposals which would see libraries in “key” locations stay open, but with fewer staff and reduced opening times.

Hours could be extended in places such as Selby, Malton, Norton and Pickering if they are manned by volunteers, while the authority said libraries in other areas, including Easingwold, Helmsley and Tadcaster, would be supported with accommodation, books and computer facilities.

Some staff would be provided, but their numbers would be lower than the current levels.

The council said the current mobile library service was “no longer sustainable” and “other solutions” would have to be found, with suggestions from a consultation over the controversial plans including setting up library outlets in village halls, shops and pubs.

The “supermobile” service, which caters for remote areas, would be retained.

The authority has said it needs to cut its library budget by £1.7 million, with the majority of this needing to be found over the next two years, and a report on discussions with communities about how the new service would work is due to go before its executive in October.